Music History

45 years ago today, some kids gathered in a kitchen. They would eventually become U2.

The story is that Larry Mullen Jr. posted a note at school looking for people to form a band. Those who responded later met in his parent’s kitchen on September 25, 1976, for their first rehearsal. Larry and three others are still playing together in U2.

U2Songs.com has this post on that day.

Original Story by Aaron J. Sams (2021-09-25)
“DRUMMER SEEKS MUSICIANS TO FORM BAND”

It was September 25, 1976, that a group of students from a Dublin school, Mount Temple, gathered together at 60 Rosemount Avenue in Dublin to form a band. Today is the 45th anniversary of that day, the day that U2 first came together. The kids were brought together by a note posted by drummer Larry Mullen on the school bulletin board earlier in the week. The note invited people to meet a few days later at his house if they were interested in joining the band. The kids gathered together on the Saturday afternoon, and tried to figure out what each could bring to the band.

That day was the first time that Bono, Larry, Adam and The Edge came together as a band. They weren’t alone however, The Edge had arrived by bus with his brother Dick. And another boy, Ivan McCormick had arrived with his own guitar. (Although Peter Martin, a friend of McCormick’s has been sometimes listed as having been at that initial meeting, McCormick cannot recall him being there.) In those days McCormick kept a diary and because of that diary we know the date of that first gathering. The entry for September 25th reads, “Watched T.V. Joined a pop group with friends. Had a rehearsal. Great.”

To celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the group, we reached out to Ivan McCormick to answer a few quick questions about those early days of the band. He graciously agreed to answer a few for us.

Keep reading.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39325 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

2 thoughts on “45 years ago today, some kids gathered in a kitchen. They would eventually become U2.

  • Born out of 45 years of U2 was the U2 Irish Fan club Facebook page. Fans from all around the world sharing their stories, videos, photos and everything U2
    Amazing group and amazing fans ❤

    Reply
    • Hallo ich bin jetzt 61 Jahre alt und seit 35 Jahren ein großer Fan von U2 Ich habe all die Jahre ihre Musik gehört leider ist es mir nicht gelungen sie mal liev zu sehen Ich wünsche den viern alles gute und Gesundheit vielleicht kommt ja nochmals eine neue CD raus !

      Reply

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