The Ivors Academy has revealed U2 as the latest songwriters to become Academy Fellows, making Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. the first-ever Irish songwriters that the Academy has inducted into the Fellowship during its 81-year history.
Formed in Dublin in 1978, U2 have sold more than 175 million records worldwide through their 15 albums. They have secured 10 UK No. 1 albums, won 22 Grammys and Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience award, as well as four Ivor Novello Awards – winning the Special Award for International Achievement in 1994, Best Song Musically and Lyrically for Walk On in 2002, Outstanding Song Collection in 2003 and International Hit Of The Year for Vertigo in 2005.
With U2’s induction into the Fellowship of The Ivors Academy, the total number of Fellows rises to 32, and places U2 alongside songwriters such as Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Joan Armatrading and Bruce Springsteen – who became the first international songwriter to receive the honour last year.
“We were a band before we could play, let alone write songs,” said Bono. “In fact, it was our inability to play other people’s songs that kicked off our own songwriting. Early musical heroes like The Ramones, Patti Smith, The Clash were our inspiration. There’s alchemy at play, turning base metals into gold… your shite into gold would be another way of putting it.”
The Edge said: “Songs are kind of magic. The best ones feel like gifts from some other dimension, but to catch them you have to make yourself available. I’m not sure songs can change the world but they sure have changed mine.”
Adam Clayton added: “To be recognised in this way by The Ivors Academy feels very special indeed. The appreciation of one’s peers is a humbling honour and we are immensely grateful. We’ve been playing our songs in this country for over 45 years, thank you to all those who have not just supported us, but carried us... producers, engineers, crew, fans, management, label.”
“Making music collectively, as we’ve done for close to 50 years, has been an incredible experience and privilege for the four of us and I believe it’s a testament to a band that values individual creativity and independence of mind,” said Larry Mullen Jr. “We are grateful to each other and very grateful to The Ivors Academy for recognising us with this award.”
Tom Gray, chair of The Ivors Academy said: "With fearless poetic lyricism always centre-stage in panoramic musical vistas, the sound of U2 has redefined the fabric of popular music. Their songs are sweeping catalysts: hymnals and rallying cries. U2’s induction into Fellowship honours their seminal contributions to music through exceptional songwriting craft.”
“We are proud to welcome U2 to the Fellowship of The Ivors Academy as era-defining songwriters whose legacy continues to propel musical innovation and inspire social progress,” said Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy. “As U2’s politically-charged anthems have sparked global change, The Ivors Academy is committed to championing creative integrity with the same unwavering passion. At a time when AI threatens to undermine human creativity, U2’s Fellowship stands as a testament to the irreplaceable role of songwriters and composers in shaping culture and inspiring change.”
This year’s nominees for The Ivors will be announced on April 23, and the winners will be revealed at the ceremony with Amazon Music at Grosvenor House in London on May 22.
PHOTO: Olaf Heine
