U2

When drummer Larry Mullen advertised for musicians on the Dublin Mount Temple Comprehensive School message board in September 1976, he little imagined he was lighting the flame of one of rock history's biggest bands. The ad was answered by singer Bono, guitarist The Edge and bass player Adam Clayton and, after initially playing covers, they wrote their own material and became U2. In 1978 they won studio time to record their first demo at a talent show in Limerick, which led to the release of their first EP, Three. This in turn led to a major label deal and their debut album, Boy, was released in 1980. Dynamic live shows and epic, powerhouse songs like Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day attracted a fanatical following, which escalated dramatically following a memorable set at Wembley's Live Aid concert in 1985. Subsequently their profile exploded, album sales went through the roof, stadium tours expanded and U2 conquered the world.