Becoming U2: Powerful New Book on Ireland’s Rock Superstars Ready for First Week in November Publication

The hardback edition of Becoming U2 – available exclusively from Hot Press – will be ready for distribution to purchasers during the first week of November.

And already, the positive notices are flowing in for a book that is a vital new addition to the canon – about Ireland’s most successful band of all-time; about Irish music and musicians; and about what was happening in music internationally at the end of the 1970s.

"Becoming U2 is a lovely reminder of the pure, undistilled excitement we felt at winning the Harp Lager Talent Competition in Limerick all those years ago,” Adam Clayton – who was acting manager of the band at the time as well as playing bass – says. "There was a lot of talent in the Stella Ballroom that night and to come away with the top prize of £500 and the opportunity to enter a real recording studio... It was such an important moment for the band and set us on our way. Great memories.”

In Becoming U2, those memories are explored from the differing perspectives of the judges, the MC on the night (and later RTÉ DJ) Micky Mac, members of the organising committee, music fans who happened to be there – and, most importantly, the sometimes acerbic views of the other musicians and bands, for whom it was also a weird sliding doors moment.

Becoming U2 cover.

“What a wild snapshot of pop history,” U2 by U2 author Neil McCormick enthuses, "a mad escapade capturing the exact moment a gang of precocious Dublin schoolboys turned into one of the greatest rock groups in the world. Fascinating, thrilling, absurd and hilarious. Essential reading for U2 fans – and anyone who has ever wondered what it really takes to make it in the music business.”

There is, of course, contained in Becoming U2, a brilliant account of the early days of any rock band – though in this case, they just happened to go on to become one of the iconic outfits.

“Becoming U2 is an inspiring read for any young musician finding their way,” Noel Hogan of The Cranberries adds. “And it’s a great reminder that every band has to start somewhere. I loved it.”

One of the most important qualities of Becoming U2 is that it is full of surprises, challenging our assumptions about Adam, Bono, The Edge and Larry in a really exciting and invigorating way.

"I knew this story,” Dave Fanning, who has been one of U2’s closest confidants across the years, observes. "Then I read this book. I didn't know the story at all! It's great and brilliantly told by Brian O'Connell. Lots of drama... and very funny! Becoming U2 is a must-have for every fan of Irish music."

Dave’s reaction is in tune with a much wider appreciation of the book – which is growing by the day.

“There’s a lot brewing that we can’t talk about right now, but I can say that there has been a fantastic reaction to the book from everyone who has read it,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes says. “In many ways, we assume that we know the origin story of a band like U2. Then something comes along that completely changes that. Becoming U2 fits into that category: it is a complete eye-opener – and a wonderful read.

“As author, Brian O’Connell has done a huge amount of brilliant detective work in tracking down the other key players – and the result is a really different, fresh, revealing, and often hilarious, account of a moment that changed the course of music, not just in Ireland but across the world.

“What everyone says is that it is a must-read for U2 fans – and I agree. But it will also be a source of endless fascination for everyone who loves rock 'n’ roll or is into Irish music.”

The hardback edition, signed by the author Brian O’Connell is available only directly from the Hot Press shop on hotpress.com. The trade paperback is due in Irish shops from 8 November 2026.