U2 are, without question, one of the most important rock bands of the past two decades. Formed while the members were still at school in Ireland, they released their first album, Boy, in 1980, the beginning of a new era. Six years and three albums later. The Joshua Tree confirmed their place as the biggest rock band in the world. Refusing to rest on their laurels, U2 contined to develop with each subsequent album, breaking new ground with Rattle and Hum, Achtung Baby, Zooropa and Pop. October 2000 saw the band release their 10th studio album, All That You Can't Leave Behind, and an accompanying new single, 'Beautiful Day'. Like their predecessors, both went straight to the top of the charts, proving once again that while the perennial procession of Next Big Things come and go. U2's worldwide popularity endures. From the rebel cry of songs like 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' and 'New Year's Day' through the haunting lyricism of 'One' and 'Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses' to the post-modern irony of 'Discotheque', U2 have created anthems for the changing times and fashions. In this fascinating exploration of U2's music, top journalist (and friend of the band) Niall Stokes traces the band's development through each of their albums, describing the story behind each song, its musical and lyrical inspiration. In original and revealing interviews, members of U2, and key people close to the band explain how the songs developed, what they mean and how they fit together to reveal U2's extraordinary story.