Rare snaps take U2 manager down memory lane

U2’s fifth member — manager Paul McGuinness — last night launched an exhibition of the band from when they were fresh faced teenagers — on the same day that Bono turned 52.

The mainly unseen photos were taken by Dubliner Patrick Brocklebank between 1978 and 1981, and use strange items such as pots, guns, and paintings as props for the shots.

McGuinness recalled the Dublin rock scene of that era in the packed Little Museum of Dublin on St Stephen’s Green.

“This used to be our stomping ground — the Baggot Inn on Baggot St, McGonagles on South Anne St and the Dandelion Market on St Stephen’s Green,” he said.

“It’s great to see so many friends and familiar faces here tonight. I remember that era as being a very vibrant time.

“I remember we played the Project Arts Centre and I got them all a drink in the pub next door. They were all underage at the time. But it’s great to see these photographs again. It’s 30 years since I last saw them.”

Among those who turned up for the launch and trip down memory lane were RTÉ’s Dave Fanning and Hot Press editor Niall Stokes, who both played pivotal roles in the band’s early career.

McGuinness also recalled how U2’s early days coincided with the founding of Hot Press and the thriving pirate radio scene in the city, followed by 2FM, or Radio 2 as it was then.

“Getting on the cover of Hot Press was really exciting for us. It all just seemed very, very positive. And getting a Dave Fanning session was just incredible.

“Dave played our first single every night for a week.”

Patrick Brocklebank said: “Because I was always in town and because U2 were the same age, I’d often see them around. I think these pictures record the energy and ambition of a local band who would later conquer the world. I remember that Bono couldn’t play the guitar and wasn’t much of a singer. But he had that certain something — the swagger and the stage presence that would later make U2 a household name.”

Meanwhile, Bono celebrated his 52nd birthday early in New York by making a low-key appearance onstage the night before in a tiny folk club.

The singer turned up as special guest of his fellow Dubliner Glen Hansard, who was having a solo performance there filmed for a TV special called Live At The Loft.

The top secret gig in front of a small crowd took place in The Living Room venue in the city.

For his last song, The Auld Triangle, he told the crowd: “I hope you will sing it with us. I say ‘us’ because I have a friend who is going to join me now.”

Bono walked up the aisle and jumped on stage, dressed in a short black leather jacket and wearing his customary shades. The song over, Bono, who owns a luxurious apartment in New York, left as quickly as he had appeared.