The Edge

Moved to Dublin with his family at the age of 1. Originally planned to become a doctor or engineer. Was given his first guitar at 7 by his mother. Responded, along with his older brother, Richard, to classmate Larry Mullen's school bulletin-board posting for band auditions; they both joined the group---originally called Feedback---which also included Paul Hewson (Bono) and Adam Clayton. Nicknamed "The Edge" by Bono. While vacationing with his family in New York in 1978, bought a used Gibson Explorer, which would become his signature guitar. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of U2, in 2005. Cofounded Music Rising in 2005 to provide replacement instruments to musicians who lost theirs during Hurricane Katrina; later expanded the charity's mission to replace instruments lost by churches and schools. Cowrote songs for the Broadway musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark with Bono.