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1/9 “They can’t even play their instruments.”

That’s what one musician said when four Dublin teenagers won a £500 talent contest in Limerick in March 1978.

The teenagers were U2.

8/9 Author Brian O’Connell tracked down the judges, the organisers, the fans and the other bands on the bill, and asked what they really thought. Some of them still have opinions.

Dave Fanning thought he knew this story. He didn’t.

9/9 Becoming U2 is out today from Hot Press Books.

Paperback €16.95, in bookshops, gift shops and record stores, or online:
shop.hotpress.com/products/becom…

Limited hardback €32.95. Eight extra photo pages and a print of our first U2 cover. Hot Press exclusive:
shop.hotpress.com/products/becom…