EDGE'S BIO

World ending, it's just beginning
And rock 'n' roll is what I'm born to be.
- Patti Smith ("Ask the Angels")

David Evans, known to millions as The Edge, was born on August 8, 1961 in East London to a Welsh family. By 1962, David and his family, then consisting of older brother Dik and parents Garvin and Gwenda, relocated to Dublin, where fate would soon turn Dave Evans into The Edge.

Dave expressed an interest in music from a young age, receiving his first guitar at the early age of nine. In the years to follow, the quiet boy would learn to master the chords and techniques that provide the backbone for such infamous riffs as those heard on "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Streets."

When Dave entered Mount Temple High School, he was unknown to most, but after he and his brother Dik responded to a note posted by schoolmate Larry Mullen, Dave would soon find himself on a wild transformation from ordinary Dave Evans, amateur guitarist, to more-than-extraordinary The Edge, established musician responsible for leaving us numb with his definitive style of guitar playing, leaving new definition to the term "rock guitar." After finishing his studies at Mount Temple, highly intelligent Dave, or newly christened "The Edge" for many theorized reasons, was on his way to study at a London university where he would become a doctor.

Instead, after convincing his parents to let him take a year off from school, Edge resumed his career with the band. By 1981, U2 had a record contract with Island Records, and after their debut album Boy, they were expected to soon record another. It was at this time that Edge, along with Bono and Larry, developed a deep commitment to the Shalom bible group. Because of Edge's strong dedication to his Christian lifestyle, along with pressure from the Shalom group, Edge was in the midst of a turmoil that could have torn U2 apart. He wondered how he could go on leading this "rock 'n' roll" lifestyle while still remaining true to his faith. This inner turmoil is captured on songs such as "October," on which Edge's poignant piano playing tells the story of his emotions. Bono reassured Edge that he would not be disappointed if Edge made the decision to leave the band. However, Edge decided that the band was more important than the Shalom group. This was the final step in assuring U2's future success.

Edge's skills span beyond guitar. For more information, listen to Edge play great piano on songs like "October" and "Lemon." And if you want to know what Edge's singing voice is like, check out "The Fly," "Van Diemen's Land," and "Seconds."

Other info:

Significant Other: Morleigh Steinberg... isn't she amazingly beautiful?? soooooo jealous...
Children: a newborn that we don't know the name of [late 2000 or early 2001], Sian [October 10, 1997], Levi [October 1999] with Morleigh; Holly [1985], Arun [1986], Blue Angel [1989] with ex-wife Aislinn O'Sullivan