The Edge is one of the most well-known names in Irish music - but it seems even some U2 fans remain unaware of the origin of David Evans' iconic nickname.
Evans, like bandmate Paul Hewson (Bono), has become known by the nickname given to him by his bandmates, rather than his birthname. Though the origin of Bono's nickname is well known in Irish lore, the Edge carries a bit more of a mystique to it.
Appearing on the Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio on Wednesday morning, the Edge revealed the source of his nickname, as well as the band's fondness for nicknaming all around them.
U2's Edge gives brilliant retelling of band's origins
Ahead of the release of U2's new album Songs of Surrender, and his and Bono's upcoming A Sort of Homecoming documentary, the Edge appeared on the Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio 1 on Wednesday.
Delighted to welcome The Edge to the show this morning. Join us after nine! pic.twitter.com/eiMPICglFy
— Ryan Tubridy Show (@RyanTubridyShow) March 15, 2023
The U2 guitarist answered a question sent in by a fan asking about the origin of his nickname - and revealed it was his chin that had led to him being dubbed the "Edge". He also revealed the hilariously random nicknames given to some of the band's friends, and those given to Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton:
In our group of friends, there was this tradition of giving nicknames to people - not just our friends, but people we came across.
There was the Goose, or Little Biddy One Way Street, Guck Pants Delaney. Larry's was Jam Jar and Adam was Mrs Burns.
For whatever reason, Bono Vox of O'Connell Street got shortened to Bono.
The Edge stuck and we just ran with it. In my case, I think it was the chin, that inspired the Edge.
The tale behind "Bono Vox" becoming "Bono" is a well-worn tale at this stage, but it is humorous to hear from the Edge himself where his distinctive name came from.
Andy Rowen, aka Guck Pants Delaney was caught the Dublin bombing, 1974. He kept the shrapnel. Bono wrote 'Raised By Wolves' about his neighbour's trauma. Andy later succumbed to drug addiction, subject of U2's 'Bad'. A good man. @U2Conference pic.twitter.com/My7vJx7vDX
— Stuart Bailie (@stu_bailie) June 15, 2018
On St. Patrick's Day, the two nicknamed members of U2 will release their documentary Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming on Disney+. The documentary sees American chat show host David Letterman travel to Dublin with the two rockstars, before a hometown concert "like no other" is captured on film. In the film's official press release, it was described as:
Part concert movie, part travel adventure plus a whole lot of Bono and The Edge, with Dave's humor throughout.
On the same day, U2 will release their stripped back album Songs of Surrender. The album will see the band revisit 40 of their biggest hits and re-record them in completely new styles, in what is sure to be a treat for fans of the band.
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