**U2’s The Edge Celebrates Becoming an Irish Citizen: “A Monumental Day”**
David Howell Evans, known to millions around the world as The Edge, marked a poignant new chapter this week as he officially became an Irish citizen. The 63-year-old guitarist – famed for his trademark sound with rock giants U2 – received his citizenship during a formal ceremony held in Killarney, County Kerry.
Though born in Essex, England, to Welsh parents, The Edge moved to Ireland at just one year old. The guitarist’s formative years were spent absorbing the culture and music of his new homeland, eventually sparking the beginnings of one of the most celebrated bands in modern music history. After decades of living, working, and making history in Ireland, Evans expressed delight at formalising his ties.
“It’s a monumental day for all of us,” he shared during the ceremony, describing the event as “amazingly joyful.” Wearing his signature beanie and sporting an Irish flag badge, The Edge highlighted the significance of finally completing the citizenship process. “I’m a little tardy on the paperwork – I’ve been living in Ireland since I was one, but the time was right, and I couldn’t be more proud of my country for all it represents and all it’s doing.”
His remarks reflected a broader pride in Ireland’s current role on the global stage. The Edge praised Ireland’s leadership on international issues, stating, “It’s showing real leadership right now in the world and this couldn’t have come at a better moment for me.” Such sentiments come as no surprise to long-time followers of U2, who have made activism a foundation of their career.
The citizenship ceremony was part of a wider wave this week, with more than 7,500 individuals being granted Irish citizenship between Monday and Tuesday – a testament to the country’s growing appeal and commitment to diversity. For Evans, crossing this milestone offered a chance to celebrate his heritage just as Ireland welcomes a new generation of citizens.
The Edge’s journey with U2 began in Dublin in the late 1970s, alongside frontman Bono and the other founding members. The band swiftly rose from local notoriety to international stardom, collecting countless awards and accolades along the way. Their anthems—including hits like “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, “New Year’s Day”, and “Pride (In The Name Of Love)”—have often echoed Ireland’s turbulent history, and broader themes of civil rights and peace.
Outside the recording studio, U2’s members have often turned their attention to political issues. The group’s unwavering stance during pivotal moments, such as the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998, underscored their commitment to peace in Northern Ireland. More recently, at last month’s Ivors awards in London, U2 delivered a stirring rendition of “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, using the occasion to issue a call to action for the cessation of global conflicts. It was during this event that the band also achieved the distinction of becoming the first Irish songwriters to receive an academy fellowship—a prestigious honour marking the 70th anniversary of the Ivors.
Evans’ newly acquired Irish citizenship further solidifies his lifelong relationship with the country that shaped his identity, both as a musician and as an individual. While his music has already left an indelible mark on Irish—and indeed world—culture, Monday’s ceremony marked a very personal moment of belonging.
As The Edge now holds an Irish passport, he joins thousands of others in celebrating not just a change in legal status, but a deepening connection to a country with a proud legacy of artistic innovation, resilience, and global contribution. For U2’s guitarist, it is, in every sense, a monumental day—one shared both with his band, devoted fans, and now, officially, with the people of Ireland.