Island Records and Boy

In November of 1978, Larry Mullen Jr's mother died in a car accident. Overwhelmed with grief, Larry considered leaving the band. Having lost his own mother, Bono went to Larry, knowing what he was going through. Ultimately, Larry decided to stay with U2.

Over the next couple of years, the boys played gigs throughout Ireland, gaining local popularity. Finally, in March of 1980, U2 signed with Island Records. "11 O'Clock Tick Tock", their first internationally released single, was released that May.

U2's first full-length album, entitled Boy, came out the following October.

"11 O'Clock Tick Tock"