U2 to re-master and release Boy, October, War :: Music News :: Articles

U2 guitarist The Edge is overseeing the re-master and release of the band’s first three albums by Universal Records. The reissues are scheduled to hit stores July 22.

U2’s first three albums (Boy (1980), October (1981), War (1983)) have all been restored from the original audio tapes, and expanded with new liner notes, previously unseen photos and full lyrics. Each title will be released as a standard single disc, a deluxe double version including a disc of B-sides, live tracks and rarities, and as an LP pressed on 180 gm virgin vinyl.

The Dublin rockers began reissuing their early albums late last year with a special 20th anniversary edition of Joshua Tree. No word yet on whether or not the band plans to reissue any other material from its extensive catalogue.

In the mean time, the band is back in the studio in Hanover Quay working on an still-untitled new album, due for release later this year. Frontman and activist Bono also made an appearance on last week’s American Idol Gives Back program in a segment filmed in Kenya. Idol network Fox assembled Bono and a slew of other musical heavyweights to raise money for charities including The Global Fund, Save the Children and Malaria No More.

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