The Edge

David Howell Evans (born August 8, 1961, Barking, Essex (now in Greater London, England), nickname the Edge, is the lead guitarist of the Irish rock band U2.

Music

Many ask how Evans received the nickname "The Edge", many suggest it is because of his edgy guitar style. Others say it is because he rarely became involved with things prefering rather to 'stay on the edge'. However Bono has said he got that name because of his sharp mind.

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As a guitar player, Evans is recognised as having a trademark sound typified by understatement and a focus on textured melody. 1987's The Joshua Tree is probably the best example of the 'U2 sound', with songs like "With or Without You" and "Where the Streets Have No Name" being amongst the band's most critically acclaimed and best loved work. The album was recorded at the height of the 80's "shred-metal" era, but Evans's guitar playing on it could not be further from the emphasis of the time on technique and speed (often at the expense of the song having any kind of emotional depth or meaning). The album showcases Evans's approach to the guitar – rather than trying to push his guitar to the front of the mix and make his contributions obvious, Evans focuses on the song and the mood, often contributing just a few simple lead lines along with the ever-present delay pedal set to repeat the 16th-note. The intro riff to "Where the Streets Have No Name" is simply a repeated 4-note arpeggio. Evans also supplies the backing vocals for U2's singer Bono, and whilst he may not have as great a voice as some, Evans's backing vocals (often taking the form of a repeated cry) add much to songs like "Beautiful Day". Evans sings the lead vocal on a few U2 recordings. These include "Van Diemen's Land" (Rattle and Hum), "Seconds" (War), and "Numb" (Zooropa). The Edge also sings the final verse of "Miracle Drug" on How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.

Related Topics:
Melody - The Joshua Tree - U2 - With or Without You - Where the Streets Have No Name - Rattle and Hum - War - Zooropa - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

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Much like his contemporary, Tom Morello, Evans has stated that many of his guitar parts are based around guitar effects. This is especially true from the Achtung Baby era onwards, although many of the band's 80's material made heavy use of echo.

Related Topics:
Tom Morello - Achtung Baby

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Instruments: Electric Guitar, Keyboards

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