Larry Mullen, at 14 years old posts a flyer at Mount Temple Comprehensive School, Dublin, Ireland. He wanted to form a band because he was bored playing on his own in his bedroom. At this time Paul Hewson, then 16, was working at a gas station where he scribbled down songs when he could. He saw the flyer and wanted to be in a band. This band consisted Larry Mullen Jr., Adam Clayton, Paul Hewson, Dave Evans and Dik Evans, Dave's elder brother. They named themselves 'Feedback', because it was something they could create. Dik soon got bored of their amateur ways and left. In the fall of 1976, Feedback won a talent show at school after playing Peter Frampton's 'Show me the Way'. Paul changed his name to Bono Vox ('Meaning"Good Voice') after the hearing aid company Bonavox, and Dave was known as 'The Edge'. It has something to do with the edge shape of his skull. Bono gave him the name.
They renamed themselves 'The Hype', the name of David Bowies' backup band. Their first pro gig was in a Dublin Club called 'McGonnigals' in 1978. They redid songs from the Sex Pistols and The Clash. On March 17th 1978, The Hype took £500 in a talent contest, and some recording time.
Adam was there first manager. He placed an ad in some English newspapers that read "Manager seeks the whereabouts of 'The Hype' (U2) after an explosive live show - please call Brian - It was a exciting show!" There was no Brian, the phone number was Adam's! They attracted the attention of Paul McGuiness and after seeing them play live a few times, he was impressed and has been there manager ever since.
The new name of the band is credited to Steve Averill. Adam wanted a good marketable name, Steve suggested U2 tickets, and there it was! The first official U2 concert tickets album was a 3 track LP, on 7" and 12" titled 'U2-3', and it came out in 1979. The album included Out of Control, Stories for Boys and Boy/Girl.
And that's how the band called U2 tickets came to be and since then, they have been making hits and have made themselves a international music icon, inspiring the world to change for the greater good and making songs that have to do with real current events.