October 2021 marks 40 years of U2’s seminal album, October, and to celebrate, the rock legends have today announced the launch of the biggest-ever Artist Takeover on Pandora.
U2’s Artist Takeover on Pandora is an exclusive listening experience where members of the iconic group take fans on a personal journey through the making of their first three albums – which include Boy (1980), October (1981), and War (1983) – sharing intimate personal stories, previously unknown details, and the music that inspired them along the way.
U2’s Artist Takeover marks the first time an artist has created an ongoing series of self-curated Modes on Pandora. Users can now choose from three selectable “modes” on Pandora’s U2 Radio station – each devoted to one of these three early albums – where the group shares personal insights and influences behind each record in their own words. Additional album Modes are expected to be rolled out on Pandora’s U2 Radio station in the coming months.
On U2’s Artist Takeover Modes on Pandora, band members share never-before-heard stories behind the making of each album, delve deep into the creation and recording of pivotal tracks, and share classic songs from the artists who influenced and inspired them, from The Ramones to John Lennon to David Bowie – all in one unique listening experience.
“Pandora has given us an opportunity to tell U2’s story in a completely new way, weaving the music of our heroes together with our own using songs, memories, and inspirations,” said U2 guitarist The Edge. “Music is the most powerful storytelling medium, and Modes has created an incredible new way to share the sounds and experiences that made us who we are as artists.”
“Few bands have been as consistently innovative, passionate, and riveting as U2, who are constantly evolving and yet still at the top of their game decades on,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer of Pandora parent SiriusXM. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with the band to create this truly personal and groundbreaking U2 music experience for Pandora listeners.”
On each Mode, the band digs deep into its storied history to tell the tales and spin the songs behind the early years that launched the young band on its path to global superstardom.
Speaking about their early influences, Bono said – “I learned a lot from Iggy Pop. I’ve learned a lot from performers who are not comfortable with a safe distance between the stage and the audience.”