31 October 2020
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An Post has unveiled four special stamps celebrating the music of rock band U2, who have sold more than 175 million records worldwide during their four-decade career.
Entitled ‘U2 – A Celebration 1976-2020’, the four-stamp set represents distinct eras in U2’s musical journey through four of the band’s most memorable albums:
- ‘The Joshua Tree’ (1987)
- ‘Achtung Baby’ (1991)
- ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind’ (2000)
- ‘Songs of Experience’ (2017)
A booklet of four stamps (€5.40) contains two ‘N’ stamps covering standard post within the island of Ireland and two ‘W’ for posting around the world.
With input from the band, An Post worked with U2’s Creative Director Gavin Friday, as well as graphic designer Shaughn McGrath, to develop four concepts inspired by the band’s extensive album catalogue. Each stamp has a different shape and range of print finishes to capture the evolution of the band over four decades.
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The band’s bass player, Adam Clayton, said: ‘In a year with so many restrictions, it’s fun to think that we can travel from our homes in Ireland to anywhere in the world, courtesy of An Post.’
The Irish Post Office have previously issued stamps as part of wider sets to honour the famous group. In 2019 a ‘Great Irish Songs’ set included a stamp for the song ‘With Or Without You’, and in 2002 a 41c stamp featured a portrait of the four musicians.
Garrett Bridgeman, MD of An Post Mails & Parcels added: ‘For fellow lifelong U2 fans and admirers of Irish design, it’s a great pleasure to announce these very special stamps celebrating the remarkable global impact of U2 since their formation in 1976. This stamp issue also acknowledges the band members’ massive impact on global culture and society, from their work on climate change to social justice and more recently, here in Ireland with their response to the nation’s fight against COVID-19.’
Specially designed First Day Cover envelopes and other stamp collectibles are available online at anpost.com/U2