U2 Guitarist The Edge Finally Becomes Irish Citizen After 62 Years of Living in Ireland

Published: June 24, 2025

It's better late than never for U2 guitarist The Edge, who has finally become an Irish citizen after living in the country for over 62 years.

The musician, whose real name is David Howell Evans, spoke to reporters after being officially conferred with thousands of other new Irish citizens during a ceremony in Killarney, County Kerry. "I guess, you know, I'm a little tardy with the paper work," The Edge, 63, said.

The Edge was born in Essex, England, but moved to Ireland when he was just 1 year old. Despite living in Ireland for most of his life, he never got around to applying for citizenship until now.

"I've been living in Ireland now since I was 1-year-old. But the time is right. And I couldn't be more proud of my country for all that it represents and all that it is doing," he said.

The Edge praised Ireland for showing "real leadership" in the world and supporting international bodies such as the ICC and UN. "What Ireland stands for, it's very powerful. We are talking really about showing leadership in the world, supporting our international bodies, the ICC, UN, speaking truth to power. Really important what Ireland is representing right now," he said.

The guitarist also called the opportunity to become an official Irish citizen "a monumental day for all of us."

U2 was formed in Dublin with classmates Bono, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. Despite the band forming in Ireland, half the members weren't born there. Clayton, 65, was born in Oxfordshire, England, and was raised in Ireland. He was granted citizenship in 1989.

The rock band has been vocal about the political state of Ireland, and their songs are no exception. The 1983 song "Sunday Bloody Sunday" references the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre in Derry and is considered one of the best political protest songs.