Honoured at The Ivors

Bono, Edge, Adam and Larry were in London last night as Ed Sheeran inducted them into Fellowship at the 70th edition of the world's most prestigious celebration of songwriters, The Ivors.

Each band member delivered moving and funny speeches reflecting on the twists and turns of their life in music as well as their love and respect for each other.

Here's some highlights of what they said:

Adam: 'We are experiencing several firsts today. First Irish honourees and first non-British band to be honoured. When we gathered in Larry Mullen's kitchen in 1976, this was unimaginable… we never thought that the Band could be…THIS OLD! We had the most basic of talent but we believed that songs could take us anywhere because we had already been so many places…. we just had to tell our story.

So this Baby Band began to inarticulately do that, with many failures, but gradually Edge, Bono, Larry and I found a way to work together and it is this loyalty, respect and willingness to serve each other that has brought us here today….'

Larry: 'But really tonight is about my brothers in arms - or frocks depending on the decade - Bono, Edge, and Adam - thank you for sharing this journey - and letting me be in MY band for the past 50 years - who's counting… It’s been a long and winding road for us, full of love, loss and the occasional lemon. Bands are complicated - getting four people into a room to agree on anything is difficult - never mind trying to write songs. However, we can always agree on a great tune. 

And finally, to all the drummers who’ve never been recognised or credited for their contribution to the song….This one is for you. Sláinte...'

Edge paid tribute to many of the producers and engineers who have collaborated with the band in the studio, with shout-outs to those present in the room including Steve Lillywhite, Brian Eno, Flood, Howie B and Dec Gaffney. Then he broke into song, singing his own version of My Way.

'Awards, we have a few
But then again - Ivor Novellos - too few to mention.
We did what we had to do
And saw it through without exemption.
We planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
But more, much more than this
We did it My way..

Yes there were times
I'm sure you knew
When Bono bit off more than we could chew.
When Adam thought that it was him.
And Larry Mullen would not give in.
But the records show 
Through all the blows
We did it my way….'

Bono: 'I'd like to remind the room The Edge was the first one to break up the band… 
We've all had a go since, but in 1982, age 21, that man there decided he had enough of the music business with its inflamed egos and pumped up personalities… 
I asked him would he make an exception for me?

'Believing in the possibilities of peace was then and is now a rebellious act. And some would say a ridiculous one.  
To believe peace was attainable between your country and ours, between our country and itself was a ridiculous idea…. 
Because peace creates possibilities in the most intractable situations 
And Lord knows there's a few of them out there right now…  
Hamas, release the hostages
Stop the war
Israel, be released from Benjamin Netanyahu… and the far-right fundamentalists that twist your sacred text.
All of you protect our aid workers, they are the best of us.
God, you must so tired of us children of Abraham in the rubble of our certainties
Children in the rubble of our revenge
God forgive us…'

And then, with Edge striking up the familiar opening chords, all four band members performed a stripped back version of Sunday Bloody Sunday, bringing everyone in the room to their feet. 

Bono recalled the earliest days of the band, when it seemed like they played every pub or club in the UK. He had a particular recollection of a devoted crowd of fans who followed them in Harlesden, in north west London…  as he introduced 'Angel of Harlesden'
'Soul love
Well this love won't let me go….'
And it was a jubilant performance of Angel of Harlem that closed the ceremony.

Earlier Lola Young won the Rising Star award, following her breakthrough hit Messy. As well as performing her hit track she also delivered a haunting version of U2's With Or Without You. 

Stargazing by Myles Smith was named the most-played song on UK radio last year and in a further tribute to U2's Ivors Fellowship, he announced his cover of Beautiful Day, now streaming on Amazon Music.

There was a surprise return to the Ivors stage for Bruce Springsteen. The Fellowship that U2 received tonight was awarded to Bruce last year but this time he was here to deliver the Special International Award to the Killers' Brandon Flowers. 

Other awards went to Robbie Williams (Music Icon), Charlie xcx (Songwriter of the Year)  and Self Esteem (Visionary). 

Induction into Fellowship of The Ivors Academy is a prestigious honour reserved for legendary songwriters and composers who have mastered and defined their craft. 

With U2's inclusion, the total number of Fellows rises to 32. As the highest tier of Academy membership, Fellowship places U2 alongside pioneering songwriters such as Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Joan Armatrading and Bruce Springsteen, the first international songwriter to receive the honour.

Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy said: "With fearless poetic lyricism always centre-stage in panoramic musical vistas, the sound of U2 has redefined the fabric of popular music. Their songs are sweeping catalysts: hymnals and rallying cries. U2's induction into Fellowship honours their seminal contributions to music through exceptional songwriting craft."

Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy said: "We are proud to welcome U2 to Fellowship of The Ivors Academy as era-defining songwriters whose legacy continues to propel musical innovation and inspire social progress. As U2's politically charged anthems have sparked global change, The Ivors Academy is committed to championing creative integrity with the same unwavering passion. At a time when AI threatens to undermine human creativity, U2's Fellowship stands as a testament to the irreplaceable role of songwriters and composers in shaping culture and inspiring change."