The Hype changes their name to U2.

1 Mar 1978

Unity and diversity as the band becomes a four-piece and change name for good.

The Dublin punk guru Steve Averill (better known as Steve Rapid of the Radiators from Space) advises the band that The Hype stinks, at least as a name. What about U2? It's the name of a spyplane and a submarine, and it's got an endearing inclusivity about it.

But it's not the only change that's afoot. Dik wants out. So The Hype perform a farewell show for him at the Community Centre in Howth. Halfway through the set, Dik walks off stage. The Hype is dead: long live U2! Adam, Larry, Bono and The Edge are alone together for the first time; they are starting to find their feet - and their identity. Later, Dik will join fellow Dublin band the Virgin Prunes.

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