U2 guitarist The Edge, born David Howell Evans, has officially become an Irish citizen. While three of the band members are Irish-born, Evans, born in Essex, England, to Welsh parents, has resided in Ireland since the age of one but lacked citizenship.
At a ceremony in Killarney, County Kerry, the 63-year-old received his citizenship, calling it a “monumental day.”
He was among approximately 7,500 individuals naturalizing as Irish citizens this week. Speaking to RTÉ, Evans attributed the delay to paperwork, stating, “I’ve been living in Ireland since I was one, but the time is right.”
He expressed immense pride in his adopted country, emphasizing his deepened connection to his “homeland.”
This news follows the recent announcement of U2’s return to the studio after an eight-year hiatus, a period partly attributed to drummer Larry Mullen Jr.’s recovery from neck surgery.
Evans, a founding member of the iconic Dublin-formed band, now shares full Irish citizenship with his bandmates, solidifying his place in Irish musical history.
A bandmate in another of Ralphs’ outfits says his “heart just hit the ground” on hearing the news.
After fronting a charity single, Grace Cope is now being mentored by a top music producer.
This year’s £20,000 prize ceremony will take place in the city in November.
Villagers living near the Glastonbury Festival describe their experiences of moving to the area.
Four more acts have been announced for the event in the lead up to Black Sabbath’s final ever show.