Bono loses lyrics in Portland

The band faced several challenges in writing their second album, October . On an American leg of the Boy Tour, Bono’s briefcase containing in-progress lyrics and musical ideas was lost backstage during a March 1981 performance at a nightclub in Portland, Oregon . The band had limited time to write new music on tour and in July began a two-month recording session at Windmill Lane Studios largely unprepared, forcing Bono to quickly improvise lyrics. Lillywhite, reprising his role as producer, called the sessions “completely chaotic and mad”. October ‘ s lead single, ” Fire “, was released in July and was U2’s first song to chart in the UK. Despite earning the band an appearance on UK television programme Top of the Pops , the single fell in the charts afterwards. On 16 August 1981, the group opened for Thin Lizzy at the inaugural Slane Concert ; the Edge called it one of U2’s worst shows. Adding to this period of self-doubt, Bono’s, the Edge’s, and Mullen’s involvement in a Charismatic Christian group in Dublin called the “Shalom Fellowship” led them to question the relationship between their religious faith and the lifestyle of a rock band. Bono and the Edge considered quitting U2 due to their perceived spiritual conflicts before deciding to leave Shalom instead.