Release of album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

Released in November 2004, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb received favourable reviews from critics. The album featured lyrics touching on life, death, love, war, faith, and family. It reached number one in 30 countries, including the US, where first-week sales of 840,000 copies nearly doubled those of All That You Can’t Leave Behind , setting a personal best for the band. Overall, it sold 9 million copies globally. For the album’s release, U2 partnered with Apple for several cross-promotions: the first single, ” Vertigo “, was featured in a television advertisement for the company’s iPod music player, while a U2-branded iPod and digital box set exclusive to the iTunes Store were released. “Vertigo” was an international hit, topping the charts in Ireland and the UK, and reaching number two in Canada and number five in Australia. The song won three Grammy Awards, including one for Best Rock Song . Other singles from the album were also hits; ” Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own “, written as a tribute to Bono’s late father, went to number one in the UK and Canada, while ” City of Blinding Lights ” reached number two in both regions. In March 2005, U2 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Bruce Springsteen in their first year of eligibility. During his speech, Springsteen said the band had “beaten [the odds] by continuing to do their finest work and remaining at the top of their game and the charts for 25 years”.