U2

In March 1986, U2 was riding a wave of momentum following the release of their critically acclaimed album 'The Unforgettable Fire,' which had come out just a year earlier. This was a time when the band was honing their craft and experimenting with sound, emboldened by their rising fame. The live recording during the 'Old Grey Whistle Test' showcases early, raw versions of 'Exit' and 'In God's Country,' songs that would later appear on their next studio album, 'The Joshua Tree.' It's intriguing to see how these songs were in the gestation phase, unpolished yet brimming with the passion and urgency that U2's reputation would be built upon. Interestingly, the band's commitment to social issues was already evident, with the lyrics in 'In God's Country' reflecting deeper themes that would later solidify U2's place as rock's conscience.

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