The first ever photographs taken of the newly-formed band U2 more than 30 years ago are set to fetch up to £15,000 at auction.
The series of black and white pictures were shot on March 17, 1978, shortly after the group won a battle of the bands competition.
They had previously been called ‘The Hype’ but had changed their name days before after guitarist Dik Evans walked out.
The new group – Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jnr – changed their name to U2 and appeared at Limerick Civic Week in Ireland.
They won £500 and studio time to record a demo which was heard by music executives and later became the biggest band in the world.
Drummer Mullen has been quoted as saying: ”We had no real idea how winning in Limerick would change our lives.”
Previously unseen photos of the band playing and relaxing off stage are set to £10,000 to £15,000 at Bonhams in London on June 23.
Spokesman Stephanie Connell said: ”It is very exciting to be able to offer such a variety of images of U2, taken on what proved to be such a pivotal night in their early career.”
The sale will also include a set of thirteen previously unseen images of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones,
