U2 released How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb in November 2004, their 14th studio album and the first in four years. The record marked a deliberate return to guitar rock, moving away from the electronic and dance-influenced sounds that defined the band's output through Achtung Baby (1991), Zooropa (1993), and Pop (1997).
The four-piece formed in 1978 and released their debut album in 1980, but global stardom came with The Joshua Tree in 1987. Their previous record, All That You Can't Leave Behind, sold 13 million copies. A rough cut of the new album was stolen in southern France in July 2004, raising concern that it could appear online months before the official release.
New single "Vertigo" debuted at No. 1 on the UK singles chart that week, pushing rapper Eminem down to third place. The group, comprising Bono (born Paul Hewson), guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton, and drummer Larry Mullen, has remained a dominant live draw despite several members now being in their 40s.
In October 2004, the band announced a deal with Apple tied to a special black-and-red iPod edition. Apple also committed to releasing The Complete U2 on iTunes, a digital anthology spanning 400 songs and more than 25 previously unreleased tracks.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in November 2004, in its own words.