U2 – TOP 60 WORLDWIDE RARITIES

How To Assemble An Atomic Collection. By Des McMahon

Since their very first release of the hand-numbered 1,000 copies of the now much sought-after U2 Three EP hit the shops in 1979, U2 have become one of the most collectable bands in the world.

The epic scale of their popularity drives fans to pay a king’s ransom to secure those elusive artefacts for their ever expanding collection, and I am no exception. What is represented on the following six pages is the top of the tree, the scarcest and most desirable releases from the past 26 years — elaborate box sets from the UK, mega-scarce coloured vinyl records from Australia,  standard issue singles in rare picture sleeves, obscure promo items from Japan, France, Columbia, Italy and beyond.

From a fan’s perspective, great-looking picture sleeves, coloured vinyl and picture discs are always going to be a winner and the rarer the record, the more its appeal. It’s that great buzz you get when you know that you have added something really special to your collection. Something that is worth more than money can buy.

But, to strike a Bono-style philosophical note, let us also appreciate the fact that it is impossible to collect or even afford everything. It is important to appreciate what you have got and not worry about what you haven’t got. Otherwise you will never enjoy your collection as you should. 

The …

by Des McMahon
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