U2s first redo

Limited Edition U2 Achtung Baby Lithographs by Anton Corbijn

U2 have always been an ambitious band. The kind of band that would invite themselves into your i-tunes account. A truly first world crime that hipsters everywhere still cry themselves to sleep over. In 1991, the band’s ambitions lead them to a newly reunited Berlin. U2 was attempting to pull off its first reinvention. After The Joshua Tree turned them into a stadium draw, the rockumentary and semi-live album documenting the album’s tour took the vibe about as far as it could go. So the band pulled a Bowie and went to eastern Europe to record. The result was Achtung Baby. The process was difficult and nearly ripped the Irishmen apart, but the results gave U2 a reinvigorated sound and look. The Limited Edition U2 Achtung Baby Lithograph Series captures a band who pushed themselves out of their comfort zone and re-emerged a stronger creative force.

The series is shot by Anton Corbijn, who had already been a key collaborator. Corbijn had produced the Joshua Tree visuals including the album cover. The Achtung Baby material pulls off the feat of having the band look badass and self-deprecating—which happens to be the best kind of badass.

A native of Amsterdam, Corbijn is a music photographer, video and film director who has created some of the most iconic rock ‘n’ roll images out there. His relationship with U2 run deep, to the extent that some have gone as far to refer to him as a fifth member of the band. Whether you’re down with this assessment or not, the Achtung Baby material captures both musicians and photographer on a creative high.

You can purchase Limited Edition U2 Achtung Baby Lithographs on U2.com

The band starts a run of 5 nights in Chicago tomorrow night, June 24.

An exhibition of Anton Corbijn’s work is on now until August 16 at The Hague Museum of Photography in the Netherlands.