August 08

 The Edge

August 8, 1961

David Howell Evans was given his famous nickname by school friends before he helped start a band in late 1976 that would eventually become U2. He quickly developed a unique approach to guitar arrangements, using special echo boxes to create a ringing, atmospheric sound. He also handled backing vocals and later added keyboards to the group's sonic landscape.

The young player helped steer the band through the underground punk and new wave circuit, building a massive reputation for his rhythmic chording. He powered their early singles and anchored the sonic identity of their debut album, Boy, which came out in late 1980. His distinctive sonic textures went on to define the band's global success as he continued recording and performing with the group from 1976 onward.

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Les Binks

August 8, 1951 – March 15, 2025

James Leslie Binks found himself in high demand as a skilled session player in London during the early seventies. He initially built his reputation by touring and recording with a wide variety of acts, including pop groups and well-known rock vocalists. His powerful style soon caught the attention of the heavy metal scene, leading to a major breakthrough when he was asked to join a concert tour with a rising British rock group.

He stepped into Judas Priest in 1977, transforming his temporary role into full group membership. He anchored the rhythm section with his precise double bass drums technique on landmark studio releases like Stained Class and Killing Machine. He also co-wrote one of the band's most famous heavy ballads, showing his talents reached far beyond just keeping time.

The heavy metal masters captured his thunderous stage energy on their famous 1979 live record, Unleashed in the East. He ultimately parted ways with the group later that same year after disagreements with management over financial matters. He continued his music career by transitioning back into a session player and playing with multiple British hard rock bands well into the following decades.

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