U2 Raw, Naked and Intimate

A throw back to the eighties with new album images offers a rare view into Larry’s shy world. U2 say the album cover reflects "the new songs and their inspiration in the early years of U2 as teenagers in Dublin."

According to a statement on U2.com, the artwork by British fashion photographer and film director Glen Luchford, "resonates with the band's iconic 1980 debut album Boy - and the album War, three years later." 

Both of those albums featured the face of Peter Rowen, the younger brother of Guggi, Bono's childhood friend growing up on Cedarwood Road in Dublin.

Their music has always been about community, family, faith and friends this new project reflects a very intimate side that should stand on its own. Bono said, “With this record we were looking for the raw, naked and personal, to strip everything back” and the images on the album reflect the innocence and the unique relationship of a parent and child.

The photo shoot with Larry and his son was really an experiment however; everyone loved it because of its visual metaphor and thought this was a prefect image to use on the album.

"If you know the album, you will see the themes in the visual language, how 'holding on to your own innocence is a lot harder than holding on to someone else's" said Bono.

The release date has been set for October13th  and will be available in three formats, with exclusive bonus material including two new studio tracks, two alternative versions, and a 6-song acoustic session. 

End of Summer, Said The Edge

Bono and his wife Ali Hewson with artist and long-time friend Guggi and his wife Sibylle

The boys had been on hand to see their friend Guggi open a new art exhibit at Kerlin Gallery in Dublin. The Edge shared a few words with a writer from the Irish Sun about the up coming project. "

We are looking at having it out around the end of the Summer' said The Edge.  You already saw that we reported Larry saying the same thing " I'd say we will be finished by the summer and hopefully we will release something released by September.  

Bono showing his continued support for the creative visionary, who arrived with wife Ali Hewson, told the Irish Independent of his delight to see his close friend's work come to fruition.

"Normally I get to enjoy a preview of the pieces beforehand in the studio, but things have been so busy this time I didn't get a chance. He's just getting better and better every time, we're all so proud of him. He's extraordinary."

The superstar said he'll definitely consider adding to his growing collection by purchasing a painting.

Bono and Hewson were accompanied by The Edge and his wife, Morleigh Steinberg.