Drum Sheet – U2 – I Will Follow

“I Will Follow” by U2 is one of the band’s earliest anthems, known for its high-energy sound and the distinctive drumming that drives the track. Released in 1980 on their debut album Boy, it became a defining moment for the band and a staple in their live performances. The song’s lyrics were inspired by Bono‘s deep personal grief after losing his mother when he was 14, and it expresses the powerful emotions of loss and resilience.

The song was composed by U2 in their early years, while they were still experimenting with their sound. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. were finding their unique voice, and “I Will Follow” captures the raw energy and emotion of that time. Bono wrote the lyrics as a reflection on his mother’s death, while The Edge created the signature guitar riff, with its echoing, delayed effect, that gave the song its anthemic quality.

Larry Mullen Jr.’s drumming is a standout feature of the track. His relentless, driving beat underpins the song and gives it a sense of urgency and forward momentum. Mullen was heavily influenced by punk rock, and his style reflects a mixture of precision and aggression, which fits the tone of the song perfectly. The pounding drums in “I Will Follow” mirror the themes of determination and devotion in the lyrics, becoming a key element that lifts the song into a powerful and emotionally resonant piece.

“I Will Follow” was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, with Steve Lillywhite as the producer. Lillywhite helped capture the band’s raw energy and refine it into something cohesive. The song’s minimalist structure allowed each instrument to stand out, and the drums became an essential part of that dynamic, playing a crucial role in the band’s developing sound.

U2 first played “I Will Follow” live during their early tours in Ireland and the UK. As the band’s popularity grew, the song became a mainstay of their live shows, often used as an opener or closer because of its fast tempo and electrifying energy. To this day, “I Will Follow” remains one of U2‘s most performed songs, beloved for its timeless appeal and dynamic drumming that captures the spirit of the band at the start of their legendary career.