The Road Trip Bono Took With Gavin Friday Before Writing October

April 1, 2025

Bono and Gavin Friday were two young dreamers from Dublin, filled with ambition and a burning desire to make their mark on the world. It was the summer of 1981, a time when the city resonated with the spirit of creativity and rebellion. They were part of a close-knit group of artists and musicians who believed that music had the power to change lives. As they sat in Bono’s small apartment, surrounded by crumpled notes and unfinished songs, a spark ignited in their hearts: a road trip across Ireland to find inspiration for their new music.

With little more than a guitar, an old van that had seen better days, and an unyielding spirit, they set off on their adventure. The wind whipped through their hair as they drove through the breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and rugged coastlines that Ireland is famous for. They sang at the top of their lungs, filling the air with their dreams and hopes. Each small town they passed was a reminder of their humble beginnings and the stories waiting to be told. They stopped at local pubs, where they shared their music with strangers who quickly became friends. They felt the electricity of connection, and it fueled their passion even more.

As the days turned into nights, their conversations deepened. They talked about the challenges they faced in the music industry and the struggles of being young artists fighting for recognition. Gavin shared his own fears about stepping out of the shadows, while Bono confessed his worries about whether he was good enough to pursue his dreams. Despite the uncertainty, they found strength in each other. They encouraged one another, reminding each other that every great artist has faced adversity and that persistence was key. The open road became a symbol of their journey not just as musicians but as individuals striving to discover who they were.

One night, under a sky sprinkled with stars, they parked near a tranquil lake. They pulled out Bono’s guitar and began to play, letting their feelings flow into the music. Inspired by the beauty around them, they wrote a song that captured the essence of their adventure and the strength they found within each other. That song would eventually evolve into “Gloria,” a pivotal piece on Bono’s second album with U2, “October.” Their road trip became not only a source of inspiration for the music they were creating but also a turning point in their lives.

When they returned to Dublin, Bono and Gavin were filled with renewed energy and purpose. They understood that music was their language, a way to express every emotion they had experienced on their journey. “October” became more than just an album; it was a testament to their resilience and passion, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of their road trip. With every note they played, they honored the bond they had formed, reminding themselves of the power of friendship and creativity.

In the years that followed, Bono’s journey would take him around the world, where he would not only achieve fame but also use his platform to advocate for change. But it was that road trip with Gavin that cemented his belief in the transformative power of music and inspired him to keep pushing forward, despite the odds. Their adventure showed that when you follow your passion with friends by your side, the possibilities are endless.