My First Graffiti
Windmill Lane Studios began in 1978 as a place for traditional Irish musicians to work, but a few years later that all changed when producer Steve Lillywhite brought U2 in to record their first album, Boy.
The band liked the space and recorded their next two albums, October and War, there too. Throughout the years more big names, such as INXS and Elvis Costello, also created masterpieces at Windmill Lane, but U2 fans sort of claimed the outside of the building as their own and created a graffiti tribute to the band.
There’s nothing like walking up to a landmark and being handed a can of spray paint by a cheerful Irishman, then being told to “go nuts,” which is exactly what happened to me on that blustery August day in 2001.
In the photo above, I’m shown with my contribution, “I (heart) LM” in honor of drummer Larry Mullen, Jr.—I’m not remotely artistic, so I thought it better to write my sentiment, but some of my friends on the U2 tour drew pictures that were quite impressive.
Sadly, the studio has since moved, and the buildings here are simply boarded up. There was talk of turning the space into office complexes a few years ago, but that was met with much resistance from the locals.
Hopefully it will remain a musical relic so more fans can spray their appreciation on the wall as well.