Adam Clayton

Profession: Musician and Rock Bassist

Biography: Adam Clayton is an English-born Irish musician best known as the bass guitarist of the rock band U2. Having won 22 Grammy Awards, Clayton's place in rock history was solidified in 2005 by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Born in England, Adam Charles Clayton moved with his family to Ireland when he was five years old. His early education took place at Castle Park School, and he later attended St Columba's College. It was during his adolescence that Clayton's passion for music blossomed, prompting him to pick up the bass guitar at the age of 14. He continued his education at Mount Temple Comprehensive School, where he would meet the individuals who would eventually form U2.

The formation of U2 traced back to September 1976 when Clayton responded to an advertisement from drummer Larry Mullen Jr., seeking musicians to form a band. That initial group underwent a series of changes before finally adopting the name U2.

In those early days, Clayton took on the management responsibilities for the band, until Paul McGuinness later assumed that role. The period also saw Clayton grappling with religious conflicts within the band, which temporarily strained his relationships with the other members. His growth as a musician included formal bass training that he undertook in 1995, following which he even provided vocals for some of the tracks on the "Original Soundtracks 1" album by U2.

Beyond his work with U2, Clayton has engaged in an array of collaborations with artists like Robbie Robertson, Maria McKee, Daniel Lanois, and others. Self-taught until his formal training in the mid-1990s, Clayton's approach to bass playing involves a distinctive style marked by harmonic syncopation.

Clayton's instruments include Fender basses, an Ibanez Musician Bass, and Warwick basses. His collaborations with Fender extend to the development of signature models and amplifiers.

Clayton's personal life has featured a run-in with the law for marijuana possession and a battle with alcohol dependence, which he ultimately overcame. Clayton has a son from a previous relationship and in 2013, he married Mariana Teixeira de Carvalho. He was also involved in a legal case after a former employee embezzled his funds.

Born: March 13, 1960
Birthplace: Chinnor, England, United Kingdom
Age: 64 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Pisces