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Scarce DS, signed “Paul Hewson [Bono]," "David Evans [The Edge]," "Larry Mullen," and "A. Clayton,” four pages, 8.25 x 11.75, May 30, 1990. Legal document titled ‘Deed of Extension,’ involving U2’s holding company, Not Us (UK) Ltd., and Royal Life Trustee Services Ltd, along with all four founding members of U2—Bono, Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen, Jr.—acting as trustees of a retirement benefits scheme. The deed extends the deadline to finalize and execute a Definitive Trust Deed and Rules that would govern a retirement benefits scheme (essentially, a company pension plan). The original deadline was set out in an Interim Trust Deed dated May 30, 1988, which required that the Definitive Deed be completed within 24 months. Because it was not possible to do so in that timeframe, this Deed of Extension extended that deadline by a further 24 months. Signed at the conclusion in black ballpoint by all four members of U2 with their legal names. The document is also signed by U2’s longtime manager, Paul McGuinness. The penultimate page bears a rare red 'Not Us Ltd. seal. In very fine condition. Official documents containing the legal names of all four U2 band members, plus their longtime manager Paul McGuinness, are virtually nonexistent in the hands of the public. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks and a full letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services.
This document offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at U2 during the height of their ‘Joshua Tree’ era success, but from a business and legal perspective, rather than a musical one — the band signed in their capacity as trustees of the retirement scheme, not in their role as musicians. This underscores U2's involvement in the corporate governance of its business operations. While U2 were dominating charts and arenas, this 1990 legal document reflects the mature infrastructure behind their public image. It highlights the moment U2 evolved from a rock band to a global business entity – an early example of artists taking full control of their empire.
