thumb|U2 with radio host Dave Fanning (centre) in February 1982 October was released in October 1981 and contained overtly spiritual themes.McGee (2008), pp. 49–50 The album received mixed reviews and limited radio play.Jobling (2014), pp. 88–89 It debuted at number 11 in the UK, but sold poorly elsewhere.McCormick (2006), pp. 120, 130 The single "Gloria" was U2's first song to have its music video played on MTV, generating excitement for the band during the October Tour of 1981–1982 in markets where the television channel was available.McCormick (2006), p. 125 During the tour, U2 met Dutch photographer Anton Corbijn,McGee (2008), p. 55 who became their principal photographer and has had a major influence on their public image.McCormick (2006), p. 127 In March 1982, the band played 14 dates as the opening act for the J. Geils Band.McGee (2008), pp. 57–58 U2 were disappointed by their lack of progress by the end of the October Tour. Having run out of money and feeling unsupported by their record label, the group committed to improving; Clayton recalled that "there was a firm resolve to come out of the box fighting with the next record".
thumb|U2 with radio host Dave Fanning (centre) in February 1982 October was released in October 1981 and contained overtly spiritual themes.McGee (2008), pp. 49–50 The album received mixed reviews and limited radio play.Jobling (2014), pp. 88–89 It debuted at number 11 in the UK, but sold poorly elsewhere.McCormick (2006), pp. 120, 130 The single "Gloria" was U2's first song to have its music video played on MTV generating excitement for the band during the October Tour of 1981–1982 in markets where the television channel was available.McCormick (2006), p. 125 During the tour, U2 met Dutch photographer Anton Corbijn,McGee (2008), p. 55 who became their principal photographer and has had a major influence on their public image.McCormick (2006), p. 127 In March 1982, the band played 14 dates as the opening act for the J. Geils Band.McGee (2008), pp. 57–58 U2 were disappointed by their lack of progress by the end of the October Tour. Having run out of money and feeling unsupported by their record label, the group committed to improving; Clayton recalled that "there was a firm resolve to come out of the box fighting with the next record".