Musicians spent several years as struggling musicians and producers in the U.S . They decided to form a band when they returned to Britain . The group 's self - titled album came out in September 2007 in Britain . This year , the band has been the opening act for U2 and Paul McCartney .
Musicians spent several years as struggling writers and producers in the U.S . They decided to form a band when they returned to Ireland . The group 's self-titled debut came out in August 2008 in Britain . This year , the band has been the opening act for U2 and Paul McCartney .