Synopsis

U2 perform "I Will Follow" in a stark studio setting, framed against a white background with the image from the Boy album cover layered into the composition. The camera moves between close-ups and wider shots of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. as they mime the album recording. Bono briefly plays air drums while seated, adding an offbeat touch to the otherwise direct performance. The simple presentation captures the band's youthful energy before their later, more elaborate videos.

Factoids & Trivia

• Filmed in 1980, this is generally regarded as U2's first promotional music video.

• The video was made to promote "I Will Follow" and the band's debut album, Boy, released in October 1980.

• The audio is the same studio recording heard on Boy rather than a separate live performance.

• The Boy cover image is a post-production effect. It remains at a consistent size as the band performs in front of the white background.

• Bono's seated air-drumming at the beginning is one of the video's most distinctive details and reflects the informal, low-budget character of the production.

• The video was not a significant MTV attraction in the United States. "Gloria," released after it, became the first U2 video to receive substantial MTV exposure there.

• The clip was later included on The Best of 1980-1990 video collection, giving it a wider home-video release long after its original promotional use.

• A high-definition version appeared on U2's official YouTube channel on November 27, 2020.