The Edge’s Family Legacy: Meet U2 Guitarist Dave Evans’ Five Children
As one of the most iconic guitarists in rock history, The Edge, born David Howell Evans, has profoundly shaped the sound of U2 for decades. Known for his innovative use of delay effects, distinctive melodic playing, and ambient textures, The Edge has been a cornerstone of the legendary Irish rock band since its formation. Beyond his illustrious career with U2, which has seen the band sell over 170 million records worldwide and win 22 Grammy Awards, The Edge is also a devoted family man. He is a father to five children from two marriages: three daughters with his first wife, Aislinn O’Sullivan, and one daughter and one son with his second wife, Morleigh Steinberg. While his public life is largely defined by his music, his children have forged their own paths, often reflecting influences from their famous father while maintaining a notable degree of privacy.
The Edge, now 62 years old, first married his secondary school sweetheart, Aislinn O’Sullivan, in 1983. Together, they welcomed three daughters into the world. Their marriage lasted seven years before they separated in 1990. Due to Ireland’s strict divorce laws at the time, their divorce was only legally finalized in 1996, a year after the country legalized divorce. Following his separation from Aislinn, Dave began a relationship with American dancer and choreographer Morleigh Steinberg in 1993. Morleigh had notably worked with U2 on their groundbreaking Zoo TV tour. The couple had two children in the 1990s and eventually tied the knot in 2002. For the most part, The Edge’s children have chosen not to pursue highly public careers, preferring to lead more private lives. However, it’s evident that a strong bond connects them all to their father. Here’s everything you need to know about The Edge’s five children.
Hollie Evans
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The first daughter of The Edge and Aislinn, Hollie Evans, was born in 1984, making her 39 years old. While her father is celebrated globally for his musical contributions, U2’s philanthropic endeavors have also played a significant role in the band’s enduring legacy. Notably, Dave Evans founded Music Rising, an initiative dedicated to supporting musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina, highlighting his commitment to social causes. Hollie, though not pursuing a career in music, clearly shares her father’s spirit of giving back. In November 2020, she announced her involvement with the Project Selection Committee for the Avasara Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to expanding opportunities in education, sanitation, and financial empowerment, particularly for young women.
Reflecting on her new role, Hollie expressed her enthusiasm on Instagram, stating, “2 years ago I made the difficult decision to leave my rewarding and challenging job working with vulnerable children (to focus on looking after my own) so it’s exhilarating to be part of something just as rewarding and impactful again!” This post underscored her passion for making a tangible difference in the world, mirroring the charitable ethos championed by her father. Hollie married her husband, Jamie Hewitson, in August 2015. The couple are proud parents to two sons, Arlo, who is 4 years old, and Otis, now 9 months old. Despite her Irish roots, Hollie identifies as a Londoner in her Instagram bio, indicating her strong ties to the British capital. She occasionally shares glimpses of her life, including photos with her father or snapshots with friends taken at U2 concerts, demonstrating her ongoing connection to her family and her father’s iconic career. On Father’s Day in 2017, she posted a heartfelt message alongside a wedding photo of herself and The Edge, writing, “Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there- both with us and looking over us. And to mine, who is so worth chasing around the world to be with.” This tender tribute perfectly encapsulates the loving relationship she shares with her father.
Arran Evans
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Following Hollie’s birth, Dave and Aislinn welcomed their second daughter, Arran Evans, in 1985. Now 38 years old, Arran chose a creative path distinct from her father’s rock and roll world, gravitating towards design. In a 2018 interview with Irish News, she recalled her early entrepreneurial spirit: “As a child, I used to make earrings and sell them in a local store in Dublin – that was my first real venture into design and the first time I ever sold anything to a stranger. The feeling was amazing and it got me hooked.” This early passion laid the groundwork for her future career.
Arran has since established herself as a prominent design consultant in London, as detailed on her professional website. Her expertise isn’t limited to consultation; she has also successfully launched her own line of fashion accessories, primarily focusing on designer handbags. She frequently showcases her elegant creations on her Instagram profile, where her followers can admire her commitment to craftsmanship and unique aesthetic. A testament to her close relationship with her father and her design prowess, Arran proudly revealed that she designed a custom guitar strap for The Edge, a personal touch linking her creative world with his musical one.
Arran is married to Alex Threadgill, who is not only her life partner but also her business partner, collaborating on her design ventures. The couple shares one son. When discussing her career and influences with Irish News, Arran spoke warmly of her father’s support. “I think I get my work-ethic from my dad, who is one of my biggest champions. He’s extremely supportive and is always able to break down a problem and offer great advice in a crisis,” she shared. This insight highlights how The Edge’s dedication and problem-solving skills have clearly inspired his daughter’s entrepreneurial journey, proving that while their creative expressions differ, the underlying principles of hard work and passion are shared family traits.
Blue Angel Evans
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The third daughter born to The Edge and Aislinn was Blue Angel Evans, who arrived in 1989 and is currently 34 years old. Like her sister Arran, Blue Angel has also gravitated towards a creative field, specifically graphic design. In a November 2020 Instagram post, she shared her excitement about preparing to graduate with a degree in this dynamic visual art discipline, indicating her dedication to developing a professional career in the creative industry. Her passion for design suggests an appreciation for aesthetics and communication, perhaps an echo of her father’s meticulous approach to crafting musical soundscapes.
Blue Angel is in a long-term relationship with Fiachra O’Shaughnessy, and she occasionally shares heartwarming photos of him on her active Instagram account, offering glimpses into her personal life. She is also a proud mother to an eight-year-old daughter named Luna, who frequently features in Blue Angel’s social media posts, showcasing the joy and love within her family. In June 2022, Blue Angel delightfuly announced that she was expecting her second child. She shared a charming photo of herself sitting by a pool, proudly displaying her baby bump, with the playful caption, “Big and juicy baby.” This announcement was met with excitement from her followers and family, adding another chapter to her expanding family life. Blue Angel’s social media presence reflects a vibrant, creative individual who balances her professional aspirations with a rich and fulfilling family life, maintaining a connection to her followers while sharing cherished moments.
Sian Evans
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After The Edge’s separation from Aislinn O’Sullivan in 1990 and the beginning of his relationship with Morleigh Steinberg in 1993, the couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Sian Evans, in 1997. Sian is currently 26 years old. Among all of Dave’s children, Sian appears to be the most private, consciously choosing to stay out of the public spotlight. Her Instagram account is set to private, reflecting her preference for a personal and secluded life away from public scrutiny. This desire for privacy is understandable, given her father’s global fame.
Despite her low public profile, Sian occasionally makes appearances in her siblings’ social media posts, offering rare glimpses into her life and reinforcing the strong family bonds. One notable instance was when her sister Blue Angel shared a photo featuring all the Evans siblings. This image included a unique woven soundwave, a creative piece commemorating the fifth anniversary of The Edge’s historic performance in the Sistine Chapel. Such shared moments, though infrequent, highlight the close-knit nature of the family and their mutual support, even as Sian navigates her life with a quiet grace, away from the glare of celebrity. Her choice to maintain a private life is respected, allowing her to forge her own identity without constant public attention, a stark contrast to the very public career of her legendary father.
Levi Evans
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The Edge’s youngest child and only son, Levi Evans, was born in 1999 and is currently 24 years old. In a distinctive departure from his sisters’ chosen paths, Levi is the only one among his siblings to actively pursue a career in music, directly following in his iconic father’s footsteps, yet carving out his own unique sound. As an aspiring musician, Levi regularly shares captivating photos and videos of his performances on his Instagram, where he also announces upcoming shows, building a direct connection with his growing audience.
Levi has already released a handful of singles, demonstrating his commitment to his craft. His most recent release, “Let Me Know,” dropped in October 2022, showcasing his developing artistry. While his father, The Edge, is renowned for U2’s expansive, effects-laden guitar sound and stadium-rock anthems, Levi’s musical style offers a refreshing contrast. His songs tend to be more intimate and singer-songwriter focused, characterized by introspective lyrics and acoustic or subtly instrumented arrangements. This approach highlights his individuality, proving that while he shares a musical lineage with his father, he is dedicated to exploring his own artistic voice. Levi’s journey into music reflects a blend of inherited talent and personal vision, making him an exciting emerging artist to watch as he continues to evolve within the rich legacy of the Evans family’s musical heritage.
From philanthropic endeavors to innovative design and independent music careers, The Edge’s five children have each found their distinct paths, influenced by their father’s creative spirit and strong work ethic, yet remaining fiercely individual. While not all have sought the public spotlight, their lives demonstrate a rich tapestry of passions, reflecting the diverse talents nurtured within this prominent family.