The Edge, U2's guitarist, known for his trademark black hat and ringing, melodic sound, became an Irish citizen this week. It only took him 62 years.

“I was a little late with the paperwork,” joked the England-born musician, whose real name is David Evans, at the ceremony.

“I've lived in Ireland since I was one year old, but the time is right and I couldn't be prouder of my country for everything it stands for and everything it does,” he added, quoted by The New York Times.

More than 7,500 people received citizenship during a series of ceremonies on June 23 and 24 in Killarney, County Kerry, about 320 km southwest of Dublin, according to the Irish government.

Applicants from over 140 countries declared their faith and loyalty to the state. Since 2011, over 200,000 people have been granted Irish citizenship.

Evans, 63, was born in Essex to Welsh parents and moved to Ireland as a young child.

The band formed in 1976 when Larry Mullen Jr. posted a “Musicians Wanted” ad on a bulletin board in Dublin, according to the band's website.

The band — Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton (bass) and Mullen (drums), all teenagers at the time — rehearsed in Mullen's kitchen.

U2 became perhaps the most famous and successful rock band from Ireland, and many fans there consider them something of a national treasure.

At the citizenship ceremony, Evans said that Ireland was showing “real leadership” on the world stage and that receiving citizenship couldn't have come at a better time.

“I've always felt Irish,” he told reporters, adding that he was happy “to be even more closely connected to my homeland.”

Evans said the application process took several years but was ultimately straightforward.

“To be honest, there were many times in the past when I could have done it, I just had to fill out the form, but I'm glad I did it now,” he said.

“I feel it's more meaningful, more significant,” the musician added. | BGNES