9/30/2007

SEPTEMBER 30: At Polytechnic School / the first time in Israel (Edge sings 'Dancing Queen')!

Boy" tour - september 30, 1980. U2 perform in Brighton, England at the Polytechnic School.

"POPMart" tour - september 30, 1997. U2 play Tel Aviv, Israel. U2 plays its first-ever show in Israel, in Tel Aviv. Bono dedicates "One" to the late Prime Minister of Israel, Itzhak Rabin, who was murdered two years ago. He also stirs controversy by appealing for the release from imprisonment of nuclear secrets traitor Mordechai Vanunu -- an appeal which generates little response from the audience. Local radio reports that 34 fans require medical treatment due to the crush of the crowd as U2 enters the stadium. As many international acts have boycotted performing in Israel after recent bomb attacks in Jerusalem, U2's appearance is politically sensitive and the band publicly announces they will spend as little time in Israel as possible. Edge flew immediately after the show to Los Angeles to the birth of his first daughter with Morleigh Steinberg, Sian

9/29/2007

SEPTEMBER 29: twice in London / Bono plays and Larry sings / Bono at UK Party conference!

"Boy" tour - september 29, 1980. U2 perform in London, England at the Marquee Club. // London, England - Maida Vale Studios. I Will Follow, Electric Co., An Cat Dubh, Into The Heart

"The Joshua Tree" tour - september 29, 1987. U2 perform in New York, New York at Madison Square Garden. Support is "The Pogues".

"LoveTown" tour - september 29, 1989. U2 perform in Sydney, Australia at the Entertainment Centre. On this night, Bono comments on his new style of playing guitar, "I like squeezing the notes like B.B. King does. I like to take an acoustic guitar and play late at night outside the venue. Who were the girls that were there last night, that we were singing to? Some crazy people waiting outside...should've been in their beds!" Bono invites Larry to sing a verse of "Stand By Me", and trades places with Larry by picking up his drumsticks and playing. Bono attempts to finish the song with a drum solo, but loses one of the drumsticks and quickly ends the song. Support is "Wedding Parties Anything" and B.B. King.

"Bono speaks at UK Labour Party Conference" - september, 29, 2004. Bono speaks today at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton, England. He praises Labour party leaders Tony Blair and Gordon Brown for their efforts to help Africa deal with the ongoing AIDS crisis, but tells the party to "get real" and finish what they started. "There's no way we can look at Africa -- a continent bursting into flames -- and if we're honest conclude that it would ever be allowed to happen anywhere else," Bono says. "Anywhere else. Certainly not here. In Europe. Or America. Or Australia, or Canada. There's just no chance."

9/28/2007

SEPTEMBER 28: Bono plays for some fans outside U2´s hotel / twice-'Haven´t Found' / Roy Lichtenstien dies in New York / GET UP STAND UP - the story of pop and protest / The African Well Fund is honored to have won Philanthropy Foundation's first annual Global People's Choice Award!

"LoveTown" tour - september 28, 1989. U2 perform in Sydney, Australia at the Entertainment Centre. "Desire" includes part of "The Byrd"'s "So You want To Be (A Rock & Roll Star)", which will show up on most versions of "Desire" performed on the "LoveTown" tour. After this show, Bono plays for some fans outside of U2's hotel in downtown Sydney.

"The Joshua Tree" - september 28, 1987. U2 perform in New York, New York at Madison Square Garden. During the first performance of "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" Bono talks about visiting Harlem a few days earlier, "A few days ago we were in Harlem, and we heard these words coming out of a church hall. They said, 'I believe in the Kingdom come, then all the colours will bleed into one.' I said, 'Hey! Those are my words. I wrote those words! So we went inside and found 'The New Voices of Freedom', a gospel choir...And they were singing this song..." At the end of "Party Girl" the 25 members of "The New Voices of Freedom" join the band on stage. For the second time that evening, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", this time in a gospel version. Bono duets with lead soloists Dororthy Terrell and George Pendergrasss. Adam and The Edge watch from the side of the stage. The song will end up on the "Rattle & Hum" album, but not in the movie. Support is "The Pogues".

"Roy Lichtenstein" - september 28, 1997. Pop artist Roy Lichtenstien dies in New York. He contributed some visuals for the POPMart tour.

GET UP STAND UP - the story of pop and protest - September 28, 2005 - The Live 8 concerts to fight poverty in Africa are just the most recent demonstration of how musicians have lent their voice and considerable influence to an issue that transcends the realm of popular music. GET UP, STAND UP, a new two-hour documentary, chronicles the vital role that popular music has played in the ongoing struggles for peace and equality... El Salvador devolved into civil war between the ruling army and leftist guerrillas following the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero in 1980. The corrupt rule of Nicaragua's Somoza family ended after more than four decades with their defeat by the Sandinistas in a civil war in the mid-1970s. Sandinista leftist policies and links to Cuba and the Soviet Union led the United States to fund and support their armed opposition, the Contras, in the 1980s. The U.S. government's aid to the right-wing governments and disregard for their appalling human rights records led several artists to pen songs in protest: "Lives in the Balance" by Jackson Browne, "They Dance Alone" by Sting, "The Circle" by Kris Kristofferson, and "Bullet the Blue Sky" by U2 - pbs. Some photos: Interference

The African Well Fund is honored to have won Philanthropy Foundation's first annual Global People's Choice Award - September 28, 2006 - The award was announced at the 2006 International ePhilanthropy Awards September 21 in New York City. The African Well Fund was selected for the Global People's Choice Award by visitors to the ePhilanthropy Foundation's web site who were asked to vote for their favorite among the Awards finalists. AWF was selected as a finalist for its annual Build a Well for Bono’s Birthday fundraising drive. ... The African Well Fund is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 2002 by a group of U2 fans. Since that time, AWF has raised over $210,000, which has been used to fund more than 40 clean water projects in sub-Saharan Africa. All donations to the African Well Fund go directly to Africare, one of the leading private, non-profit, charitable organizations assisting Africa. The African Well Fund was founded to focus on one achievable goal: providing access to clean water to everyone in Africa. The African Well Fund believes that access to water is not merely a basic human need but a basic human right

9/27/2007

SEPTEMBER 27: Marquee Club / 'Desire' / U2 plays atop The Clarence for Top of the Pops / Bono to launch Red in alliance with major brands / It's announced Bono and Across The Universe / Bono wrote "Thank You" / Edge and Bono were at a night club in NYC / Bono's plea for 'dad's angels'

"Boy" tour - september 27 1980 U2 perform in Coventry, England at the Marquee Club.

"LoveTown" tour - september 27, 1989. U2 perform in Sydney, Australia at the Entertainment Centre. One of the 3 dates are the first of 8 in Australia's largest city. "Desire" includes part of "The Byrd"'s "So You want To Be (A Rock & Roll Star)", which will show up on most versions of "Desire" performed on the "LoveTown" tour. Support is "Wedding Parties Anything" and B.B. King.

U2 plays atop The Clarence for Top of the Pops - september 27, 2000. U2 performs on top of The Clarence Hotel in Dublin before a crowd of several thousand onlookers, most of whom can only hear the music from the street below. The band performs "Beautiful Day" and "Elevation" for the BBC program Top of the Pops, which will air the songs 10 days later.
Beautiful Day:


Bono to launch Red in alliance with major brands - September 27, 2005 - LONDON - Rock star Bono is laying the groundwork for a scheme called Red that will recruit big-name brands to raise funds for famine-stricken people. Plans are at an early stage, but the singer, who was instrumental in July's Live8 shows, has already contacted brand-owners to discuss their involvement. He wants to bring in major brands in sectors ranging from fashion to entertainment. They would develop limited-edition lines, from which a proportion of sales would go into a fund. Bono's publicist said Red was a "work in progress". He added: "It's a project looking at ways to get more funding for the global fund from the private sector." No launch date has been set, but Bono is keen to have Red up and running by early next year. The news follows reports that Bono and Sir Bob Geldof have fallen out with Make Poverty History. Bono denied the claims, saying the partnership was successful as global leaders made a number of financial pledges at the G8 Gleneagles summit.

It's announced Bono and Across The Universe - September 27, 2005 - U2 rocker BONO and transvestite funnyman EDDIE IZZARD are set to star alongside EVAN RACHEL WOOD in new musical ACROSS THE UNIVERSE - a movie plotted around songs by THE BEATLES. The film will chart the adventures of a young British man who heads to America during the Vietnam war in search of his father. And Bono, who sang alongside SIR PAUL McCARTNEY at the Live 8 charity extravaganza, is keen to make his acting debut in the film. THE AVENGERS star Izzard, is similarly excited about the project which has been created by the writers of 1980s British TV hit AUF WIEDERSEHEN PET.

Bono wrote "Thank You" - September 27, 2005 - Daniel Lanois, legendary producer (U2, Bob Dylan, Dashboard Confessional) and singer-songwriter, is interviewed by David Spelman and gives an exclusive in-studio performance of selected songs and instrumentals. Lanois performs on acoustic, electric, and pedal steel guitars and performs an acoustic version of the unreleased song ¿Thank You¿, co-written with his friend Bono.

Edge and Bono were at a night club in NYC - September 27, 2006.

Bono's plea for 'dad's angels' - September 27, 2006 - BONO has opened his heart about his father's death and told why he's backing a global hospice awareness day - supported by The Sun Online. The U2 star's father Bob passed away in 2001 after losing his long fight with cancer. And now Bono is throwing his weight behind World Hospice and Palliative Care Day - on October 7 - to highlight the work of the "angels" who cared for his dad in his final days. The campaigning Irish rocker said: “In life, you try your best to hold on tight to your dignity, in death sometimes others have to hold onto it for you. "The premise of hospice care is very close to the bone for me. The hospice was available to look after my father before he died of cancer. "These people are kind of angels. They escort you to the door of your death; they are the midwives for delivery into your next life. "The comfort and relief they provide is exponential, it spills over to family, friends, colleagues. It’s a blessing that everyone should be able to receive." These people are kind of angels. They escort you to the door of your death; they are the midwives for delivery into your next life. (Bono) ... Bono - who is well-known for his role in erasing the debts of poor countries - also spoke of the need for hospice care around the globe. He added: "In the poorest countries, where so many people are fighting for their lives, the conditions of death don’t get much of a look in. But how we care for the sick and dying is surely a litmus test of our humanity. Just as we fight for equality in life, we should fight for equality in death." thesun.co.uk

9/26/2007

SEPTEMBER 26: Phil Joanou films "Haven´t Found" to "Rattle And Hum" / George Bush speech / in Greece / 100,000 units in roughly one year (EDUN) / Bono's image in Dublin / Edge and Bono at Scorcese´s premiere of "The Departed" / Signing Books in NYC / The Saints Are Coming have arrived at U.S. radio stations!

"Boy" tour - september 26, 1980. U2 perform in Birmingham, England at the Cedar Ballroom.

"The Joshua Tree" tour - september 26, 1987. U2 tour Harlem, New York City, New York. They are taken to a church where "The New Voices of Freedom" perform their hit "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". U2 invite the group to join them on stage at their Madison Square Garden show on September 28, 1987. Phil Joanou films the church scene for "Rattle & Hum".


"ZOOTV" tour - september 26, 1992. MTV airs the September 25, 1992 phone call from Atlanta, Georgia to the White House. Accompanying the footage, is part of a George Bush speech on which the President comments on Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton's conversation with Bono on Rockline(August 28, 1992): "So Governor Clinton doesn't think foreign policy is important, but anyway, he's trying to catch up. You may have seen this in the news, he was in Hollywood, seeking foreign policy advice from the rock grop - rock group - U2. Now, understand, I have nothing against U2 - you may not know this but they're trying to call me at the White House every night during their concerts. But the next time we face a foreign policy crisis, I will work with John Major and Boris Yeltsin, and Bill Clinton can consult Boy George - I will stay with the experts!"

"POPMart" tour - september 26, 1997. U2 perform in Thessaloniki, Greece - Harbour Yard. U2 are forced to ditch their cars at the border, and walk into Greece because of a 48-hour Finance Ministry strike. Truck's carrying U2's equipment from Sarajevo were only allowed in after the intervention of Salonika Mayor Costas Kosmopoulos. Edge´s karaoke this night is "Sugar, Sugar".

100,000 units in roughly one year (EDUN) - September 26, 2006 - And Edun, a year-old, socially conscious fashion label that supports farmers in developing-world nations [founded by Ali Hewson, wife of U2 singer Bono, and hip clothing designer Rogan Gregory], produces Edun Live, organic-cotton T-shirts made in Africa. The Edun Live organic-cotton T-shirts are proving popular: To date, the company has shipped 100,000 units in roughly one year.

Bono's image in Dublin - September 26, 2006 - Bono appears on a screen image as he introduces Jay-Z at The Point on september 26, 2006, in Dublin, Ireland.

Edge and Bono at Scorcese´s premiere of "The Departed" - September 26, 2006 - Arrivals at "The Departed" were as star-studded as they get last night, as the long-anticipated Martin Scorsese flick about cops and the mob premiered at the Ziegfeld Theatre. Among those flocking to the famed movie palace on West 54th Street were ... Mark Wahlberg and Alec Baldwin, Lorraine Bracco from "The Sopranos," Rolling Stones Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood, and U2's Bono and Edge. ... Scorsese spent three months filming around the city, including in the East Village and Brooklyn.

Signing Books in NYC - September 26, 2006 - The band sign books at Barnes and Noble's Union Square store - a limited number of wristbands were available at Barnes and Noble's Union Square store (33 E. 17th St. betw. Bway and Park Ave So.) beginning at 9 AM morning, Tuesday. Wristbands were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers with wristbands must had a US edition of U2 BY U2 in order to join the booksigning line, and no other items were signed. Some photos, here

The Saints Are Coming have arrived at U.S. radio stations - September 26, 2006 - Interscope Records has issued a studio version of the U2/Green Day collaboration, "The Saints Are Coming," which has arrived today at U.S. radio stations. It's the first U2 release with Rick Rubin getting production credits. Collectors will want to know that the tracks runs 3:24 and is packaged in a clear, slimline jewel case, with no artwork or tray cards. There's no catalog number on the CD. Pop fans will probably notice that Bono slips in a "boom-cha" a couple times in the song...."

9/25/2007

SEPTEMBER 25: 1st meeting at Larry´s house (CELEBRATE IT) / Bruce Springsteen joins U2 to 'Stand By Me" / Operator Two / Bono appeals to World Bank / 68th 'VERTIGO' show: Bono mentions the 29th anniversary of the 1st meeting in Larry´s kitchen-G8 agreed to 100% debt cancellation for 38 of the world´s poorest countries-IRA will turn and destroy all the weapons-'Who´s Gonna Ride..."=Edge, on the walkway with Bono, seemed to be playing a different song (they laughed)-40 is dedicated to bass tech Stuart Morgan / SUPERDOME RE-OPEN:'Wake Me Up When September Ends'-'House of the Rising Sun'-'The Saints are Coming'-'Beautiful Day'!

"Early Ireland" - september 25, 1976 - Larry Mullen, Jr. posts a note on the bulletin board at Dublin's Mount Temple Comprehensive School seeking other musicians to start a band. The group of students' first meeting is at Larry's house; they set up in the kitchen, and play the Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" and "Satisfaction." The entire group includes Larry, Dave and Dik Evans, Adam Clayton, Paul Hewson, Peter Martin, and Ivan McCormick made U2's First Meeting on Saturday September 25, 1976 (as mentioned in journalist Neil McCormick's 2004 book "Killing Bono/I Was Bono's Doppelganger" on page 18).

"Boy" tour - september 25, 1980. U2 perform in Liverpool, England at Brady's.

"The Joshua Tree" tour - september 25, 1987. U2 perform in JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A huge crowd come to see U2 perform -- 86,145 tickets are sold for the venue. Bono again kids about his injury, "Well, as you can probably see, it looks like I busted my shoulder up a little bit bad, but the joke around the band is that they busted my shoulder up to stop me playing guitar!" Two fans jump on stage during "Unforgettable Fire", and Bono motions toward his shoulder, asking them not to touch him, "I'd dance with you, my friends...only my arm is in a sling, you get the picture..." Bono improvised the end of "Bullet the Blue Sky": "So I went walking through Philadelphia, to the streets and the side streets and on and off those little campuses et cetera...And then I found myself in this big, round open space made of concrete and steel called the JFK! And I said, 'If this is America, I like it!' And I thought about my arm in a sling, and the way I feel walking up on to the stage in a rock & roll show, and I said it doesn't matter a shit! Because this is not Las Vegas...this is not show business...this is rock & roll. And that's when I knew that I had run...into the arms of...America!" Bruce Springsteen joins the band for an encore performance of "Stand By Me". Support is Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul.

"ZOOTV" tour - september 25, 1992. U2 perform in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia Dome. That afternoon, the band and members of the crew get together to discuss the upcoming Australian Tour. It is decided to postpone the tour into 1993 -- the band are tired and agree they would not be able to give the type of performances that would be expected from them. U2 are the first band to play in the Georgia Dome which opened a month earlier. Due to miscommunication with the stadium's staff, the house lights remain on during "Zoo Station". When Bono calls the White House that evening, he asks why the staff did not accept the invitation to attend the September 23rd, 1992 concert in Columbia, South Carolina. The operator laughs and gets one of her colleagues onto the line, "Operator Two?" Bono asks with amazement, "She's my favorite! I'm getting to know their names! Is that Operator Two?" "Yes," the operator says to which Bono responds, "Hi, I just wanna say I got a crush on you." Bono explains to the two operators that U2 would have really treated them well in South Carolina, and "Operator Two" explains that the staff was just too busy for that type of trip. "Well, darling," Bono finishes, "We really would like to see you at a U2 concert, so if you should change your mind you just give us a call. In the meantime, if you could pass a message on to the President - just tell him to..." The operator cuts in with the end of the statement, "Watch more TV...thank you for calling us, bye." Support is B.P. Fallon, "Big Audio Dynamite II" and "Public Enemy".

"Bono appeals for debt relief at World Bank meeting in Prague" - september 25, 2000. Bono appears in Prague at a joint meeting of the World Bank/IMF to urge international cancellation of Third World debts.

68th 'VERTIGO' show - september 25, 2005 - Milwaukee, WI - Bradley Center - Dashboard Confessional. Bono mentions the 29th anniversary of the 1st meeting in Larry´s kitchen-G8 agreed to 100% debt cancellation for 38 of the world´s poorest countries-IRA will turn and destroy all the weapons / 'Who´s Gonna Ride..."=Edge, on the walkway with Bono, seemed to be playing a different song (they laughed) / 40 is dedicated to bass tech Stuart Morgan! City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, Elevation, The Electric Co., The Ocean, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Beautiful Day - Many Rivers to Cross, Miracle Drug, Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own, Love and Peace or Else, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Bullet the Blue Sky, Miss Sarajevo, Pride, Where the Streets Have No Name, One - Ol' Man River. Encore(s): The First Time, Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, With or Without You, All Because of You, Yahweh, 40. Bono tells the crowd that tonight is the 29th anniversary of the first time U2 ever met and played together as a band and reminisces about the days when they were just starting out. He sings a couple lines from 'In a Little While' at the end of Still Haven't Found. He praises the recent IRA disarmament agreement and holds an Irish flag during Sunday Bloody Sunday. Bono and Edge fumble through Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, stopping and restarting to get it right. 40 is dedicated to bass tech Stuart Morgan, who is not at the show after the recent death of his mother. **** 'We had some great news today': A doubly historic day with debt relief for Africa and guns laid down in Ireland - a night of celebration in Milwaukee. Africa has been a dominant theme in every one of U2's shows since setting out on Vertigo-05 and yesterday news came from both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund that they would ratify the historic deal made by the G8 leaders in July to cancel the debts of up to 38 countries. No wonder Bono was pleased, no-one's worked harder on a political campaign that took off in the late 1990¿s. It was great to be in Milwaukee with 20,000 other U2 lovers and share the moment. 'That was dedicated to our friends who've done their work on Africa,' explained Bono, after a dazzling version of Miracle Drug. 'We had some great news through today. Today is the end of so many years work on the Drop The Debt campaign - thirty eight of the poorest countries on the planet have been set free. I'd like to congratulate the World Bank and the IMF - they made the right choices. Choices they made because of you.'...Could any song top Sunday Bloody Sunday as a moment to offer a nod to another piece of history in the making - the news that the IRA are decommissioning all their weapons. Bono pulled an Irish flag from the audience in the middle of the song and started to explain how, when he was young, he was never comfortable with it. 'But tomorrow I will feel proud to raise this flag. Because tomorrow sees the end of what is known as 'the Troubles' in Ireland...You will see on your evening news the Provisional IRA have decided to destroy all their weapons, this is a brave and courageous decision. And we want to salute that ...' Rarely has a song been quite so topical, maybe not since that night of filming in 1987 for 'Rattle and Hum'... but tonight the emotions were entirely the opposite....a real tour moment as Adam and Bono stand on the elipse, lights full on and bursting from the stage behind . 'All you need is love' sang Bono as another fab four introduce a song called One. 'Milwaukee! That is great. this could be a good moment...phones - make a pretty picture, turn this arena into the milky way. Wow that's a C21st moment right there...' And it is, the power of One, the power of all these people with all this technology, all this goodwill.. and all these great songs. After that we were in the home straight and wanting it never to end: First Time, followed by Wild Horses, With or Without You, All Because of You and then, a double benediction in Yahweh and '40'. **** Bono and the boys throw a birthday bash: That was just one of the lessons learned Sunday night at the Bradley Center when a sold-out crowd joined U2 for a birthday celebration that affirmed the power of music to inspire, unite and even effect positive change in the world. "Twenty-nine years to this day, this band met for the first day. Little boys with big ideas - probably just big heads," said Bono after the quartet treated fans to a pair of songs, "The Electric Co." and "The Ocean," from its first album, 1980's "Boy." Both songs underscored just how big the Dublin teenagers were thinking when they formed - and how thinking big, not to mention a healthy sense of humor about themselves, would become a hallmark of the band. The early songs, already full of Edge's lush, unbounded guitar work and Bono's emphatic vocals, stood as equals in quality and vision to 2000's "Elevation" and 1987's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," which book-ended them. The near-two hour set was more than an anniversary retrospective of the band's career, however. After opening with crowd-showering confetti during "City of Blinding Lights" and "Vertigo," both from 2004's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," U2 used songs old and new as segues for causes the band believes in. Bono dedicated "Miracle Drug" to nurses and doctors, particularly those waging war against the AIDS pandemic. The singer prefaced "Miss Sarajevo," the band's haunting song of humanity during the Balkans War, with a salute to the bravery of the men and women of the American military. As the song came to a close, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights scrolled overhead on a widescreen jumbo TV. After leading the crowd through a rousing version of "Sunday Bloody Sunday," Bono took an Irish flag from the crowd and explained there was a time he wasn't comfortable waving the symbol of a country torn by war and division. "But tomorrow sees the end of what is known as 'the Troubles' in Ireland," Bono said, citing a disarmament agreement. Perhaps the evening's most emotional synthesis of sound, vision and heart came as Bono dedicated "Where the Streets Have No Name" to the nations of Africa, which have been the focus of his politicking for global debt relief. Ceiling-to-stage curtains of light bulbs displayed a scroll of the flags of that continent's nations during the song, then changed to the American flag as Bono segued into "Old Man River" and spoke of compassion for victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The evening was not all about the causes of rocks stars who loom larger than life in pop culture, of course. Bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. performed solidly but largely kept to the background, as usual. Edge's guitar has rarely sounded more immediate and complex - well, except for a fumble during one of the encores, "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses," when the guitarist, on the walkway with Bono, seemed to be playing a different song. Both men stopped, looked at each other and laughed. "Just give us a minute," Bono told the crowd, pulling out his ear monitor and leaning into Edge's shoulder for an all-too-human confab about what to do next. Read on: jsonline. **** 29 years ago...G8 has agreed to drop all debt for the world´s porest countries...IRA will turn and destroy all the weapons Adam was smiling, alot, and even Larry cracked a few! It was truly a birthday celebration. As Bono mentioned, this day 29 years ago, a band was formed in Larry Mullen Jr's kitchen. Two other notable announcements Bono shared, today the G8 has agreed to drop all oustanding debt for the world's poorest countries, and tomorrow the IRA will turn in and/or destroy all of it's weapons,...... seemed Bono and the boys were feeling pretty good. Bono hit the operetic of "Miss Sarajevo" on the mark. A couple of humorous moments, Bono came in a bit early on one song and forgot the verse for "White Horses" on the tip of the elipse only to get helped out by the Edge, and with grins were back on track. They were having fun with it and the fans as well. **** Some photos on: U2tours. U2tours. The girl who danced with Bono.

SUPERDOME RE-OPEN: 'Wake Me Up When September Ends' / 'House of the Rising Sun' - 'The Saints are Coming' - 'Beautiful Day' - September 25, 2006 - New Orleans, La, Superdome - U2 and Green Day perform a short set together at the reopening of the Superdome. Edge performs 'Wake Me Up...' with Green Day, and the rest of U2 take the stage for a 3-song medley that ends with a bit of 'Beautiful Day.' The performance is broadcast on ESPN prior to a Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. It's the first football game at the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina, and proceeds from Internet downloads of the performance are earmarked for the Music Rising program. Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Spike Lee were there, too.

Some photos:
Interference * U2-Vertigo-tour * U2daily * Saint's fans in New Orleans

9/24/2007

SEPTEMBER 24: Birmingham / Under Australian Skies / Edge and Bono dance at The Young Olympians Junior Second Line Parade in New Orleans / U2 and Green Day rehearsals for Superdome re-open / Interviews: Edge and Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day, to CNN and abcnews!

"Boy" tour - september 24, 1980 / Birmingham, England - Bogart's.

"The Unforgettable Fire" tour - september 24, 1984. U2 finish the "Under Australian Skies" tour with performances in Perth, Australia at the Entertainment Centre.

Edge and Bono dance in New Orleans - September 24, 2006 - The Young Olympians Junior Second Line Parade celebrated the 122nd year of the benevolent society's existence.


The rehearsal:
: " 2:45 pm - The U2 crew practice putting up and striking the stage as quickly as possible. The stage design is simple. 3:20 pm - The Edge and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day film interviews together in the end zone with Good Morning America and Extra. Bono runs around inside the stadium with photographers following him. Paul McGuinness surveys the action. 4:20 pm - The Edge rehearses some Green Day songs, as well as “The Saints Are Coming” and “Beautiful Day,” alone to a tape. His trusty tech Dallas Schoo stands by. 4:40 pm - Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton arrive with the rest of the members of Green Day, joining Edge on stage for rehearsal. Bono is the last on stage, wearing a different outfit than what he arrived in. It’s a black military-style jacket with an atomic bomb starburst design on the back, black pants, and a black tee. Bono grabs his microphone and says, “Welcome to the black and red conference.” 4:45 pm - The bands rehearse “The Saints Are Coming,” segueing into “Beautiful Day.” Every volunteer and staff member working in the Superdome is on the field watching the bands rehearse. 4:55 pm - The bands rehearse Green Day’s song “Wake Up When September Ends” repeatedly. 5:05 pm - Rehearsal continues. The song order for the performance tomorrow appears to be “Wake Up When September Ends” and “The Saints Are Coming/Beautiful Day.” 5:30 pm - Bono changes into a different outfit for the second half of rehearsal. 6:30 pm - A brass horn section joins the band on stage for “Wake Up When September Ends.” 7:10 pm - Rehearsal breaks with a round of applause from everyone on the field. 7:55 pm - Both bands return to the stage to rehearse the set again. 8:05 pm - Rehearsal ends." * U2 will take center stage with Green Day at appx. 7:20pm - SUPERDOME RE-OPENING - SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - ALL TIMES LOCAL (CT) ... INSIDE ... PREGAME SHOW (7:21-7:30 P.M.- Green Day will take center stage inside the stadium at appx. 7:20pm, immediately followed by U2 ) U2 and GREEN DAY (also joined onstage by local bands Storyville Band and New Birth Band) The performance, which marks the first collaborative appearance on stage by the two super-groups, will benefit Music Rising, the campaign launched to help bring music back to the Gulf Coast region. The special performance is sponsored by RealNetworks Rhapsody digital music service. In addition to the live ESPN and Westwood One broadcast of the pregame show, Rhapsody will offer a live streaming audio webcast via www.rhapsody.com. Shortly after the event, fans will have the ability to buy a download from U2 and Green Day's performance via Rhapsody. All net proceeds will go directly to Music Rising. In addition, fans may donate directly by logging onto www.musicrising.org or by calling toll free within the US: 1-866-370-3403.

Interviews: Edge and Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day at Superdome - September 24, 2006 - The Superdome was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina and used as a shelter from the storm by tens of thousands of people but re-open for the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons football game on Monday, Sept. 25 - Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong and U2's The Edge talk before an interview on the field of the Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006
The interview to CNN:

The interview to abcnews (with some images of the rehearsal):

Edge´s interview - Good Morning America: "If you go to the Music Rising Web site — musicrising.org — there's lots of ways people can get involved," he said.
U2, Green Day Gear Up for the Game - Performance at the Superdome Will Help New Orleans Musicians Get Back on Track - Sept. 25, 2006 — For many, New Orleans means music. When Hurricane Katrina ripped through the city last year, though, thousands of musicians lost their instruments and in many cases their livelihoods, silencing the heart and soul of the region. The Edge from the rock band U2 decided to help with his organization Music Rising, which puts instruments back in the hands of musicians.
"Jazz, R&B, rock and roll — everything started in this little area," the Edge said to ABC's Robin Roberts.
"So, not only for today and for the future, but in reference to the history and the past, I think every musician who earns money doing what they do owes a little bit of a debt to New Orleans."
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong is partnering with the Edge to help revive New Orleans music.
Tonight, Green Day and U2 will perform during the Saints' opening game in the newly refurbished Superdome that was badly damaged by Katrina.
"For an area like this, for New Orleans, it's the blood that flows through the city and to see what the Edge and Music Rising. … You know, putting this thing together, it's just a great, great thing," Armstrong said.
It's a great thing for musicians like Jonno Frishberg and members of his band, Bayou Deville.
They lost instruments in Katrina but are now back on their feet and playing again, thanks to Music Rising.
"Giving people their tools that they lost to work with is not only empowering but is directly useful to allow them to pay rent and feed themselves and their families, you know," the Edge said.
Music Rising has helped musicians get back on track.
Now, the Edge wants to bring music back to schools and churches as well.
"That is the next phase, yes. … If you go to the Music Rising Web site — musicrising.org — there's lots of ways people can get involved," he said.
Gearing Up for the Show - Green Day is slated to perform the hit "Wake Me Up When September Ends" in the Superdome later today.
"I think the sort of thing that it resonates is hope, you know," Armstrong said about the song.
"That's sort of … that's what, you know, lifting people's spirits and getting into that … something that can rally people for hope a little bit more."
U2 is hoping its music will have the same effect.
Already, the Saints have said they want to play "Beautiful Day" during all their pregame activities.
"It's a good song," the Edge said. "I hope … for New Orleans it's like the past is laid to rest and from now on, OK, we have a lot of problems to get over but now the party starts so 'Beautiful Day' is probably a fitting song."
As for predictions for the game between the undefeated Saints and Falcons, the Edge and Armstrong are keeping their lips sealed.
"The last time I made predictions I got into trouble so I'm not going to make any," the Edge said.

9/23/2007

SEPTEMBER 23: "END APARTHEID" banner / "It Never Rains In South Carolina" / U2 play in Sarajevo: Miss Sarajevo live-Edge sings alone Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bono meets the Pope / 67th 'VERTIGO show: 'Crumbs From Your Table' debuts-Edge, a true rock original-Larry works his magic-to return to guitar and bass / “U2 By U2” in Dublin!

"Boy" tour - september 23, 1980. U2 perform in Sheffield, England at the Limit Club.

September 23 1983 Bono makes an appearance with "The Alarm" in New York City, New York at The Ritz. Bono sings along to Bob Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door".

"The Unforgettable Fire" tour - september 23, 1984. U2 finish the "Under Australian Skies" tour with performances in Perth, Australia at the Entertainment Centre. On Australian charts, the "Pride(In The Name Of Love)" single, which was uncharted before the tour began, is now #4.

"The Joshua Tree" tour - september 23, 1987. U2 perform in New Haven, Connecticut at the Coliseum. This is the smallest crowd of the third leg of the "Joshua Tree" tour--only 10,535 tickets are sold. During "Pride(In the Name of Love)", Bono invites an African-American woman, along with her Caucasian boyfriend up on stage to display their "END APARTHEID" banner. "Well, I don't go to any Ivy League University, but it doesn't take a very smart man to work out that I cannot enjoy my freedom while there are others unfree," he states. During "Party Girl" he jokes about his shoulder injury and mocks his friends, "I'll tell you what--I think I'm going to perform for the rest of my life in one of these. I'm getting a whole pile of sympathy from people, all spoiling me. 'You okay, Bono? Sit down Bono..You sure your arm isn't sore Bono? Oh, it's really sore!" Support is Mason Ruffner.

"ZOOTV" tour - september 23, 1992. U2 perform in Colubia, South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium. The concert is performed in a light rain, and Bono sings a few lines of Albert Hammond's "It Never Rains In South Carolina". U2's first South Carolina show is the smallest Outside Broadcast date - only 28,305 tickets are sold in a venue that can hold 40,136. U2 had offered to fly the entire White House Operator Staff down from Washington, D.C., for the show - but the staff refused the offer. At this show, a 23 year-old female fan named Dail is abducted and has not been seen since. A group of friends will travel from show to show with the band hoping to catch a glimpse of her or find out information about her kidnappers. Support is B.P. Fallon, "Big Audio Dynamite II" and "Public Enemy".

"POPMart" tour - september 23, 1997. U2 keep a promise and play Sarajevo - Kosevo Stadium. Ticket prices were slashed to $11 each, and the concert attendance was reported to be 45,000. U2 perform "Miss Sarajevo" live, and an acoustic version of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" played and sung by The Edge. Gazi-Husruf Beg High School Chorus opens the show. Special Guest: Brian Eno on "Miss Sarajevo". Bono steps off the PopMart plane, bows to the reporters and says . ``It's great to be back. Are we really here?" Gazi-Husruf Beg Islamic high school chorus sings two Islamic spiritual songs, ``Ilahije'' and ``Kaside.'' People of all ethnic backgrounds come to the still war torn Kosevo Stadium, site of the opening and closing ceremonies of the now long ago 1984 Olympics. U2 wanted desperately to play in Sarajevo during the Zooropa tour but concluded it would still be dangerous even to play in a little club. U2 made numerous mid-show calls to American Bill Carter in war ravaged Sarajevo in 1993, but U2 were unable to help otherwise. Bono pledged the group would go to Sarajevo on a trip on New Year's Day 1995. The concert recalls the Olympic atmosphere and people from throughout the former Yugoslavia attend. NATO troops help out by guarding the stadium and controlling crowds The set is highlighted by the second live rendition ever (first for U2) of Miss Sarajevo, and the
first full rendition of (solo by Edge) Sunday Bloody Sunday for this tour. A local tenor from Tuzla takes over Pavarotti's part in Miss Sarajevo, and footage from the Bill Carter documentary fill the screen as Eno, U2 and the tenor sing the song Bono says any proceeds from the show (18 dollars a ticket) will go to Pavarotti's War Child organization for Bosnian relief. Bono's voice almost gives at least ten times and he croaks out the high notes on the older songs.
Miss Sarajevo:

The road to Sarajevo:

Missing Sarajevo:

U2 in Sarajevo:


'Bono meets the Pope - Pope wears Bono's sunglasses' - september 23, 1999. Bono and other supporters of Jubilee 2000 visit Pope John Paul II at his summer home outside Rome. During the meeting, Bono gives the Pope a book of poetry by the great Irish poet Seamus Haney. But headlines are made when Bono hands the Pope his sunglasses and the Pontiff puts them on, prompting Bono to tell the world's media that John Paul II is the world's "first funky Pontiff." "(The Pope's) everyday courage amazes me. As aged as he is and as infirm as he has been, he will, you know, hang out with a bunch of pop stars," Bono said.

67th 'VERTIGO show - september 23, 2005 - Minneapolis / MN, Target Center - Dashboard Confessional - 'Crumbs From Your Table' debuts / Edge, a true rock original / Larry works his magic / to return to guitar and bass! City Of Blinding Lights / Vertigo / Elevation / Electric Co. / The Ocean / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / Beautiful Day / Miracle Drug / Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own / Love And Peace Or Else / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bullet The Blue Sky / Miss Sarajevo / Pride (In The Name Of Love) / Where The Streets Have No Name / One / The First Time / Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses / With Or Without You / All Because Of You / Crumbs From Your Table / Yahweh / Vertigo. U2 continue mixing it up on this third leg. Wild Horses is a bit of s a shambles and Bono shouted 'middle eight' to get his band together. They play The First Time again. A girl is brought on stage during With Or Without You. Bono gives her a hug, but she seems uncomfortable (not a fan, perhaps? Or maybe she's just more into Larry.) It's been a long wait, but Crumbs From Your Table is finally played. Then they treat North America to the double Vertigo whammy. Snippets: The Electric Co. - Send In The Clowns / Beautiful Day - Many Rivers To Cross / Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own - No Regrets - The Black Hills of Dakota / One - Ol' Man River. **** 'Where you live should not decide...': Great tour debut for Crumbs From Your Table plus the story of Miss Sarajevo in Minneapolis last night....'We used to take the TV station out on the road on Zoo TV,' explained Bono...'We had this TV station, it was we will admit a great extravagance! We did a satellite link up with the city of Sarajevo which was under siege and people would beam into our concerts and talk. The reason they were so bombarded was because Sarajevo was previously a great symbol of coexist...' As Bono raps, Adam, Larry and Edge are getting Miss Sarajevo underway, and...Later the band played the city, a night Larry has called one of his all-time great memories. 'When we went there to play we met this girl,' continued Bono. 'She won the Miss Sarajevo beauty pageant. We asked her why they would have a pageant in these circumstances. She said they walked out under the mortar fire dressed up with saches and everything and signs that read 'Do you really want to kill us?' 'We wrote this song for her and recorded it with Luciano Pavarotti. He's not here,' added Bono, with a grin. But I1ve been putting on a little weight!'...If Edge and Bono were in the foreground, Larry and Adam held the show together, something yesterday's review by Bobby Reed in the Chicago Sun Times captured. 'The band was at its peak when all four members locked into a groove. Bassist Adam Clayton held down the low end with graceful panache, and Mullen proved once again that he is one of the best musicians in rock'n' roll. 'Bono may get all the press, but Mullen provides the musical bedrock that makes this quartet such a powerful live presence. His rumbling kick drum on 'Miracle Drug' and bright cymbal splashes on the classic 'One' were just as mesmerizing as any of the Edge's textured guitar solos. The soaring vocals and fine fretwork on hits such as 'Beautiful Day,' 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' and particularly 'Where the Streets Have No Name' gained much of their power because they were merged with Mullen's inventive percussion. 'Mullen's style is straightforward enough to rouse an entire arena of fans but complex enough to keep the songs from growing moldy over time. The best vantage point at a U2 show isn't in the pit near Bono, but on the side, about 20 rows up, where fans can carefully study Mullen as he works his magic.'...Edge carrying his acoustic guitar out to the elipse end...another surprise and then the biggest surprise of the night, the live debut of Crumbs From Your Table. What a song! 'You speak of signs and wonders / But I need something other / I would believe if I was able / But I'm waiting on the crumbs from your table / Where you live should not decide / Whether you live or whether you die / Three to a bed / Sister Ann, she said / Dignity passes by...' **** Edge, a true rock original! ... During "Beautiful Day," a parent in front of the stage held up a young boy and, as Bono sang, he held the boy's left hand and the kid's right index finger pointed at Bono, bouncing perfectly to the beat, as if to say "you da man." Similarly, before "Elevation," a young woman held up a sign declaring "I lost 75 lbs to dance with you." Bono invited her onstage and announced, "You know Irish men don't dance. We do lots of other things." Then, of course, he danced with her and kissed her on the hand. For 2¼ hours, Bono came across as part politician, part preacher -- and all passion. His crusades and campaigns were not about rebellion but about unity. "Coexist" was the word he wore on his headband, with the C being a Muslim crescent moon, the X a Star of David and the T a cross. He acknowledged the hurricane hardships and recoveries in the South, declaring, "We're so proud to see America at its best." Bono also thinks globally, translating Zulu words, scrolling the Declaration of Human Rights across a giant screen and preaching that Martin Luther King's dream is "a European dream, an Asian dream, an African dream." Sometimes Bono seemed pompous and pretentious (especially the hokey blindfolded prisoner-of-war bit) but there were enough self-deprecating moments to deflate his big head. (Best: When he was doing "Miss Sarajevo," which he'd recorded with Pavarotti, he said, "He's not here, but I've been putting on a little bit of weight.") Indeed, Bono seemed like Pavarotti, Springsteen, King and Nelson Mandela all rolled into tight black jeans, a black leather jacket and wraparound sunglasses. He occasionally stepped out of that persona, especially during "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own." Dedicating the song to his late father, he shed the shades and offered his most emotional vocal, his eyes filled with bittersweet tears. Bono could not have pulled all this off without the rest of U2. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. and bassist Adam Clayton were the engine that drove the heroic sound. And it was the Edge, a true rock original, and his mostly subtle and always sublime guitar that made things magnificent. He provided the metallic fury during "Bullet the Blue Sky," the grace during "Yahweh" and the dizzying circular patterns during "Vertigo," which U2 curiously performed twice. "In Italian, encore means play the song a second time," Bono joked before the finale. The pope of pop knows a good benediction -- even if it's a roaring one. **** Beautiful night for U2 fans: From the moment U2 took the egg-shaped stage Friday night at Target Center, it was clear this was a criticism-proof show. Fiber optic curtains of light descended around The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, tickertape fell from the ceiling and Bono popped up - seemingly out of nowhere - on the far end of a catwalk that circled the stage and held a few hundred extremely ecstatic fans inside its confines. The band then launched into "City of Blinding Lights," a track from U2's coolly received recent disc "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb." But the audience of 20,240 - a record-breaking number for a Target Center concert, besting a 1992 Eric Clapton gig by 636 - reacted as if they were watching Jesus Christ, Elvis Presley, Allah and Superman. And with the next song, "Vertigo," the crowd got even more excited. Bono and company are savvy folk. The overwhelming passion the band inspires in its audience is only strengthened after an event like Friday's. Every aspect of the Minneapolis show - from the aforementioned stage to the bludgeoning sound and lights to Bono's oozing magnetism - is designed to make the evening more than a mere concert. This was meant to be an experience, the sort of thing you tell you grandkids about. As such, U2 delivered. Mostly, anyway. They invested new cuts like "Miracle Drug" and "Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own" with the same energy and enthusiasm as "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses." "Elevation" hit with breathtaking force, while "Beautiful Day" and "With or Without You" were so powerful, grown men started to weep, and it nearly felt like the entire Target Center levitated an inch or two off the floor. Moments like that made it a little easier to handle the clumsier turns like an oddly deconstructed audience-participation take on "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" as well as some of Bono's more groan-worthy messianic poses (musing about the Mississippi River, for instance). Searing versions of "(Pride) In the Name of Love," "One" and "All Because of You" didn't hurt, either. "We're a band that's just getting started," Bono said at one point during the show. And he might just be right.
read on: twincities **** Edge and Adam scramble to return to guitar and bass: Bono brings a female fan on stage to dance at the start of Elevation. Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses begins with just Bono and Edge before the whole band joins in. Bono dedicated "Miracle Drug" to those who perform medical miracles every day at the Mayo Clinic. Crumbs From Your Table is played for the first time. The band are about to launch into 40 to close the show, when Bono yells ENCORE! Edge and Adam scramble to return to guitar and bass, respectively, and the show instead ends with a 2nd version of Vertigo. **** Photos: U2-Vertigo-tour

“U2 By U2” in Dublin - September 23, 2006 - Book signing in Easons Book Store, Dublin, Ireland. U2 fans braved the elements in Dublin - Hundreds of U2 fans braved the elements in Dublin to get a glimpse of the band members who are due to sign copies of their new book at Eason's on O'Connell Street. But only 250 competition winners are being allowed entry to the shop where the band members are to sign copies of "U2 by U2". Tickets were allocated to winners of radio competitions and a contest on the band's official website. Their appearance, expected at around midday has forced the closure of Easons on O'Connell street from 8.30am until 3pm this afternoon. Bono made no formal comments at the private signing, and journalists weren't admitted, although photographers were allowed. Outside in the rain, police and crash barriers kept about 1,000 fans at bay on O'Connell Street, the major thoroughfare in Dublin. Most celebrities pushing books in Ireland do book signings at Eason's. But this was the first time that organizers decided to issue admissions by lottery to prevent crowd chaos. Some photos, here

9/22/2007

SEPTEMBER 22: a roadie holds a spotlight on Edge / The cure is love.../ Elevation´s sellout / Bono reveals plans for 'Red'-campaign (symbolising the AIDS emergency) / 'U2byU2' is released in London / A day in the life of the Edge - part 3, by Bono!

Boy" tour - september 22, 1980. U2 perform in London, England at the Marquee Club. Support is "Jane Kennaway & Strange Behaviour" and "Jerry Floyd".

"The Joshua Tree" tour - september 22, 1987. U2 perform in Foxboro, Massachusetts at Sullivan Stadium. The "Stand By Me" entrance is used for the last time--the crowd even know how to react when the song stars playing over the speakers. Bono's arm is in a sling, due to the injury sustained at the concert on September 20th, 1987 in Washington, D.C.. As a result, he avoids doing anything strenuous and during "Bullet The Blue Sky" a roadie holds a spotlight on The Edge. Support is "The Poges", and Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul.

"LoveTown" tour - september 22, 1989. The Lovetown tour kicks off in Australia, with the first of three sold-out gigs in the Perth Entertainment Centre. This second night, part of Bob Marley's "Exodus" is added to "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". During "Angel of Harlem", Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" is added at the end of the song. B.B. King is introduced as"[the] Monster of Blues". Bono and B.B. trade lines through "Angel of Harlem"--Bono: "B.B. invented the blues, and then he found a cure for the blues!" B.B.: "The cure is love...is there love in the house tonight? Is there enough love to make us not hurt each other? Is there enough love to make us wantt to help each other?" The crowd respond loudly, and B.B. adds, "Then there is love in this house tonight!" The Australian band "Weddings Parties Anything" and B.B. King support.

'U2 records 10 sellouts for Elevation's 3rd leg' - september 22, 2001. Ten of the 11 Elevation concerts which go on sale today are logged as sellouts. In the wake of the September 11th attacks, U2 had delayed ticket sales by a week and industry watchers speculated the tour may not fare as well in light of those events.

Bono reveals plans for 'Red'-campaign (symbolising the AIDS emergency) - September 22, 2005 - Bono is furious about the G8 outcome, but blames the lack of a movement: 'People say, are you upset after the G8, you didn't get this, this and this - of course I am. I am furious. But they blame the politicians. I blame us. We don't have the movement yet.' U2's frontman analyses the results of the G8 meeting with British economist and activist Noreena Hertz in an extensive interview for VPRO's current afairs show Tegenlicht ('Backlight'). Bono talks to Hertz about the results of the G8 summit in Gleneagles this summer and his continuing work as a lobbyist. He also reveals his plans for the new 'Red-campaign', which asks companies such as Apple and Nike to produce red coloured products, symbolising the AIDS emergency. The interview is part of the VPRO Tegenlicht documentary 'Noreena's Agenda', which will be broadcast on Dutch television on September 25.

'U2byU2' is released - September 22, 2006 - Waterstone's flagship bookstore in central London - A portrait by the artists 1.500 images and 150 hours of interviews - Arguably the greatest rock band on the planet, U2 now offers the definitive version of how it got there. U2byU2 (HarperCollins, $39.95) has 1,500-plus images and a rich band autobiography culled from 150 hours of interviews with singer Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton, drummer Larry Mullen Jr. and manager Paul McGuinness. Londoner Sunny Kang was first in the queue to meet the band, and received a kiss by Edge. Look for: Edge and his big book * the photographers * U2 and the fans in London

A day in the life of the Edge - part 3, by Bono - September 22, 2006 - Follow the Yellow Tape Road`
Part 3-A:

Part 3-B:

9/21/2007

SEPTEMBER 21: interview to writers for fanzine / 'Chimes of Freedom' / Edge: 'I've never seen a crowd quite like a U2 crowd' / U2 with Morleigh do 'Tribute To Heroes' / 66TH VERTIGO show: 'In A Little While' before 'SYCMIOYO'-Edge and Dallas are from another galaxy-Larry turns to the stage to take Bono´s hat which was over the mic / 10 Questions for Bono / A Day in the Life of The Edge - part 2, by Bono / Bono in London Fashion Week has condemned Sudan over the crisis in Darfur !

"Boy" tour - september 21, 1980. U2 perform in Wollaston, England at the Nag's Head.

"The Unforgettable Fire" tour - september 21, 1984. U2 perform in Adelaide, Australia at the Apollo Entertainment Centre.

"The Joshua Tree" tour - september 21, 1987, U2 hold a press conference in Boston, Massachusetts at the Paradise Theater. U2 invite writers for fanzines. Only 25 are able to show for the interview. It is recorded by Phil Joanou. Bono has his arm in a sling, due to the injury on September 20th, 1987 in Washington D.C, and will remain so until October 20th, 1987 in Iowa--a duration of 12 shows. He is clearly in pain and sits quietly. When asked about the next concert in Foxboro, Massachussetts on September 22, 1987, Bono replies, "I'll be singing for a change, instead of running around thinking I could fly."

"Human Rights Now!" - september 21, 1988. Bono appears on stage during the all-star performance of Bob Dylan's "Chimes of Freedom" at the "Human Rights Now!" concert in Los Angeles, California. The show finishes with a version of Bob Marley's "Get Up, Stand Up". He appears alongside Youssou N'Dour, Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel, Sting, and Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.

"LoveTown" tour - september 21, 1989. The Lovetown tour kicks off in Australia, with the first of three sold-out gigs in the Perth Entertainment Centre. The first night's perforamance goes well--the band have been rehearsing for this moment for months. Bono comments on the scalper's ticket prices during "Bullet The Blue Sky", "What's all this stuff about people paying $400 for a ticket? I mean, I'm in the band, and I know we're not worth $400!" B.B. King join U2 for the encore of "When Love Comes To Town", and "Love Rescue Me". After the show, The Edge comments to local press backstage, "I've been to a lot of shows, and I've never seen a crowd quite like a U2 crowd. It's almost like we are coming to their party because it's such a great atmosphere!" Adam Clayton adds, "It's good to be back...You forget how powerful it is to be in front of an audience. It's a great, great feeling..." Thetralian band "Weddings Parties Anything" and B.B. King support.

"Elevation" tour - september 21, 2001 / London, England - BBC Studios. Peace on Earth / Walk On / Hallelujah. U2 perform live in London at 2:20 am for the 'America: A Tribute to Heroes' telethon organized to raise money for victims of the U.S. terrorist attacks ten days ago. Bono sings the first verse of 'Peace on Earth,' changing the lyrics to 'There's never gonna be Peace on Earth.' They're joined by Dave Stewart on guitar and three backup singers, including Natalie Imbruglia and Edge's better half, Morleigh Steinberg. From London, an artfully shot U2 performed "Walk On," from All That You Can't Leave Behind, and seemed cool and serious behind lyrics like "I'm sick of hearing that there's never going to be peace on Earth" and "You got to leave it behind."

Former Eurythmic Dave Stewart, Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia and Morleigh Steinberg joined U2 in a London studio on Friday to take part in the 'Tribute to Heroes' telethon. The event, which attracted 90million viewers, aired across the US is reported to have raised some $200m for families of the estimated 6,000 victims of the September 11th attacks. ‘This is a prayer for our fallen brothers and sister,’ said Bruce Springsteen opening the telecast with My City in Ruins. A spokesman for the show said that the response was so great that more than 300,000 donors called in the first 15 minutes alone, while U2, Springsteen and Stevie Wonder performed.
U2, playing in a studio in London, opened with a verse of Peace on Earth which ran into a moving performance of Walk On - Dave Stewart joining them on guitar and Natalie Imbruglia among the backing singers. Actors Tom Hanks and George Clooney told stories about people lost in the attacks. ‘We are not healers,' said Hanks. 'We are not protectors of this great nation. We are merely artists, entertainers, here to raise spirits and, we hope, a great deal of money.’ The halting words of Muhammad Ali provided the evenings most powerful moment for many. Standing alongside actor Will Smith, the Parkinson's disease-afflicted former heavyweight champ said he has been a peace-loving Muslim for 20 years. ‘I wouldn't be here representing Islam if it was really like the terrorists make it look,’ he said. ‘I think that all people should know the truth, and come to recognize the truth. Because Islam is peace. Against killing, murder. And the terrorists, the people doing it in the name of Islam, are wrong.’ All proceeds go to the Sept. 11th Fund, created by the United Way of New York City and the New York Community Trust.

66TH VERTIGO show - september 21, 2005 - Chicago, IL - United Center - Dashboard Confessional. 'In A Little While before 'SYCMIOYO' / Edge and Dallas are from another galaxy / Larry turns to the stage to take Bono´s hat which was over the mic! City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, Elevation, The Electric Co., The Ocean, Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, Beautiful Day, Miracle Drug, Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own, Yahweh, Love and Peace or Else, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Bullet the Blue Sky, Miss Sarajevo, Pride, Where the Streets Have No Name, One. Encore(s): Bad - The First Time, Original of the Species, With or Without You - Love Will Tear Us Apart, Fast Cars, All Because of You, 40. Bono sings the first verse of In a Little While in between Miracle Drug and Sometimes. He brings a female on stage to dance during Fast Cars. As he leaves the stage during 40, Bono hangs his cowboy hat over his mic stand. Minutes later, when the song is over, Larry approaches the mic stand, takes Bono's hat, puts it on and walks away. **** 'Weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs: this band is available: ...City of Blinding Lights seems to have settled back into its role as the show opener now the band are back indoors. Vertigo, coming hard on its heels, only ignites the frenzy further. But there's no point in predicting a set list at this stage of the tour - you never know whats going to happen....we had Wild Horses (in for the first time since the summer) and Original of the Species, which is hardly ever played and all the more a treat when it is. 'Heres something for the train spotters and plane spotters', explained Bono, by way of introducing introducing Wild Horses from from 1991's Achtung Baby. 'This is a song that we havent been playing for a while ­ I dont know why its kind of simple really'. It's also one of the great sing-a-long moments of the night and inspires Bono's comments about availability for miscellaneous life-stage rituals. (Please, no requests to U2.Com for the band to perform at your funeral ...It's difficult enough keeping up with the wedding invitations.) 'You're dangerous, 'cos you're honest. / You're dangerous, you don't know what you want. / Well you left my heart empty as a vacant lot / For any spirit to haunt. / You're an accident waiting to happen / You're a piece of glass left there on a beach. / Well you tell me things / I know you're not supposed to / Then you leave me just out of reach...' During Beautiful Day Bono raps enigmatically about being 13 and listening to music in your bedroom before tripping into Sgt Pepper. 'Wassup Edge?' he asks, as the guitarist picks up the notes to Miracle Drug. 'I keep telling people The Edge is from the future and Dallas Schoo. They're also from another galaxy and another planet in the future..These are beautiful notes, when Edge's space ship came to the north side of Dublin it was playing that tune. Am I right? Adam, Larry and myself watched his space ship landing...' And so the Edge myth develops, this time we learn that Dallas arrived with him. What more will future shows reveal? How come a myriad of U2 biographers have missed this crucial information, so essential to the mysterious origins of U2? Sometimes is followed by Yahweh, again played on the main stage after which the proceedings go stratospheric. Not only is Miss Sarajevo again in the set, but Bad opens the first encore, followed by Original of the Species. 'Everywhere you go you shout it / You dont have to be shy about it, no / And youll never be alone / Come on now show your soul / Youve been keeping your love under control / Everywhere you go you shout it / You dont have to be shy about it..' - look for I HAVE NO MONEY * GIVING INTO LOVE. *** Edge was foot stomping and guitar-swinging from gun to gun. **** "...Larry -- Taking the hat off the mic stand at the end was poetic. The Edge, lives up to expectations needless to say.... ****Billy Corgan...: watching Billy Corgan pumping both fists in the air after Bono sang part of "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" at the end of Elevation. **** Some photos on: U2-Vertigo-tour

10 Questions for Bono - September 21, 2005 - nytimes

A Day in the Life of The Edge - part 2, by Bono - September 21, 2006 - full: Chasing the Pavarotti + In A Little While + Starway To Heaven ...


Bono in London Fashion Week has condemned Sudan over the crisis in Darfur - September 21, 2006 - Describing the behaviour of the Khartoum government as an affront to decency, speaking to RTÉ News in London last night, Bono said the Sudanese government's refusal to allow UN troops into Darfur had 'broken every shred of dignity possible in a government'. ... The U2 star pointed up the failure of the African Peer Review Mechanism, which is a voluntary agreement between members of the AU to maintain and police standards of good governance across the continent. Bono said it had failed with Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and that it was now failing in Sudan. Bono was speaking at a London Fashion Week event hosted by Italian designer Giorgio Armani. The fashion show was aimed at promoting Bono's Red label, which encourages big business and its customers to contribute to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria. rte

9/20/2007

SEPTEMBER 20: Bono slips and falls-his arm is in a sling / 150.000 fans at Reggio Emilia / U2 shoots 'Sweetest Thing' / 65TH 'VERTIGO' show: Bono and Edge on 'Walk On' acoustic when Bono read the lyrics-'Discotheque' no 'POPMuzik'-'Dads Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car'-Bono and Edge do The First Time (1st time full)-Hello Hello Gabriel-a fan asked for Bono for "Zooropa" tune / Premiere of "A Day in the Life of Edge" (part 1), by Bono / MCGUINNESS ANSWERS TAX CRITICS!

"The Unforgettable Fire" tour - september 20, 1984. U2 perform in Adelaide, Australia at the Apollo Entertainment Centre.

"ZOOTV" tour - september 20, 1992. U2 perform in St. Louis, Missouri at Busch Memorial Stadium. Support is B.P. Fallon, "Big Audio Dynamite II" and "Public Enemy".

"The Joshua Tree" tour - september 20, 1987. U2 perform in Washington, D.C, at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium. Having learned from the complaints from the Giants' Stadium show on September 14, 1987, U2 add a large video screen behind the lighting tower so the people seated at the back of the stadium will have a better view. It rains, sometimes pouring, throughout the concert. During "Sunday Bloody Sunday", an Irish Tri-Color is thrown on stage. "This flag," Bono asks while holding up the green part, "What do you see?" "Green," the crowd roar back. "Green, yeah, it's green," Bono says and then holds up the orange part, "What colour do you see?" "Orange!" the crowd reply. "Now what colour do you see?" Bono asks while holding up the white part. "White!" the crowd shout and cheer. "No!" Bono shouts, "It's not WHITE! Sometimes, all I see is red...," and then goes into the "No more! No War!" chant with the crowd. During "Exit", Bono slips and falls on the wet stage. He lies on the stage for a moment or two, leaving both the band and the crowd wondering if he is really hurt or wondering if he's acting. Bono slowly stands up and finish the song. The road crew also breathe a sigh of relief. When the band return for the encore, Bono's arm is in a sling. "It may sound a bit stupid, and I feel a bit stupid, but the doctor says I might have dislocated my shoulder. Sorry 'bout that..." After the show Bono is rushed to the hospital, along with Ali who is in town for the show. Phil Joanou attempts to film in the ambulance, but Bono growls at him: "Get the fuck out of my ambulance!" Support is Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul.

"POPMart" tour - september 20, 1997. U2 perform in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The 150,000 strong crowd is the largest Italian crowd for a concert ever. At the end of the show, Bono tells the audience "You gave four Irish boys an evening they'll never forget."

'U2 shoots Sweetest Thing video in Dublin' - september 20, 1998. U2 shoots the video for the remake of "The Sweetest Thing" on the streets of Dublin. The video includes guest appearances from a host of Irish celebrities, including the members of pop band Boyzone. It is directed by Kevin Godley who also directed the video for "Even Better Than the Real Thing." ****Bonos' Wife the Leading Lady - The Chippendales, an elephant, Bono and Boyzone anyone who wandered through Fitzwilliam Square yesterday afternoon found a little more than they were looking for. U2 brought along a star-studded cast to film the video of their new single "The Sweetest Thing" in optimal weather conditions in central Dublin. The old B-side, to be released next month, was a treat for Bono's wife Ali Hewson who apparently asked her husband to get her Boyzone and "star me in a movie" for her birthday. Ali was leading lady in the video, seated with her husband in a horse-drawn carriage followed by Boyzone and the rest of U2. Jean Butler and the Riverdance crew provided the dancing moves, joined by boxer Steve Collins and the Chippendales on stilts dressed up as firemen, while an out-of-place elephant contributed further to the carnival atmosphere. - The Independent - sep 21, 1998.


65TH 'VERTIGO' show - September 20, 2005 / Chicago, IL - United Center - Dashboard Confessional. Bono and Edge on 'Walk On' acoustic when Bono read the lyrics / 'Discotheque' no 'POPMuzik' / 'Dads Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car' / Bono and Edge do The First Time (1st time full) / Hello Hello Gabriel / a fan asked for Bono for "Zooropa" tune!!! City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, Elevation, The Electric Co., The Ocean, Walk On, Beautiful Day - Sgt. Pepper's, Miracle Drug, Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own, Yahweh, Love and Peace or Else, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Bullet the Blue Sky, Miss Sarajevo, Pride, Where the Streets Have No Name, One - Ol' Man River. Encore(s): Discotheque, The Fly, With or Without You, All Because of You, The First Time, Bad - 40. Bono sings a bit of 'Break on Through' during Electric Co. Bono and Edge do Walk On acoustically. Bono forgets the words at the end ('All that you...') and wants Edge to end the song, but he doesn't. Bono finally finds the lyrics after flipping thru a stack of pages brought out by a crew member, cracks a joke about the situation, and the song ends. There's no Pop Muzik intro before Discotheque. He sings the line 'Daddy's Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car' at the end of The Fly. Bono and Edge do The First Time - the first time the song has ever been played in full. Bono tells the crowd that a fan outside had asked to hear something from Zooropa tonight. **** The First Time in Chicago: ...'We wanna play a song that we haven't played on this tour,' raps Bono, as the band come out of a beautifully moody version of The Ocean. 'You haven't all been to a show now have you?' No time for a survey as Edge, on acoustic guitar, is already strumming the opening chords and Walk On is with us, first time since 2001 when it was the show-closing show-stopper on the Elevation Tour. 'And love is not the easy thing / The only baggage you can bring.../ And love is not the easy thing..../ The only baggage you can bring / Is all that you can't leave behind...' 'You know the lyrics,' Bono says, laughing to Edge. 'It would be great if I knew the lyrics.' At which point, the lyrics are helpfully pushed before him and he's back on song. 'You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been / A place that has to be believed to be seen / You could have flown away / A singing bird in an open cage / Who will only fly, only fly for freedom...' 'Its okay to try stuff is it?' he asks at the close of the track, 'Well, this one will never go anywhere.' ...(Walk On, The First Time). There are new words of explanation too, new meditations on where songs have come from and what they might allude to. 'Thanks for coming out, somebody much wiser than I - I think it was Chrissy Hynde from The Pretenders - said to me 'All girls stay age 13 and all boys stay age 8.' And this isn't a therapy session, but this is a song about my father..' ...when you expect Love and Peace you find the psalm-like Yahweh arriving with no introduction and a solo Edge. Larry's already in position at the tip of the ellipse for Love and Peace, as the red hearts race up and down the illuminated curtains surrounding the stage and the energy rises for Sunday, Bullet and Ms Sarajevo. This last is interesting because the audience seems slightly stunned by it - maybe because it was never a single release in the US. (Actresses Ashley and Winona Judd are both here by the way, and loving it.) 'I am because we are' explains Bono, translating a Zulu word - 'ubuntu' - learnt from Archbishop Tutu. 'I couldn't help but think of this when looking at the pictures of Louisiana... and we saw this with 9/11 and we saw this with the the hurricane ­ that's when we discover how great this country is. That's why Larry Mullen, The Edge, Adam and myself are such fans of this idea called America.'...we know it, out of nowhere comes The First Time. 'I have a lover, a lover like no other / She got soul, soul, soul, sweet soul / And she teach me how to sing / Shows me colours when there's none to see / Gives me hope when I can't believe...' This is the first time the band have performed this wonderful song since Dublin in 1993 at the RDS Arena - and it felt so fresh. And the night ended with Bad...Edge: 'Hello, Hello, Gabriel!': ...I have never seen. I got to see Bono and the Edge before hand as they pulled into the stadium, Edge came right up to me and I asked if he would sign a picture I had with me of my son from his 1st birthday a few weeks ago - Edge asked what his name was and I responded Gabriel, he said "I love the name Gabriel" and then signed the picture and drew a cartoon bubble from his mouth and wrote HELLO HELLO...." Greg Shapps **** This is the guy who asked for Bono to hear something from 'Zooropa" tonight! ..."What a night, what a show, Zooropa!" It all started before the show waiting outside the U.C. I got there at 3pm but the boys didn't show up until 4! The bodyguard said they have to soundcheck and wouldn't be signing but they did anyway. The Edge came over and signed my poster (some guys iPod and laughingly said "it is already signed") and I asked if they would play Crumbs. He said "we'll see..." Bono then came by and I told him that The Edge said that they would be playing Crumbs tonight. He said "really?" Then myself and another guy asked Bono "why are you ignoring the Zooropa album on this tour?" and. "Hey what about Zooropa!?!" Bono said, "you know we've been working on Dirty Day and ...uh...what's that other song?" I said "Some Days are better than others?" he said, "no", then the other guy said "Daddy's Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car?" Bono said, "yeah, there's an idea! We're gonna play that tonight!" I then told Bono that "no one else does this, you're the best" Bono smacked a high five on the fence between us and told the crowd that he had a something to tell us. After the dramatic pause he said, "Chicago has the handsomest fans!" Larry and Adam just drove in....An early appearance of Yahweh made us realize something special was in store for us....At the very end of "the Fly" (what a rocking song!) Bono motioned to Larry to keep hitting the cymbal crashes and sang a few lines from "Daddy's Gonna Pay for your Crashed Car" promised kept sorta. Then the biggest surpise was when Bono mentioned my conversation with him to everyone saying, "I was talking to some guys outside before the show about this album, Zooropa" (we all cheer!) And then Bono & The Edge proceeded to play an acoustic version of "The First Time" in its ENTIRETY! Amazing. And I got a guitar pick from Dallas after the show...." by Andrew Al **** Some photos on: U2tours * flickr

Premiere of "A Day in the Life of Edge" (part 1-full), by Bono - September 20, 2006 - Al Gore's Current TV partnership with Yahoo create four new broadband channels that debuted on Wednesday with a video made by Bono during U2's last concert tour. Like the Current TV network that the former vice president created with Joel Hyatt, the new broadband channels focus on disseminating video created by young viewers. "We expect this will be the premier video online experience," Gore told The Associated Press. One of the four channels, Yahoo! Current Buzz, is being produced by Madeleine Smithberg, co-creator of The Daily Show, and will "showcase the best of what's buzzing the world and the Web," the companies said. The other channels will focus on action sports news, automotives and adventure traveling. The latter is where Bono's video — mostly about experiences with fellow band member The Edge — is being featured. Yahoo was attracted to Current because it shares the goal of giving young people a voice on the Web, said Dan Rosensweig, Yahoo's chief operating officer. The four channels are separate and distinct from Current's TV network, Gore said. But with Current only available now in 30 million of the nation's 110 million homes with televisions, the deal promises to greatly increase the visibility of its content. "The distribution reach and community of online viewers that Yahoo serves gives an unparalleled opportunity to connect the online video experience, including video-related content, with a mass audience," Gore said. The best user-created videos on the Yahoo! Current Network will be featured on Current TV each Monday afternoon. Four more Yahoo! Current channels are expected to be added by the end of next year, the companies said. some pics from nove 14, 2005 - Miami, when they recorded it * here
More than 210.000 people watched Edge in the first 12 hours.

Part 1-A:


Part 1-B:


MCGUINNESS ANSWERS TAX CRITICS - September 20, 2006 - "The reality is that U2's business is 90% conducted around the world. 90% of our tickets and 98% of our records are sold outside of Ireland. It's where we live and where we work and where we employ a lot of people. But we pay taxes all over the world – of many different kinds. And like any other business, we are perfectly entitled to minimise the tax we pay. Ireland, has benefited economically enormously from attracting people to a low tax environment." Source Hot Press.

9/19/2007

SEPTEMBER 19: U2 release 'Desire' / Tickets go on sale for the 26,27,30, and 31 December, 1989 concerts / Bono Meets Oprah in Prime Time / 3 of the 4 at Pearl Jam´s show!

"Boy" tour - september 19, 1980. U2 perform in Stroud, England at the Nag's Head. Support is "Midnight & The Lemon Boys".

'U2 releases Desire' - september 19, 1988. U2 releases "Desire/Hallelujah (Here She Comes)" as the first single from Rattle and Hum.

"LoveTown" tour - september 19, 1989. Tickets go on sale for the 26,27,30, and 31 December,1989 concerts -- all four shows will occur at The Point Depot, the railway hall the band used for the "Rattle & Hum" recording sessions. The hall has been partially renovated, and a proper stage has been added. The show scheduled for December 29, 1989 is cancelled, ostensibly to protect Bono's voice. The relatively high ticket prices(20.50 pounds to 25.50 pounds) are criticised by a Catholic organization in Dublin, who claim U2 have a responsibility to the people of Dublin--without whom U2 wouldn't be where they were now. They are also criticized for the choice of venue--the hall will only hold 5,000 fans per concert.

Bono Meets Oprah in Prime Time - September 19, 2002 - 'Politicians aren't scared of me,' said Bono to Oprah and 20m viewers, 'They're scared of you.'
Taped before a live audience in Chicago in September 2002, an Oprah Winfrey
special featured an extended interview with Bono explaining his campaigning
work for the poorest African countries.
In the programme, Bono urged Oprah's predominantly female audience to take
action in the fight against AIDS in Africa. When asked why American women
should care, Bono said 'Because any mother knows that the pain of losing a
child is the same in Africa as it is in America.'
Bono also talked about his recent trip to four African countries with US
Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and actor Chris Tucker. Both also appeared
on the show by satellite.
'If you want to talk to the American people, you come to Oprah,' Bono told
the studio audience at the taping of the show. 'This is an emergency.'
His appearance was aimed at rallying support for an international effort to
alleviate paralyzing debt in Africa and the resulting AIDS epidemic which
threatens to kill a generation of Africans. He talked extensively about DATA
- which stands for Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa.
Highlights from the video clip at oprah.com include:
'Bill Gates is somebody we're involved with, and he's got the deepest
pockets of anyone. But his pockets aren't deep enough to fix this. This is a
political problem. The good news is that if it's a political problem, it
belongs to the people.'
'Oprah: How has this passion fueled your work on stage?
Bono: I was very humbled to find out that the less time I spent in the
studio, the better the music seemed to get! The band is really supportive of
my work. They just wish the people I was hanging out with weren't so
un-hip!'
'The people who drove it home [in England], as much as the students and
activists were a part of it, were mothers. That has been really powerful
[the support from] mothers and women's groups. They're not scared of me, but
when women start getting organized, they [politicians] get scared.' Watch a ten minutes, here

3 of the 4 at Pearl Jam´s show - september 19, 2005. Toronto, Canada. 'Rockin' In The Free World': Bono, Edge and Larry were all at the Pearl Jam show in Toronto. Eddie Veder had been on stage with U2 in the same arena just a couple of nights back and tonight thanked U2 for opening up for them - and breaking in the building! Introducing Hide Your Love Away, Vedder was full of praise for U2 and thanked them 'for all the drink they've bought us over the years'. He spoke of U2 as a great band who had lasted the distance and been an inspiration - the Pearl Jammers loved it. Later, Veder remarked that 'the best song ever written about addiction is called Bad' - and Pearl Jam slipped a section of it into their own song 'Daughter'. And, just when you thought maybe it wasn't going to happen, during the band's second encore Bono came up on stage with tambourine in hand and helped them cover Neil Young's 'Rockin' in the Free World'. 'Daughter' "if i could you know i would, if i could i would let it go" from Bad - "Eddie on Bono: "it would be hard to work harder than that man... keeping us in a free world" - "...Not only was PJ freakin amazing but when Bono came out and sang Rockin in the Free World with Eddie it blew the top off the place. Eddie sang a little bit of A Sort of Homecoming and said one of his favourite songs about addiction was this one and he started playing the begining chords to Bad. Eddie also thanks the "distinguished and dignified gentleman of U2" durring the encore break for all they did to influence the band, and "not to mention the thousands of dollars of drinks they bought us over the years, or the 1,500 dollars of vodka i drank sunday night." Eddie goes on to praise them for being able to stay together for so long and hopes that Pearl Jam can last as long, then goes on to play "Hide your love away" saying that "this is for a guy we didn't get to meet" (John Lennon). Bono, Larry and The Edge. Bono singing with Pearl Jam, by Interference. Bono singing with Pearl Jam, by Pearl Jam´s site

9/18/2007

SEPTEMBER 18: U2 & Prunes at Project Arts Centre / "A Sort Of Homecoming" and "4th Of July" / explaining 'Running To Stand Still" / Edge sings a verse of "Angel Of Harlem" / the death of a fan in Rome - 'Volare'/ ZOOTV DVD release / 10 Questions for The Edge by Time Magazine / Bono gave Dina Lohan some love on her birthday / Nelson Mandela to become Amnesty International "Ambassador of Conscience"!

"Early Ireland" - september 18, 1978. U2 share the bill with "The Virgin Prunes" at a gig in the Project Arts Centre, then managed by the future filmmaker Jim Sheridan. Bono joins the Virgin Prunes for a few songs. Following a gig at the Project Arts Centre, U2 round off the night with a memorable photo shoot. Photographer Patrick Brocklebank remembers the scene: 'They immediately reached for props that were lying around. The Edge grabbed a rifle, Bono reached for a toy pistol, Larry took a ballcock from a cistern. Adam Clayton put a child's potty on his head. Even back then they were trying to stand out ... using whatever means they could. Check this pic, where Dick Evans appears behind them

"Boy" tour - september 18, 1980 / Totnes, England - Civic Hall.

"The Unforgettable Fire" tour - september 18, 1984. U2 perform in Melbourne, Australia at the Sports And Entertainment Centre. A fifth concert is considered for September 19th, but never occurs. On this night, U2 perform "A Sort of Homecoming" with an acoustical introduction by The Edge, and "4th of July"--both new songs off the new album.

"The Joshua Tree" tour - september 18, 1987. U2 perform in Boston, Massachusetts at the Boston Gardens. On the second night, The Edge miscues and plays the wrong notes at the beginning of "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". "Forgotten how to play this, Edge?" Bono teases, "Well gee, this is my big moment, right? I get to play guitar!" During "Running to Stand Still", Bono explains, "It's a true story about the city I grew up in, about two people so driven by a need to fill their veins with heroin, that they would do anything, risk anything...we're all addicted to something. Me? I'm addicted to being up here!" Bono asks for the house lights during "New Year's Day", recalling the night before: "Well, last night we had the house lights going down, but does it matter?" The crowd reply with a deafening "No!". Support is Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul.

"ZOOTV" tour - september 18, 1992. U2 perform in Chicago, Illinois at the World Music Amphitheater. On this night, "Party Girl" replaces "Angel Of Harlem" with The Edge singing an entire verse of the song. "Slow Dancing" returns to the set and this time, a complete version is performed that stuns the crowd. Knowing that the local media have reported about the previous days events, Bono addresses the crowd: "There's been some people complaining about the noise," to which the crowd roar as loudly as possible, "I don't think they understand that the only thing louder than a U2 gig is the people who come to a U2 gig!" Another cheer erupts from the crowd, just as loud as the first. "One lady said she could hear us from two miles off, turned up the television, but opened the window -- very strange behaviour. Well, I'm very sorry, and we've erected this whole stage here so we can play a little light folk acoustic set for Mrs. Chaka-Boom Chaka-Boom." The band erupt into a deafening performance of "When Love Comes To Town" and the crowd sing just as loudly. Bono phones Mayor Welch to see "if they had any complaints! Hi, I'm in Country Club Hills and I am trying to find out if you had any complaints tonight. I'm here with a few friends, and we just can't get to sleep, you know what I'm saying? There's a rock & roll concert out there, I can't get to sleep!" After the operator hangs up, Bono asks softly, "Can I leave a message? Tell them to open their windows and turn down the television sets!" Support is B.P. Fallon, "Big Audio Dynamite II" and "Public Enemy".

"POPMart" tour - september 18, 1997. U2 perform in Rome, Italy. U2's show in Rome is marred by the death of a 28-year-old fan, caused by a heart attack during the massive crush of fans as U2 enters the stadium. Edge´s karaoke this night is 'Volare.'

ZOOTV DVD release - September 18, 2006 - ZOOTV release today in Europe and tomorrow in US/ Canada.

10 Questions for The Edge by Time Magazine - September 18, 2006 - time.

Bono gave Dina Lohan some love on her birthday - September 18, 2006 - The other night at the Hudson Hotel, where the U2 frontman and his wife, Ali Hewson, celebrated the launch of Hewson-designed T-shirts to benefit the One antipoverty campaign, a buoyant Bono told the crowd: "Happy Birthday to Lindsay Lohan's mom, Dina, who is here!" Hopefully, it boosted Dina's dismal spirits after her public screaming match a night earlier with Lindsay during her birthday bash at Phillipe. The actress told her mom to "go to hell" during that spat, then skipped Bono's bash even though she is modeling his T-shirts in an ad campaign. nypost

Nelson Mandela to become Amnesty International "Ambassador of Conscience" - Amnesty International today announced that Nelson Mandela will be awarded its most prestigious honour -- the "Ambassador of Conscience" Award for 2006. Nobel Literature Laureate Seamus Heaney, whose poem From the Republic of Conscience first inspired the "Ambassador of Conscience" Award, was the first to congratulate Mr. Mandela. "To have written a line about 'hope and history' rhyming for Mr. Mandela in 1990 is one thing," said Seamus Heaney. "To have the man who made them rhyme accept the Award inspired by my poem is something else again." ... Nelson Mandela joins past winners of the distinguished human rights award -- including U2, Vaclav Havel and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson -- as global "Ambassadors of Conscience”" amnestyusa