U2 is one of the most successful and enduring rock bands of all time, with over 170 million albums sold worldwide. The band formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1976 and is composed of Bono (vocals), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Adam Clayton (bass), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums). Despite their massive global success and fame, U2 has maintained close ties to their Irish roots and still regularly performs concerts in their homeland.
U2’s Early Days Performing in Ireland
In the late 1970s and early 1980s as U2 was starting out, they primarily played small venues across Ireland. Some of their earliest shows took place at Dublin venues such as The Dandelion Market, The Baggot Inn, McGonagle’s, and The Project Arts Centre. Once they began gaining popularity, they graduated to larger Irish venues including the SFX City Theatre, The Top Hat Ballroom, The Stadium, and The National Stadium. Even after signing their first record deal with Island Records in 1980, U2 continued regular touring across Ireland. Their concerts at this time helped them build a dedicated Irish fan base.
U2’s Ascent to Superstardom
After releasing their first few albums, including the hit War album in 1983, U2 achieved massive international success. Songs like “New Year’s Day” and “Pride (In the Name of Love)” gained heavy rotation on radio stations and MTV. Their Joshua Tree album, released in 1987, propelled them to superstardom and made them one of the most popular bands in the world. This level of fame and their busy tour schedule made it more challenging for U2 to regularly perform in Ireland. However, they still made an effort to return home periodically. Their Joshua Tree Tour included five consecutive sold out shows at Ireland’s National Stadium in Dublin in 1987.
U2 Continues Performing in Ireland Post-Joshua Tree
Even with their break-neck global touring schedules throughout the late 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, U2 made sure to perform occasionally at home in Ireland. Some notable concerts include:
- A 1993 Zooropa Tour stop at Lansdowne Road Stadium in Dublin
- Two PopMart Tour dates at Lansdowne Road Stadium in 1997
- A 2001 Elevation Tour show at Slane Castle, their first Irish concert in over 3 years
- Two Vertigo Tour dates at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin in 2005
- A 2015 Innocence + Experience tour stop at the 3Arena in Dublin
During The Joshua Tree Anniversary tour in 2017, marking 30 years since their seminal album, U2 played two highly anticipated concerts at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin. These homecoming shows were a celebration of the band’s deep Irish roots.
U2’s Most Recent Ireland Concerts
U2’s most recent concerts in Ireland were in November 2018 as part of their Experience + Innocence Tour. After not playing in Ireland at all during their 2015 Innocence + Experience Tour, U2 scheduled a proper homecoming with two 2018 shows at 3Arena in Dublin. The band explained that after playing massive stadium and arena shows around the world on their Joshua Tree anniversary tour in 2017, they wanted a more intimate indoor setting for their Ireland dates. The 3Arena concerts were joyful, emotional affairs where Bono frequently acknowledged the importance of their Irish fans. During the second show, Noel Gallagher of Oasis even made a surprise guest appearance, singing “All You Need is Love” with U2.
Plans for Future Ireland Shows?
U2 will likely continue their pattern of performing special concerts in Ireland as part of their major world tours. Fans speculate that when the band tours again to support their next studio album (expected in the next 2-3 years), they will probably schedule at least one or two homecoming dates. These Ireland shows have become something of a tradition for U2 on their tours. The concerts also act as a recharging mechanism, allowing them to connect with their original core fanbase. Unless they announce some complete retirement, which is highly unlikely, fans can expect Ireland concert dates on future U2 tours.
Setlists Played at U2’s Ireland Concerts
While U2’s Ireland setlists often feature their biggest hits, the band will usually sprinkle in rarities and personal favorites to thrill the hometown fans. Looking at various Ireland setlists over their career reveals the diversity of songs played. Here are some fan favorite highlights:
Tour | Sample Ireland Setlist Songs Played |
---|---|
Early Club Shows 1970s-Early 1980s | “Out of Control”, “I Will Follow”, “Gloria”, “11 O’Clock Tick Tock”, “The Electric Co.” |
War Tour 1983 | “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, “New Year’s Day”, “Two Hearts Beat as One”, “40” |
Joshua Tree Tour 1987 | “Where the Streets Have No Name”, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, “With or Without You”, “Bullet the Blue Sky” |
Zooropa Tour 1993 | “Numb”, “Even Better Than the Real Thing”, “The Fly”, “Stay (Faraway, So Close!)” |
PopMart Tour 1997 | “Mofo”, “Staring at the Sun”, “Last Night on Earth”, “Wake Up Dead Man” |
Elevation Tour 2001 | “Beautiful Day”, “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of”, “Kite”, “Bad” |
Innocence + Experience Tour 2015 | “The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)”, “California”, “Song for Someone”, “Iris (Hold Me Close)” |
As shown, U2 is able to construct diverse, career-spanning setlists when playing for their loyal Irish fans. The intimate Ireland shows allow them to dig deeper into their catalog compared to massive worldwide stadium shows.
How U2 Interacts with Fans at Ireland Concerts
U2’s Ireland shows reveal the band’s playful and passionate connection with their original fanbase. Bono often tells stories about the band’s early days around Dublin, explaining how important these hometown fans were in supporting U2’s early success. Fan favorites like “Electric Co.” and “Gloria” are celebrated when played in Ireland, transporting fans back to U2’s roots. Bono may even reference past Dublin concerts they played early in their career at small clubs like The National Stadium. During the 2018 Experience + Innocence Tour show, Bono brought a fan onstage to celebrate her 40th anniversary of seeing every U2 gig since their first show. These intimate interactions characterize the bond between U2 and their Irish supporters.
Irish Cultural Touchstones in U2’s Concerts
U2 sometimes incorporates Irish cultural or political touchstones into their home country concerts. In 1997, during turmoil in Northern Ireland, they broke out the Irish folk classic “40 Shades of Green” dedicated to peace. When performing their song “Sunday Bloody Sunday” in Ireland, which alludes to Northern Ireland’s Bloody Sunday tragedy, Bono makes the meaning behind the song clear. He often waves a white flag through the crowd as a symbol of unity and nonviolence. U2’s lyrics have at times referenced historic Irish figures like William Butler Yeats or James Connolly. These nods to Ireland weave naturally into U2’s shows in front of their fellow countrymen and women.
Guest Appearances by Irish Musicians
At their 2018 Dublin show, as noted earlier, Noel Gallagher emerged to perform “All You Need is Love” with U2. But Gallagher is not the first famous Irish musician to pop up at their Dublin gigs. At their 2015 Ireland show, Glen Hansard duetted with Bono on “Running to Stand Still” and “People Have the Power.” In 2001, Bono brought out the popular Irish vocal ensemble Anúna to lend background harmonies to “Stuck in a Moment.” Other famous Irish artists like Sinead O’Connor, The Edge’s brother Richard Evans, Gavin Friday, and The Coronas’ Danny O’Reilly have also briefly joined U2 onstage in Ireland. These special guest appearances demonstrate the band’s integration and support of the Irish music community.
U2 Supporting Causes in Ireland
As dedicated activists, U2 have often used their Ireland concerts as an opportunity to champion social causes relevant to their country. In 2003, Bono and bandmate Adam Clayton spoke out against the Iraq War at a Dublin show. Bono endorsed protecting the environment during their 2015 Irish performance. He also expressed support for legalizing gay marriage in Ireland prior to the historic 2015 referendum. Going back decades, U2 has performed at benefit shows for causes like Dublin’s Children’s Hospital and pediatric AIDS research via Ireland’s GOAL charity. Their influence and idealism permeate U2’s shows on Irish soil.
Conclusion
In summary, despite their massive worldwide success, U2 still regularly brings their live show back home to Ireland. These Irish concerts allow U2 and their fans to celebrate the band’s roots through emotional performances that draw from early songs and Irish culture. Fans get to witness U2’s playful interactions and bond with their original supporters. With many tours still likely ahead in their career, U2 will continue making triumphant returns to Dublin, Belfast, and elsewhere in Ireland. These homecoming shows provide a cherished tradition where U2 and their Irish admirers can reconnect. For both the band and audience, it’s a stirring affirmation of how far they’ve come together.