U2 is one of the most popular and successful rock bands of all time. The Irish group formed in 1976 and has released 14 studio albums, the latest being Songs of Experience in 2017. With over 170 million records sold worldwide, U2 has won 22 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
Brief History of U2
U2 originally consisted of Bono (lead vocals), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums, percussion). Some of their most iconic albums include The Joshua Tree (1987), Achtung Baby (1991), and All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000). Over the decades, U2 has headlined massive stadium tours and played some of the biggest stages in the world. Their Zoo TV and Vertigo tours in the 1990s and 2000s were especially elaborate productions with advanced visuals and stage design.
When U2 Tickets Typically Go On Sale
There are a few general patterns for when U2 tickets go on sale:
- Tour announcements – When a new U2 tour is first announced, tickets usually go on sale shortly after, within a week or two. These announcements often happen 6-9 months before the actual tour starts.
- Presales – U2 will frequently do presale events before the general public on-sale date. Fan club members, credit card holders, and other groups may get first access to tickets through presales. These typically occur a few days or weeks before the wide on-sale.
- General on-sale – This is when tickets go on sale broadly to the general public. Dates are announced ahead of time. U2 tours often have very high demand, so tickets can sell out quickly.
- Additional shows – If initial tour dates sell out fast, U2 may add more shows in certain cities. These extra concerts can go on sale months after the initial on-sale as they are added.
Notable U2 Tour On-Sale Examples
Here are some examples of when tickets went on sale for major U2 tours and concerts over the years:
Joshua Tree Tour 2017
- Tour announced January 9, 2017
- Presales began January 17, 2017
- General on-sale January 20, 2017
This tour celebrated the 30th anniversary of their iconic album The Joshua Tree. Tickets went very quickly with record sales across multiple venues.
Innocence + Experience Tour 2015
- Tour announced December 3, 2014
- Presales began December 8, 2014
- General on-sale December 15, 2014
This tour supported their Songs of Innocence album and visited arenas in Europe and North America.
360° Tour 2009-2011
- Tour announced March 9, 2009
- Presales began March 11, 2009
- General on-sale March 16-23, 2009 for initial shows
The 360° tour holds the record for highest-grossing concert tour of all time. More shows were added and went on sale throughout the multi-year tour as dates sold out.
Where to Buy U2 Tickets
When U2 tickets go on sale, there are a few major places to buy them:
- Primary ticket seller – This is the main source like Ticketmaster that sells the tickets directly for particular venues/markets.
- Fan club presales – U2’s official fan club often gets priority access to tickets before the general public.
- Resellers – StubHub, Vivid Seats, and other ticket resellers frequently sell U2 tickets, especially closer to show dates.
- Band website – Sometimes there are links to purchase tickets directly from U2’s website.
- Venue box offices – If not sold out, tickets can sometimes be purchased directly from the box office at the concert venue.
Purchasing from the primary ticket seller right when tickets initially go on sale gives you the best shot at getting tickets directly. Expect high demand and quick sellouts for major U2 tours.
Tips for Buying U2 Tickets
Here are some helpful tips for trying to get tickets when U2 seats go on sale:
- Join the U2 fan club – Get access to presales by becoming a fan club member ahead of time.
- Online prep – Set up accounts ahead of time on the ticketing websites to make the purchase process smooth.
- On-sale timing – Be ready right at the on-sale time, which is usually 10am local venue time.
- Groups – Try to buy in groups of 2 or 4 tickets, not single seats which sell out immediately.
- Mobile apps – Use mobile apps and mobile-enhanced sites, which tend to work better than desktop.
- Reseller prices – Be prepared to pay higher prices on secondary markets for high-demand shows.
U2 puts on amazing live shows, so getting tickets requires preparation, persistence, and a bit of luck. Following fan club and tour announcements can help you get ready for the minute tickets go on sale.
Conclusion
U2 usually releases tickets months in advance when new tours are announced or additional dates are added. Presales and fan club offers precede the general on-sale, when most tickets are purchased directly from the primary seller. Buying right at on-sale time, using mobile apps, and grouping tickets together can improve your chances. Resellers provide another option, but likely at increased prices. With some strategic planning and fast action, you can secure seats the next time U2 heads your way.