U2 is one of the most popular and successful rock bands of all time. Formed in 1976 in Dublin, Ireland, the band consists of Bono (lead vocals), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums, percussion). Over the course of their decades-long career, U2 has released 14 studio albums, won 22 Grammy Awards, and sold over 170 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling musical acts in history.
U2’s History of Performing in Manchester
As one of the major cultural hubs in the North West of England, Manchester has long been an important tour stop for U2 over the years. They first performed in the city in December 1980 during the Boy Tour, playing at the Apollo Theatre when they were still an emerging band yet to achieve major commercial success. Since then, U2 has returned to Manchester many times while on tour in support of new album releases.
Some of U2’s most notable concerts in Manchester include:
- October 1981 – Apollo Theatre – October Tour
- March 1985 – Nynex Arena – Unforgettable Fire Tour
- July 1987 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground – Joshua Tree Tour
- August 1993 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground – Zoo TV Tour
- June 1997 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground – PopMart Tour
- August 2005 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground – Vertigo Tour
- June 2009 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground – U2 360° Tour
- October 2018 – Manchester Arena – Experience + Innocence Tour
As this list shows, U2 has made Old Trafford Cricket Ground their primary large-scale concert venue when passing through Manchester on major world tours in recent decades. Their long history of shows at the legendary cricket stadium underscores Manchester’s importance to the band over their career.
U2’s Most Recent Manchester Concert in 2018
The last time U2 performed in Manchester was on October 19, 2018 at the Manchester Arena. This concert was part of their 2018 Experience + Innocence Tour in support of their 2017 album Songs of Experience. It marked their first Manchester show in over 9 years, since the 360° Tour in 2009.
The Experience + Innocence Tour show in Manchester came near the end of the European leg of the tour before U2 headed to Australia and New Zealand. With a capacity of approximately 20,000, the Manchester Arena marked a smaller venue compared to the stadium shows U2 had gotten accustomed to playing in Manchester and other cities. The more intimate setting provided a special atmosphere and opportunity for die-hard fans to see U2 in a smaller venue.
The setlist performed at the Manchester Arena show included a career-spanning mix of classics like “Where the Streets Have No Name”, “With or Without You”, “Beautiful Day”, and “One” alongside deeper cuts and songs from the new album like “Lights of Home”, “You’re the Best Thing About Me”, and “The Blackout.”
Reviews of the Experience + Innocence Tour’s stop in Manchester praised the show as a triumphant return for the band and a chance for fans to see U2’s inventive stage production in a more intimate arena setting. The show’s interviews and personal anecdotes from band members between songs also resonated strongly with the Manchester crowd.
Possibility of a New U2 Tour and Manchester Show
Since completing the Experience + Innocence Tour in late 2018, U2 has been on an extended break from touring while they work on new music and other projects. However, there are rumors and speculation that U2 may launch a new tour sometime in 2023 once their next studio album is complete.
If U2 does mount a major worldwide tour in 2023 or 2024, it is very likely that Manchester would be on the itinerary. Given the city’s long history as a tour stop and success of recent shows there, fans in Manchester could reasonably expect the band to return. The only question would be which venue they choose to perform at in the city.
It is possible they may opt for a big stadium show at Old Trafford Cricket Ground again to maximize attendance and production value. However, after the success of their 2018 arena show, they may also choose to perform at a venue like Manchester Arena or Etihad Stadium for a different experience than their last visit.
U2 has proven time and again how much they love playing Manchester over their prolific touring career. Northern England remains a key part of the band’s history and identity. So when U2 finishes their next album and announces their next tour, don’t be surprised if Manchester is one of the first cities on the schedule as Bono, Edge, Adam, and Larry make their long-awaited return.
Conclusion
In summary, the last time U2 performed in Manchester was on October 19, 2018 at the Manchester Arena, as part of their Experience + Innocence Tour in support of the Songs of Experience album. This marked their first show in Manchester in over 9 years, since playing Old Trafford Cricket Ground in 2009. While U2 is currently on a break from touring, rumors suggest they may launch a new tour in 2023 or 2024 once they complete their next studio album. Given Manchester’s long history as an essential U2 tour stop, it is highly likely the band will return to play in the city again on their next global trek.