U2 performed at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York City on June 11, and video from the event is streaming online.
The latest stop on the band’s Experience + Innocence tour was an invitation-only concert exclusively for SiriusXM subscribers.
Rolling Stone reports the stripped down theater gig offered a rare opportunity for fans to see U2 in intimate setting – minus the usual bells and whistles production of their arena and stadium shows – while also mixing up the setlist for the rare event that Bono referred to “a bucket list moment” and “an incredible honor.”
The 18-song show opened with three consecutive songs from U2’s 1980 debut LP, “Boy”, including "I Will Follow," "The Electric Co." and "Out Of Control."
Tracks from 2017’s “Songs Of Experience” and classic hits were sprinkled throughout the evening, including 1984’s "Pride (In The Name Of Love)", which shone a spotlight on Martin Luther King on the 50th anniversary of his death while Bono gave a shout out to singer-activist Harry Belafonte who was seated somewhere in the balcony.
After ending the main set ended with “American Soul”, U2 were joined by the 13-piece Sun Ra Arkestra horn section for the 4-song first encore that included 1988's Billie Holiday tribute, "Angel Of Harlem" while elevating the show to a whole other level.
The horns stuck around for a euphoric "Desire", a re-worked "When Love Comes To Town", and a moving rendition of "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of" that they dedicated to the late chef and media personality Anthony Bourdain and others we've lost recently.
"It's been a funny few years," said Bono. "We lost a lot of very inspiring, useful people and gained a few useless people."
The tour debut of “Every Breaking Wave” from 2014’s “Songs Of Innocence” kicked off the second encore alongside 1991’s "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses" and the show closer, "Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way."
The concert was broadcast live on SiriusXM's XX, via satellite on channel X and through the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com.
The North American leg of the Experience + Innocence Tour wraps up in Uncasville, CT on July 3, following which U2 will play European dates starting in Berlin, Germany on August 31.
See also:
VIDEO: U2 record at Third Man Records in Nashville
U2 win two Billboard Music Awards
U2 to play exclusive Apollo Theater show
VIDEO: U2 open Experience + Innocence tour in Tulsa
Search U2 at hennemusic
