Tulsa, Oklahoma – U2’s Bono and The Edge delivered a surprise performance on october 21st at Cain’s Ballroom, as part of the Woody Guthrie Prize ceremony. The legendary duo not only revisited classic songs but also offered a first glimpse into their forthcoming musical work.
A Night of Music and Recognition
Table of Contents
- 1. A Night of Music and Recognition
- 2. The Power of Songwriting and Social Commentary
- 3. new Music on the Horizon
- 4. The Enduring Legacy of Woody Guthrie
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about U2 and the Woody Guthrie Prize
- 6. How did the acoustic arrangement of the performance impact the audience’s perception of U2’s classic songs?
- 7. Bono and The Edge Revisit U2 Classics at Grammy Prizes Ceremony
- 8. A Night of Nostalgia and Musical Brilliance
- 9. The Setlist: A Journey through U2’s History
- 10. The acoustic Arrangement: Stripping Back the Layers
- 11. Fan Reaction and Critical Acclaim
- 12. The Legacy of U2: Influence and Innovation
- 13. Beyond the Performance: U2’s Current Projects
The intimate six-song set included iconic tracks such as “Running To Stand Still,” “Mothers of the Disappeared,” “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “One,” “Pride (In the Name of love),” and “Yahweh.” In addition, Bono and The Edge honored the legacy of Woody Guthrie with a rendition of his song, “Jesus Christ.” They even spontaneously performed a capella lines from The Beatles’ “A Hard day’s Night” while accepting the prestigious award.
The Woody Guthrie Prize is annually bestowed upon artists who champion the spirit and legacy of Guthrie by advocating for the marginalized and promoting positive social change through their art.Past recipients include influential figures like Pete Seeger, Mavis Staples, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen, and, most recently, Tom Morello.
Bono reflected on the influence of Bob Dylan, acknowledging his role in inspiring U2 to use music as a vehicle for exploring complex themes. He stated, “Bob Dylan really did bring us to the place where the song was an instrument to open up worlds.” He further emphasized the ongoing need for social progress, asserting that positive change requires continuous effort and cannot be taken for granted. “America is the greatest song still yet to be written,” Bono remarked, “but it’s still being written.”
The Edge highlighted the importance of hope in protest music, stating, “Our favorite protest songs always had a sense of vision, something to aim for. You don’t talk about the darkness – you make the light brighter.”
new Music on the Horizon
During a conversation with producer T Bone Burnett, Bono unveiled a snippet of lyrics from an unfinished song dedicated to the memory of Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian activist. The poignant lines read: “one father shot / three children crying / if there is no law / is there no crime / if there is no hope / what’s there to rhyme / history is written / one life at a time.”
This marks the first revealed content from the band’s next album, a follow-up to 2017’s Songs of Experience. A release date for the new project has not yet been announced. According to Billboard, music industry sales were up 6.5% in the first half of 2024, suggesting a continuing demand for new music from established artists like U2.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| U2 Performance at Cain’s Ballroom | October 21, 2025 | Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Woody Guthrie Prize Ceremony | october 21, 2025 | Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Release of Songs of Experience | 2017 | Worldwide |
The Enduring Legacy of Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie, born in 1912, remains a pivotal figure in American folk music and social activism. His songs, such as “This Land Is Your land” and “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos),” resonated with the struggles of working-class Americans during the dust Bowl and the Great Depression. guthrie’s commitment to social justice continues to inspire artists and activists today, making the Woody Guthrie Prize a meaningful recognition of artistic and humanitarian contributions. did You Know? Guthrie’s guitar bore the inscription “This machine kills fascists.”
Frequently Asked Questions about U2 and the Woody Guthrie Prize
- What is the Woody Guthrie Prize? the Woody Guthrie Prize honors artists who embody Guthrie’s spirit of social justice and use their art to advocate for the less fortunate.
- What new song lyrics did Bono share? Bono recited lyrics from an unfinished song about Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian activist.
- When is U2’s next album expected to be released? A release date for U2’s follow-up to Songs of Experience has not been announced.
- What other artists have received the Woody Guthrie Prize? Past recipients include Pete Seeger, Mavis Staples, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Morello.
- Why is tulsa, Oklahoma significant to U2? U2 has a history of performing in Tulsa, dating back to 1981, and have often joked about the band members being old enough to legally purchase drinks.
What are your thoughts on U2 continuing to use their platform for social commentary? How crucial is it for artists to address important world issues in their music?
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How did the acoustic arrangement of the performance impact the audience’s perception of U2’s classic songs?
Bono and The Edge Revisit U2 Classics at Grammy Prizes Ceremony
A Night of Nostalgia and Musical Brilliance
The recent Grammy Prizes ceremony wasn’t just about celebrating the year’s biggest hits; it was also a poignant moment for U2 fans as Bono and The Edge took to the stage to revisit some of the band’s most iconic songs. This performance, a stripped-down, intimate affair, offered a fresh perspective on beloved U2 classics and sparked a wave of discussion amongst music critics and devoted followers alike. The event highlighted the enduring power of their songwriting and musicianship.
The Setlist: A Journey through U2’s History
The performance wasn’t a full-blown concert, but a carefully curated selection of tracks designed to resonate with the audience and showcase the band’s evolution. The setlist included:
* “With or Without You”: A timeless ballad, performed with a raw emotionality that captivated the audience. The song’s enduring appeal was evident in the collective singalong.
* “Where the Streets Have No Name”: The anthemic track was reimagined with a more acoustic arrangement, emphasizing the song’s lyrical depth. This U2 song felt particularly powerful in the context of the ceremony.
* “One”: A fitting closer, “One” served as a message of unity and hope, resonating deeply with the evening’s celebratory atmosphere. The song remains a staple of U2’s discography.
The choice to focus on these particular songs wasn’t accidental. They represent key moments in U2’s career and demonstrate their ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. The performance leaned heavily into the band’s Irish rock roots.
The acoustic Arrangement: Stripping Back the Layers
One of the most striking aspects of the performance was the decision to perform the songs in a largely acoustic format. This allowed the nuances of Bono’s vocals and The Edge’s guitar playing to shine through.
* Focus on Lyrics: Without the layers of production that frequently enough characterize U2’s studio recordings, the lyrics took centre stage.
* Emotional Impact: The stripped-down arrangements amplified the emotional impact of the songs, creating a more intimate and vulnerable experience for the audience.
* The Edge’s Guitar work: The Edge’s signature guitar sound, known for its atmospheric textures and innovative effects, was showcased in a new light. His playing was both delicate and powerful.
This approach offered a fresh interpretation of familiar songs, reminding listeners of the underlying strength of the songwriting. it was a masterclass in acoustic performance.
Fan Reaction and Critical Acclaim
The performance was met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from both fans and critics. Social media platforms lit up with praise for Bono and The Edge, with many commenting on the emotional power of the performance.
* Trending on Twitter: The hashtag #U2Grammys quickly began trending on Twitter, demonstrating the widespread interest in the performance.
* Positive Reviews: Music critics lauded the performance as a highlight of the Grammy Prizes ceremony, praising the band’s musicianship and the emotional depth of the arrangements.
* Renewed Interest in U2: The performance sparked a renewed interest in U2’s music, with streams of their classic albums and songs experiencing a meaningful increase.
the event served as a reminder of U2’s enduring legacy and their ability to connect with audiences across generations. The U2 concert experience, even in this condensed form, was palpable.
The Legacy of U2: Influence and Innovation
U2’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. Throughout their career, they have consistently pushed boundaries and experimented with new sounds, influencing countless artists along the way.
* Pioneering Stadium Rock: U2 helped to pioneer the stadium rock format, creating large-scale concerts that where both visually stunning and musically engaging.
* Socially Conscious Lyrics: Their lyrics often address social and political issues,making them a voice for change and inspiring activism.
* Innovative Use of Technology: U2 has always been at the forefront of technological innovation in music, experimenting with new recording techniques and stage technologies.
Their influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary artists, solidifying their place as one of the most critically important and influential bands of all time. The band’s music style continues to evolve, yet remains distinctly U2.
Beyond the Performance: U2’s Current Projects
while the Grammy performance was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, U2 is also looking towards the future.
* New Album Rumors: There have been ongoing rumors of a new U2 album, with reports suggesting that the band has been working on new material in recent months.
* Sphere residency: The band recently completed a highly triumphant residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, showcasing their music in a groundbreaking new venue. The U2 Sphere residency was a technological marvel.
* Continued Activism: Bono continues to be a vocal advocate for social
