Iconic Irish band U2 finally make their way to the Philippines and their fans—young and old—are rejoicing.
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Before acts like Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, there was U2. Bright young men brimming with musical talent and ambition, with a knack for anthemic choruses that cross over to the divine, Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr. and Adam Clayton created music that seemed destined for wide open roads, vast open-air stadiums and an audience looking for salvation. With driving beats and bass, melodies that reached for the skies as deeply as deeply as they plunged the depths of human emotion, U2’s music in the 1980s reached out to a world marred by economic instability, cultural shifts, and social reckoning. 32 years after U2’s landmark Joshua Tree album was released, their pleas for enlightenment and journey for catharsis remain relevant to this day. And after years of simply watching clips of their raucous concerts online or on the odd documentary, Filipino fans will now get to watch Irishmen on home soil.
On December 11, U2 will be bringing their Joshua Tree Tour to Manila at the Philippine Arena, which holds a 50,000 seating capacity. The so-called “biggest band in the world” will be spoilt for choice when it comes to playing their hits and deep cuts, which span over several decades’ worth. Produced by Live Nation Global Touring and promoted locally by MMI Live and Prestige Worldwide in association with SMART, the Joshua Tree Tour in Manila is sure to be a memorable event for Filipino music lovers. “It’s only taken me 30 years to learn how to sing these songs and it’s great to be able to say that I’ve finally caught up with the band. Our audience has given the Joshua Tree a while new life on this tour.” He adds, “Manila is a first… and that has everyone on their toes… this has to be one of the great ones!”
It’s a well known fact that many ardent U2 fans have flown to different countries and followed their idols around the world, but to have them perform on Manila will be quite a different experience. The band is known for their connection with the audience, as recent shows in Singapore (also a first for the city-state) and Japan have displayed—the concepts that separate us such as language, race, beliefs are transcended by higher powers such as music and an undying sense of hope.
For complete tour, VIP Package and ticket information, visit www.u2.com
