Folks On Fremont Street Enjoy Surprise Performance By U2
You never know who you’re going to run into when you’re partying at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas. Undoubtedly, people were happily surprised to see a flatbed truck roll up with some familiar faces getting ready to perform. Believe it or not, it was Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. That’s right, a U2 surprise performance Saturday night on Fremont Street.
U2 Surprise Performance Debuts New Song About Las Vegas
Of course, by now you know about U2’s upcoming residency at Sphere Las Vegas. “U2:UV” starts with sold out shows September 29th and 30th. With this in mind, one of the world’s greatest concert bands decided to debut a new song for their new city of “residency.”
In light of this fact, U2’s surprise performance on Fremont Street in front of the Carousel Bar doubled as a music video shoot. First, Bono and the boys performed an a capella version of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” It’s important to remember that the music video for that 1987 song from The Joshua Tree album was filmed on Fremont Street in Las Vegas.
Then, with music video cameras rolling, U2 debuted their new song “Atomic City.” For one thing, the song is about Las Vegas. For the most part, all those glittering neon lights on Fremont Street are the perfect backdrop for a music video performance. If you’d like to watch a smart phone video of this surprise concert on YouTube, click here.
Las Vegas Extras Paid To Attend The Music Video Shoot
All in all, this was not an impromptu performance. With all things considered, you really can’t shoot a professional looking music video with smart phones. You need lots of video equipment to get the look you want. In fact, according to a report by Chris Willman on Variety.com, 250 extras were on scene for the video shoot. Imagine getting $150 bucks to watch one of the world’s great rock bands run through their new song “Atomic City” four times!
In case you’re not aware, “Atomic City” was once the nickname for Las Vegas. Basically, that was back in the days when scientists and the military were conducting atomic testing in the nearby deserts. Nevertheless, we do live in an amazing city that brings the biggest entertainment acts to town. And sometimes, they even ride in on a flatbed trailer.
15 U2 Items That'll Meet Your Every Desire
'Surrender'
In November 2022, Bono will be releasing his very first memoir Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story. Per its listing, “‘Surrender’ is the story of the remarkable life he’s lived, the challenges he’s faced, and the friends and family who have shaped and sustained him.”
'Rattle and Hum' DVD
At the height of their Joshua Tree success, U2 released the documentary/concert film Rattle and Hum. While some critics found the film to be indulgent, it offers a peak into the band during one of the most important periods in their career. The concert footage is simply beautiful.
'Rattle and Hum' Shirt
Well, if you loved the film and its accompanying soundtrack, why wouldn’t you want to buy the shirt immortalizing its artwork?
'U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle, Ireland'
There’s nothing quite like when a band performs for a hometown crowd. U2 released this concert film in 2003 which captured the band’s September 1, 2001 show in their native Ireland in front of 80,000 fans. It’s an especially moving show as Bono’s father died from cancer just days before. Bono would dedicate the song “Kite” to his father during the performance.
'The Joshua Tree' Tour Shirt
An iconic album deserves and iconic tour shirt, and this one more than fits the bill.
'U2 - Zoo TV Live from Sydney' DVD
Relive the groundbreaking wonder that was U2’s Zoo TV tour with this concert film! Channel your inner “Fly” and make some prank calls to the White House while you watch it!
'Achtung Baby' Shirt
The album that led to the Zoo TV tour! The first studio LP released following the incredible success of The Joshua Tree, Bono has often described “The Fly,” the lead single from 1991’s Achtung Baby as “the sound of four men chopping down the Joshua Tree.” He had a point there. If fans thought the song was wild, then the Achtung Baby album artwork must have thrown them for a loop.
'Popmart - Live From Mexico City' DVD
The Popmart Tour was basically ZooTV on steroids. It was just so over the top, and its madness in support of U2’s 1997 album Pop was captured in this concert film before a massive crowd in the Mexico City.
'Elevation 2001: U2 Live from Boston' DVD
After the extravagance of Pop and the Popmart Tour, U2 went back to basics both on their following album — 2000’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind — and its supporting tour. Gone were the over-the-top stage step-ups and outfits. U2 entered a new era, and this concert film representing that era helped cement their legacy as one of the greatest live bands of all time.
'U2 by U2'
If you’re looking for the definitive history about U2, look no further than U2 by U2. Coming in at 480 pages, it’s the band’s story as told by the band themselves.
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at shopping@bbgi.com.
Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
