U2’s Bono And The Edge Perform in a Bomb Shelter in Kyiv

On the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U2’s Bono and The Edge performed a surprise acoustic concert in a bomb bunker in Kyiv on 8th May.

The duo performed a set that included some of their best hits in support of the country, which has been fighting a Russian invasion since 24th February.

Since the invasion began, one of Kyiv’s subway stations has been transformed into a bomb shelter, where Bono and The Edge performed. The artists began their act with ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday,’ according to the Irish Times, when the sound of air-raid sirens could be heard in the distance.

‘With Or Without You,’ ‘Desire,’ and ‘Angel Of Harlem’ were also included in the setlist. Prior to the latter, Bono reminded the crowd that nowhere in the entire world would they rather be that night, than in the beautiful city of Kyiv.

The duo also performed a cover of Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me,’ with a Ukrainian soldier joining them on stage to assist them in singing it and altering the word “me” in the lyrics to “Ukraine.” According to Rolling Stone, musicians who have had to join the military in recent months, including Antytila’s Taras Topolya, joined the band on stage throughout the set.

Bono also spoke about the ongoing war in Ukraine during the performance, which has claimed the lives of 3,280 Ukrainian civilians as of 6th May, according to the OHCHR.

The singer and guitarist tweeted after the surprise gig on U2’s Twitter page.

The show follows U2’s involvement in the ‘Stand Up For Ukraine’ campaign, which included Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and others last month.

–Silviya.Y