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.
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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