U2 announce surprise intimate London gig for the BBC
U2 will record a one-off, intimate concert in central London for the BBC on 3 November, performing songs from across their catalogue alongside new material. The surprise show gives a select audience a chance to see the band in a smaller setting, while the recordings will feature in a wider BBC programme about U2.
A limited number of tickets are available through a ballot open until midnight on 29 October; the venue will be disclosed to ticket holders on the day. BBC Two will show the concert in late November, and BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds will broadcast it on 30 November from 7pm to 9pm, with new band interviews. The show comes ahead of U2’s 16th studio album, *Carnaval De Luz*, due on 13 November, their first full-length album of new material since 2017.
In short
- U2 will record a small London concert for the BBC on 3 November.
- The performance will include new tracks from *Carnaval De Luz*.
- BBC radio and streaming coverage is scheduled for 30 November.
Explained simply
U2 are an Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1976. The group’s long-running line-up is singer Bono, guitarist the Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. Their catalogue includes well-known songs such as “One” and “With or Without You”.
The BBC is the UK’s public service broadcaster, with television, radio and online services. A BBC programme about U2 can bring the band’s music and interviews to audiences beyond those who attend a live performance. The concert is also connected to the band’s first full-length album of new material since 2017.