I posted this in EYKIW earlier, just thought i'd bring it across to PLEBA too
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...ticle502356.ece
ROCK legends BONO and THE EDGE left lucky fans rejoicing with a surprise set at an intimate church gig on Friday night.
The U2 duo were special guests at the Mencap Little Noise Sessions at the Union Chapel, Islington, North London.
Host JO WHILEY introduced the stars to the crowd of around 300 music fans - many of whom had no idea the world's biggest band were about to take the stage.
The tiny crowd in the grand church setting then enjoyed one of the most amazing short sets they had ever seen.
They opened with 1993 hit Stay which left the privileged fans with their hairs standing on end.
And Bono turned his hit Angel of Harlem into a touching tribute to INXS singer MICHAEL HUTCHENCE on the tenth anniversary of his death.
The pair ended the set with the debut of a new track - more than 20 years after they started writing it.
The song, based on Bono's experiences in Ethiopia in the 1980s, was an incredible end to a very special gig.
Bono said: "About 20 years ago we started a tune that we never finished. We've just finished it. Just don't tell LARRY or ADAM that we've played it."
It was an emotive finale to one of the most emotional 25 minutes of music imaginable.
The lucky few hundred fans were left counting their blessings that they were there to see it.
http://www.nme.com/news/u2/32721
U2 play surprise gig in London
Band dust off rare track for acoustic show
U2's Bono and The Edge played a surprise gig tonight (November 22) at London's Union Chapel.
Playing as part of Mencap's Little Noise Sessions, the duo surprised the audience with a four song set which included rare track 'Wave Of Sorrow'.
The identity of the 'special guests' was shrouded in mystery when introduced by host Jo Whiley as "a new band with a lot of potential...Dave the guitarist is very nervous...If he makes a mistake forgive him, he's new. The singer is very shy."
The band opened with 'Zooropa' track 'Stay (Faraway, So Close)' with Bono reading the lyrics off a sheet on a music stand.
The singer changed the lyrics: "You can go anywhere/ Miami, New Orleans, London, Belfast and Berlin" to " You can go anywhere/ Miami, New Orleans, Belfast and Islington," which was met by roars of approval from the crowd.
After the track finished The Edge said : "I hope you like our new direction."
Launching into 'Desire', Bono ad libbed parts of INXS' 'Need You Tonight' into the track. He sang the lyrics "I've got to let you know / You're one of my kind."
He started clapping before taking out a harmonica to play on the track's distinctive finish.
Bono introduced 'Angel Of Harlem' by saying : "This is our only Christmas song."
After a false start which saw the singer sing the start of 'Like A Rolling Stone' by Bob Dylan over The Edge's riff, the duo continued.
At one point Bono said : "Merry Christmas Yoko."
When the song finished the pair shook hands.
Bono then introduced the next track by saying : "So about 20 years ago we started a tune on 'The Joshua Tree' and yesterday we just finished it. This song is based on the experiences that my lovely wife Ali had in Ethiopia.
"You forget that this was the land of the Queen Of Sheeba...I was 25 and it was an extraordinary time to be there...It was an overwhelming experience.
"This (song) has never been played before. Just don't tell Larry (Mullen) and Adam (Clayton) we're doing it...Oh Adam's here! This is for you sir."
They played 'Wave Of Sorrow' with The Edge playing the keyboards.
Bono said : "Thanks for being so generous," and The Edge said : "I hope you didn't notice there were a few mistakes but I was told that was okay...I felt the love."
Imagine being there!!!