U2 and Brian Eno Perform Surprise Set at Tate Modern for BBC
U2 teamed up with long-time producer Brian Eno for a surprise concert inside the South Tank at London’s Tate Modern, showcasing new songs and classics for a forthcoming BBC broadcast, NME reported.
The intimate November 3 session drew a select crowd of fans, artists, and public figures including Noel Gallagher, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and director Richard Curtis. Set against a 360-degree display of Eno’s artwork 77 Million Paintings, the performance served as an early launch for the band’s upcoming album Carnaval De Luz.
Introduced by broadcaster Jo Whiley over a pre-recorded track of Zooropa, frontman Bono greeted fans seated on beanbags before launching into The Unforgettable Fire for its first live airing since 2018. The group followed with the 1984 classic Bad, during which Bono dropped in lyrics from The Rolling Stones track Ruby Tuesday in a nod to their 1985 Live Aid performance.
Bono told the crowd it was a privilege to play the venue, recalling how late artist Louise Bourgeois opened the space in 2000 with a giant spider sculpture. The band then debuted the upbeat new track Can’t Stop Us Now, featuring vocal exchanges between Bono and guitarist The Edge.
Following a rendition of MLK, Bono shared memories of visiting Bourgeois at her Chelsea home with Irish whiskey, an encounter that led him to sing Amazing Grace. The group moved into Pride (In The Name Of Love) before performing the new single The Greatest Show On Earth.
The setlist also featured COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?) from the recent Easter Lily EP. Closing with Beautiful Day, Bono pulled Eno onto the stage for With Or Without You, prompting the audience to chant the producer’s surname.
The concert will air on BBC Two in late November alongside dedicated programming, followed by a broadcast on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on November 30. Carnaval De Luz releases on November 13 as the band’s first full-length project since 2017, ahead of their 2027 stadium tour.
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