U2 marks 50‑year anniversary with surprise performances

U2 celebrated their 50th anniversary on Friday with surprise performances at their former school, Mount Temple, and on Grafton Street.

The Irish rock group, which is releasing a new studio album titled Carnaval De Luz, highlighted the rarity of all four original members still being involved after half a century.

Arts journalist Pat Carty discussed the milestone on The Pat Kenny Show, noting that such longevity is “almost unique in bands” and recalling past tensions, including the difficult recording sessions for Achtung Baby in Berlin.

Both sets opened with the band’s debut single “I Will Follow,” the first track from their inaugural album, which Carty described as “the hit that really never was” but still holds great meaning for the group and fans.

Fans also anticipate the new album’s track “Torn,” co‑written with Dolly Parton and Irish songwriter Johnny McDaid, which features Parton’s final recorded vocal performance before her death on 25 August.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: atelierbyvineeth . . . / Pexels.