This is great news for U2 fans, of which I am!  On September 29th, U2 will re-issue their concert from Red Rocks Colorado that was recorded back on June 5, 1983.  Ahhh yes, that was in the band’s early days.  I’ve seen this concert before and it is magnificent!

The new re-issue will feature five previously un-released tunes (oh yeah!) plus the director’s commentary.   Now mind you, this is going to be a deluxe edition because not only will you get the DVD, but along with it you’ll receive the remastered live album “Under A Blood Red Sky”.  This newly remastered gem will feature live recordings from 3 of U2’s shows from their War tour.

I hate to mention Christmas when it’s only the middle of August, but this makes a great gift for any U2 lover on your list.  Hint, Hint!

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From U2.com:

Just a note to correct reports that tickets are becoming available for planned U2 shows.

The reports are mistaken, there are no tour dates for the band at the moment - so please don’t buy tickets for U2 shows you see advertised.

You can be sure any future live announcements will be made on U2.Com as soon as they are confirmed.

I hope they tour again soon………I’m dying to see them again. One of the best concerts I’ve ever attended.

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I can’t believe this - U2’s lead singer Bono has been called upon to retire! Organizers have put together an online petition requesting for Bono who they call “self-righteous” to call it quits and have pledged to donate all the money it raises to charity. How awful!

These folks say they’ll donate the money if Bono removes himself from public life

“so he’ll stop leading misguided counter-productive philanthropy efforts. The grassroots leaders of the global fight against AIDS didn’t ask for Bono to be their frontman. It’s time for Bono to step down. We will give money to Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. But we will only pay if we meet our objective”

the petition states. For more information on the proposal, visit Thepoint.com.

I think this is so wrong. I admire Bono’s efforts very much. I can’t believe someone who is trying to do good things in this world is being criticized.

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Bono has been reportedly asked to be the godfather to the newborn twins of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Apparently, the Hollywood couple are said to be “inspired” by U2’s frontman. Who can blame them though?

He is said to have accepted the role. A source explained:

“Brad and Angie think the world of Bono. They have been friends for years. Brad is a massive U2 fan and told Bono how much he admired him when they were introduced at a party a few years back. Since then, they’ve become very close, which Brad is thrilled about. Angelina is inspired by Bono’s humanitarian work and has become friends with his wife Ali Hewson.

Wow, lucky twins! Bono, can you be my godfather too?

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U2 frontmen Bono and The Edge have won a 4 year legal battle in Dublin, Ireland which will entitle them to remodel the hotel that they own, in partnership with property developer Paddy McKillen.  ‘The Clarence’, the property in question,  is an old-fashioned, riverfront hotel in the Temple Bar district of Dubin, an area which is packed with pubs and tourists.  The $235 million dollar plan is to expand the number of rooms to 166 and to include an enourmous, flood-lit atrium which will be called the “Flying Saucer”.  The opponents of this ambitious plan say that, in essence, they were given the go-ahead basically because of who they (Bono and Edge) are….

“We would obviously condemn the decision. It undermines national legislation on architectural heritage because of the number of protected sites being demolished,” said Ian Lumley, an officer with An Taisce, Ireland’s heritage-protection organization.

As if this wasn’t enough, plans are in the works for a U2 Tower to be built, which when completed will be Ireland’s tallest building.  The 120 metre tall building should be completed by 2012 and will house U2’s brand new recording studio at the very top.  I think this project, as well as refurbishing The Clarence, sound like wonderful ideas.  If U2 wants to revitalize their city and make it a better place for its citizens as well as tourists, I say let them have at it.  I’d love to visit there someday when it’s all said and done!

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Wow, this is incredible.  About a month ago, yours truly blogged about the Christie Auction that was to be held in London today.  One of the items mentioned that was going on the auction block was the hand-painted drumskin featured on the cover of the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album.  Today that drumskin sold for the mind-blowing price of $1.1 million dollars!!  That price is four times its estimate, unbelievable!  Dig this….the skin even had it’s own billing, as “the world’s most famous drumskin”.  Isn’t that just so cute!  I hope the person or persons who bought this hot little item chooses a place to display it that’s worthy of it.

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Radiohead’s new album “In Rainbows” is available to download to their fans on a “pay-what-you-want” basis, which sounds good to Bono and myself, but to U2’s manager Paul McGuiness, he doesn’t think it’s such a great idea. As a matter of fact, Mr. McGuiness said the album release “backfired”. Our man Bono has more sense than that, and he called his friends Radiohead…

“courageous and imaginative in trying to figure out some new relationship with their audience”.
“Such imagination and courage are in short supply right now. [Radiohead] are a sacred talent and we feel blessed to be around at the same time.”

What a classy guy, eh? Bono, you rock!

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The first three albums of U2: “Boy,” “October” and “War” have been remastered and will be reissued on July 22nd:

Each physical set will be available in three formats: as a standard single CD, a deluxe two-disc version featuring a disc of b-sides, live tracks and rarities, and an LP record pressed on 180gm virgin vinyl. The packaging on all three titles has been restored and expanded with new liner notes, previously unseen photos and full lyrics.

Wow! Can’t wait to buy the deluxe version of these!!

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Look out Sarkozy….Bono ain’t too pleased with you at all. As a matter of fact, Bob Geldof is a little hot under the collar too. The reason behind all this, you ask? Well it seems that back in 2005 when the Summit of Industrialized Nations was held, France, among other countries, made a little commitment to double their aid to Africa by the year 2010. Now it appears that France has actually decreased its aid. The reason why the crusading rockers have picked on France is because it’s that country’s turn to take over the European Union presidency. What they’re really hoping is that if France lives up to their promise, it’ll serve as a kick in the pants to the other countries to put their money where their mouths are. I’ll let Bono tell you in his own words…

“I have high hopes for President Sarkozy. I believe his hard-headedness might be necessary to work on some of these problems.”

Ya gotta hand it to him, that man does not give up when it comes to helping Africa. He’s a good bet to have on your side, isn’t he?

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Paul McGuinness, U2’s manager said in an interview this week that a new album from the band could be out in October:

“not clear yet but I would think towards the end of October.”

I can’t wait!! That means that a new tour is in the works too!

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