New Yorkers crammed into Times Square in their thousands last night for a free World Aids Day Benefit concert, with one of the most incredible lineups imaginable. Fronting the bill: Carrie Underwood, Kanye West and U2, except that the Irish rockers replaced their frontman with two very special guests.
While Bono, who is currently recovering from a bike accident, watched from the sidelines, out burst Bruce Springsteen on to the stage to join the Edge, Adm Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr, as the opening notes to Where The Streets Have No Name rang through the streets of the Big Apple, before The Boss screamed: “I want to run!” Just hours ago, crowds didn't even know the benefit would be taking place let alone that they were about to see Bruce team up with U2.
U2 had originally planned to throw the concert following their week long gig on the Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. Sadly the band were forced to cancel their five night stint with Jimmy as Bono's extensive injuries, which include a fractured shoulder blade and arm, proved to be way too severe to perform. But nothing was ever going to get in the way of Bono, whose RED campaign has become the most famous AIDS organisations in the world, and his little shindig; so who better than enlisting the help of rock and roll royalty to fill his place.
Bruce Springsteen and Chris Martin replace Bono in U2 (WENN)
Following a brief speech from Bill Clinton, out came the supergroup, who advertised themselves as U2 Minus 1, as Chris Martin, Bruce and the band kicked off the night with Beautiful Day. “Dreams come true,” said Martin, “for young and old people alike”. After belting out a string of hits, U2 Minus 1 wrapped up the set with a stunning rendition of With Or Without You.
The band bid their farewell apart from The Edge as Carrie Underwood arrived on stage for a brief medley of hits including Change and her country anthem Something In The Water. Kanye West then ended the night with an explosive set of Power, Jesus Walks, Black Skinhead, Stronger and Touch The Sky.
Check that out for a lineup (WENN)
Well how about that. The Boss, Chris Martin, U2, Carrie Underwood and Yeezy for free! Although, we're sure New Yorkers would have loved to have seen U2 minus no one, U2 Minus One sound like a pretty great substitute. Hopefully Bono will make a speedy recovery for when the band hit the road for their 2015 world tour.
Watch U2 Minus One hit The Streets With No Name in Times Square below…
