{
  "id": 9816366,
  "title": "U2 play to packed Grafton Street crowd from Bewley's",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/u2-play-to-packed-grafton-street-crowd-from-bewleys",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T19:13:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2026/0925/1593018-u2-play-to-packed-grafton-street-crowd-from-bewleys/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "U2 orchestrated an unexpected concert from the balcony of Bewley's in Dublin's bustling Grafton Street on Friday evening, marking a significant milestone of 50 years together as a band. A sold-out audience gathered below, eagerly awaiting the Dublin rockers' performance that spanned their five-decade journey. The set began with the timeless classic \"I Will Follow,\" followed by \"Out of Control\" and \"One.\" The band then transitioned into anthems like \"Where the Streets Have No Name\" and \"With or Without You.\" The set concluded with their latest single, \"Silencio,\" taken from their upcoming album \"Carnaval de Luz.\"\n\nA particularly emotional moment occurred when U2 paid tribute to the late Glen Hansard. Hansard, who co-wrote \"Falling Slowly\" with Markéta Irglová for the film \"Once,\" had made a notable impact on Grafton Street, often performing there. Hansard's passing in July was deeply felt, and the band honored his memory with a rendition of \"Falling Slowly.\" Other beloved songs from U2's repertoire included the iconic \"Beautiful Day.\"\n\nThis remarkable performance came shortly after U2 surprised their former school, Mount Temple Comprehensive in Dublin, with another gig for students and staff. This 50th-anniversary celebration of U2's initial rehearsal on September 25, 1976, at Larry Mullen Jr.'s family home in Artane, underscored the enduring legacy of the band.",
  "summary": "U2 have played a surprise gig from the balcony of Bewley's on Dublin's Grafton Street as the band marked 50 years together.",
  "key_points": [
    "U2 performed at Bewley's Grafton Street, Dublin, on Friday",
    "Concert celebrated band's 50-year milestone together",
    "Tribute to late Glen Hansard included performance of Falling Slowly"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}