Announcing…  U2X RADIO

Live on stage in Tokyo tonight the band announced the launch of U2X RADIO, a brand new SiriusXM channel coming in 2020.

As the band prepared to play 'Elevation' to a capacity audience at the Saitama Super Arena, the massive Joshua Tree Tour screen lit up with a video tribute to radio and Bono revealed news of the channel to fans via a live stream on Facebook Live, as well as listeners of Howard Stern on SiriusXM.

U2X RADIO will launch in 2020 - with a dedicated radio channel for SiriusXM subscribers as well as content for Pandora listeners - and will celebrate music from the length and breadth of U2's career. The channel will see the band themselves taking to the airwaves and will also feature never-before heard interviews and live concert recordings, favorites and surprises from the archive, playlists curated by the band, as well as content celebrating their Dublin roots and much more.

Here's how band members greeted the news.

Bono:  "Generally when I open my mouth people prefer if I'm singing, but on U2X RADIO, maybe they'll forgive me the odd interruption..."

Adam:  "I'm not entirely sure what this is but what it isn't is an opportunity to hear some bass solos... U2 24/7. Welcome to the last 43 years of my life."

Larry:  "It all sounds exhausting to me but if people really want to listen to us for 24 hours a day, this is the way to do it."

Edge:  "So I get to sit around having a laugh with my musician friends and playing our favourite music. As I always say, I have the best job in the world!"

And Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer of Sirius XM, added: "U2 has unparalleled influence as musicians, social activists and global cultural icon. The band's ability to evolve has enabled it to create a large and diverse library of hit songs, as well as four-plus decades' worth of renowned live performances. U2X RADIO and the offering on Pandora will provide listeners new access and insights into one of the world's most accomplished bands. We could not be more excited to welcome Bono, The Edge, Adam and Larry to the SiriusXM family."

Stay tuned for more details coming early next year.