'It Was Twenty Years Ago Today'

2 Jul 2005
11am: U2 and Paul McCartney have just finished a rocking sound check in Hyde Park.

The stage was packed with people and there were a few hundred on the main field (even though the audience have not yet been allowed on site) as Paul McCartney joined U2 to rehearse the Beatles classic Sgt Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club Band.

With McCartney joining Edge on guitar and Bono joining him on vocals, it sounded pretty great! (U2.Com, by the way, had snuck on stage too...)

It's no secret that this is the track that will open Live 8 this afternoon ­ the original Live Aid concert for Africa was twenty years ago - and the five musicians went through it three times to get it right. (U2 were also rehearsing until late last night elsewhere in London).

'The Macca...Paul McCartney!' announced Bono at the end, to widespread cheering.

'U2!' responded McCartney in kind.

'A song written by Britney Spears!' joked Bono as The Beatle left stage right where he remained to watch U2 rehearse three more songs.

It all seemed pretty relaxed ­ in fact the whole vibe here this morning is relaxed. Amazing, given that this is the biggest rock'n'roll show in history and even, we're told, will have the biggest televised audience for any event ever!

More soon.

RECENT NEWS

23 May, 2025

The band were in London last night, becoming the first Irish songwriters to be honored with the Ivor Academy's greatest accolade.

5
16 May, 2025

First song from new 3-track Live EP. Pre-save digital. Order Limited Edition 7" black vinyl release.

14 May, 2025

Dispatch set to begin of Volume II of U2 Complete Lyrics.

30 Apr, 2025

The official trailer for Bono: Stories of Surrender, coming to Apple TV+ on May 30th.

14