'Tonight is Gonna Be the One'

10 Jun 20218

'Tonight is Gonna Be the One'

It's all about to kick off in Rome's Stadio Olimpico! 

For not only does Euro 2020, the greatest football tournament in Europe, begin there tonight (June 11) with the mouth-watering prospect of Italy v Turkey - but Bono, the Edge and DJ/producer Martin Garrix are set to raise the curtain (and lift the roof!) moments before the match with a virtual rendition of 'We Are The People'.

'We Are The People' is the official song of the tournament, and was released back in May. But behind the scenes, the musicians have continued collaborating on a unique performance of the song for the tournament's opening ceremony.

State-of-the-art motion-control studios in London, Treatment and High Scream have re-created a meticulous 3D-digital version of the famous old Italian stadium in which to 'perform' the song, and to bring the feel of a real-life stadium gig alive for the millions of fans tuning in from all over the world.

Willie Williams, co-founder of Treatment said:

"The performance for the opening of UEFA Euro 2020 came out of a long journey. Originally intended as a live performance, initial ideas were discussed over Zoom calls from the Far East and India during the final leg of the Joshua Tree tour. The pandemic arrived, the tournament was postponed and when finally rescheduled, it was clear that we’d have to take a completely different approach. Conversations restarted in January 2021 when we really had no idea what state the world would be in, six months hence. This challenged us to look at the proposition differently and create an entirely new kind of performance. It ended up being a lot of fun as this ‘behind the scenes’ video shows."

WATCH THE BTS VIDEO HERE


The song's powerful message of hope will be matched with some inspiring imagery to boot, as the pitch becomes a flame, and millions of light particles combine to create a vibrant energy field. Pass the shades!

UEFA's marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein is understandably excited. "'We Are The People' encapsulates the celebration of togetherness and festivity at the heart of UEFA EURO 2020," he said in an official statement, "and I am sure fans will be thrilled by the virtual performance whether they are watching at home or online."

The opening celebrations begin at 20.30 in Rome, with the game kicking off at 21.00, and the virtual performance of 'We are the People' happening just before the teams take the field for the national anthems.

Here's where you can find out how to watch not just the performance but the whole of the tournament from your own region.

In the meantime, to get this party started, Martin Garrix has created an official UEFA Euro 2020 playlist, which includes some electrifying song selections by top players, including U2's 'Beautiful Day'. It's available on all major music streaming platforms.

U2 last played at the Stadio Olympico four years ago, on the Joshua Tree 2017 tour. Perhaps you were there? Tonight, we can all be, for Bono, the Edge and Martin Garrix. 'Electricity in the room,' as Bono sings on the official song of Euro 2020. 'Tonight is gonna be the one.' 

WATCH THE OPENING CEREMONY HERE

Comments
8
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Tibster
Hi
I have to say that all your beautiful music has saved me throughout my life Thank you guys for all your amazing music
allisonparker
U2
Greatful
lassche
We? Are The People
Comes right through my iers, after the match Kroatië-Scottland. Our captain of the Dutch football team will wear this captain-band in Boedapest! This is the Dutch statement against racism. Good luck Dutch football team! Go for that Ons goal! We? Love U2 anyway . Detlev Lassche, underground Oldenzaal town.
tom0686
Disappointing
I don’t have any clue why they ‘performer’ this way. And this hologram-thing...?! Like if he is dead. Disappointing...
u2nadias
Love this Song!
Can hardly sky wait to see Bono and Edge performing this today - Italy vs Turkey.
davide78
Amazing!
I wa there in Rome on 15-7-2017, amazing show with an extraordinary version of Bad! I love U2!! Hope to see soon in concert!
RainerHopefullyHoffer_1973
Welcome back!
Yes. I was in Rome 2017 for JT30, together with my wife and my son Joshua. Great show, long version of „Bad“, David Bowie snippet. I am looking forward for tonight!! We dream of U2 ZOOTV reloaded 2023
JACK1978
EURO 2020
I was in Rome for both of two dates of Joshua Tree 2017 tour a very special nights , is beautiful that our Italy oper this EURO 2020 with this beutiful song !
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