The Irish rock superstars were performing at the Las Vegas sphere when Bono gave the speech, before launching into a modified version of their nonviolence anthem ‘Pride (In the Name of Love)’.
Dublin greats U2 has shared its support for the victims of the attacks carried out this weekend at an Israeli music festival.
Over 260 people were killed in the attack by Hamas on Saturday, which took place as part of an escalation in violence between Israel and Palestine.
In the middle of a performance on Sunday night, Bono launched into a speech about the attack. “In the light of what’s happened in Israel and Gaza, a song about non-violence seems somewhat ridiculous, even laughable, but our prayers have always been for peace and for non-violence,” he said. “But our hearts and our anger, you know where that’s pointed. So sing with us… and those beautiful kids at that music festival.”
The Irish rock superstars then launched into ‘Pride (In the Name of Love)’ and changed lyrics to directly reference the attack.
“Early morning, October 7th/As the sun is rising in the desert sky/Stars of David, they took your life/but they could not take your pride,” went the changed lyrics, which were met with supportive cheers.
U2 is currently in the midst of their residency at the newly opened Las Vegas MSG sphere. They began the nearly three-month residency on September 29th and have eighteen shows left until their last performance in the venue on December 16th.
Other notable Irish figures have shared their views on the attack including the United Nations, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin- though they have received some criticism from Irish musicians and other celebrity figures alike for their take.
