U2: A Look Back at the Week of November 25th

U2’s history is filled with groundbreaking moments, and the week of November 25th stands out as a collection of pivotal events that showcase their evolution, creativity, and enduring connection with fans around the world. Let’s dive into the highlights from this memorable week in U2 history. November 25, 2002: The Best of 1990–2000

On this day, U2 released their second compilation album, The Best of 1990–2000. This carefully curated collection celebrated the band’s transformative decade, featuring hits like "One," "Mysterious Ways," and "Beautiful Day"—songs that redefined U2’s sound and secured their place as global music icons.

The album wasn’t just a look back; it also included two new tracks: "Electrical Storm" and "The Hands That Built America." The latter was a sweeping ballad featured in Martin Scorsese’s film Gangs of New York and earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

For longtime fans, this compilation was a treasure trove of nostalgia, while newcomers discovered U2’s ability to reinvent themselves during one of their most creative eras.

November 25, 2005: Vertigo Tour in Japan

Three years later, U2 thrilled fans at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, during their Vertigo Tour. This performance marked a significant return to Japan, as it had been seven years since their last visit.

The setlist was packed with hits, including "Vertigo," "Elevation," and "With or Without You." The energy was palpable as the band delivered a dynamic performance that reminded everyone why U2 remains one of the most electrifying live acts in the world.

November 26, 1993: The End of Zoo TV Tour

In 1993, U2 concluded their iconic Zoo TV Tour with a spectacular show at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. Known for its cutting-edge use of multimedia and theatrical stage design, the Zoo TV Tour pushed the boundaries of what a concert experience could be.

This final performance was a bittersweet moment for fans and the band alike, wrapping up one of U2’s most ambitious and innovative tours. From its thought-provoking visuals to its powerful setlists, the Zoo TV Tour left an indelible mark on music history.

November 27, 2019: First Concert in South Korea

Fast forward to 2019, U2 made history once again with their first-ever performance in South Korea as part of The Joshua Tree Tour 2019. Playing to a packed stadium in Seoul, the band delivered a breathtaking show featuring the complete Joshua Tree album alongside fan favorites.

This concert was a milestone for U2, further cementing their status as a band with truly global reach and appeal.

November 28, 1981: Early Days in New York City

On November 28, 1981, U2 took the stage at the Ritz in New York City during their October Tour. Still early in their career, this performance was part of their mission to make a name for themselves in the United States. The intimate setting of the Ritz allowed fans to experience the raw energy and passion that would later define U2’s meteoric rise.

A Week of Milestones

The week of November 25th is a testament to U2’s legacy, from their early days to their status as a global phenomenon. Whether releasing career-defining albums, delivering unforgettable live performances, or breaking new ground in uncharted territories, U2’s journey continues to inspire.

Which of these moments stands out to you? Share your thoughts in the comments and join us in celebrating the music and history of U2!

Until the end of the world, we’ll keep reliving U2’s incredible journey. 🎶

U2 Landed in NZ

U2 has landed - and wasted no time in tweeting about the New Zealand experience.

Guitarist The Edge has posted a photo of One Tree Hill on his Twitter account two days before the Irish rockers play the first of two shows at Mt Smart Stadium.

The band has a connection to the Auckland landmark - One Tree Hill is the title of their 1987 single written after the death of Bono’s New Zealand-born assistant Greg Carroll.

Concert promoters and record label representatives are keeping the band’s movements a closely guarded secret.

However it is understood the rockers arrived on Monday morning on an Air New Zealand flight.

The last time U2 was here, in 2006, members stayed at the $25,000-a-night Great Mercury Island estate, owned by Sir Michael Fay, and were choppered to Auckland for concerts.

The private island, off the coast of the Coromandel, give guests access to two homes, 12 beaches and a private chef.

Other favoured Auckland accommodation for the rich and famous include Wells Bay lodge on Waiheke Island - with the required helicopter pad and $750-a-night suite at the Hyatt Hotel for each of the four musicians.

Supporting act Jay-Z has also arrived in the country but it is not known if his wife, singer Beyonce Knowles, is with him.

The rapper’s entourage was spotted renting a fleet of luxury Audi vehicles, celebrity watch websites said.

Last night, crews were putting the final touches to the 590 tonne stage set complete with the “claw”, a 50m three-legged structure.

The band’s 360 Degrees Tour, one of rock’s highest grossing productions, involves 250 personnel as well as local crews at each venue.

More than 50,000 tickets sold in less than an hour for the Thursday night show but there are some still available for Friday.

New Zealand Ticket Alert

Tickets to New Zealand’s one and only U2 360 concert are already appearing on TradeMe, two days before they go on sale to the public.

U2.com subscribers had until yesterday to purchase tickets to the November concert, before they go on sale to the public this Friday.

Tickets are already appearing on auction website Trade Me for inflated prices - some have a ‘buy now’ of $1000 for two.

U2 360 organisers would not comment on scalping but the band website www.U2.com states: “We reserve the right to block access to or cancel a ticket order of any user that we believe, in our sole and absolute discretion is or is associated with any ticket broker or scalper.”

Wellingtonian Shelly Mackey subscribed for $50 just to ensure she could get tickets after almost missing out four years ago when U2 last performed in New Zealand.

“The main reason why I did it was because I wanted to get tickets. Last time they had a concert I lived in Hamilton and we broke up into groups, I lined up at the stadium, others were in town and another was online,” she says.

She missed out on tickets which were being sold at Waikato Stadium and at the ticket store in town, but did get them online.

“We almost missed out, so this time I thought ‘stuff it’ and paid the $50.”

She says it was worth paying the extra money because the previous concert was so good.

“Their concert was awesome last time.”

Miss Mackey says she purchased four of the $39.90 tickets, which ended up costing about $62 each after the subscription fee and postage.

New Zealand U2 360 spokeswoman Bridget de Launay says the U2.com subscribers allocation for $349.50 Red Zone tickets sold out, but could not comment on how many were sold.

She says there are still Red Zone tickets available to the public.

Miss Mackey says it is tempting to sell her spare two tickets.

“I am definitely considering it but I would feel a little greedy doing it.”

She says she might just sell them to friends for the amount she paid for them.

“I will just see what happens.”

The Irish superband will be joined by Jay-Z at Mt Smart Stadium on Thursday, November 25, exactly four years after U2 last performed in New Zealand.

About 54 percent of tickets are priced under $100, starting at $39.90.

The low prices are due to the specially built 50m-high stage with rotating bridges and a giant video system.

“The extra capacity U2 360 gives us means that there are a large number, several thousand in fact, of low priced tickets at every show,” says U2 tour producer/promoter Arthur Fogel, chief executive of Live Nation Global Touring.

Bringing the U2 360 production to New Zealand is no small feat. Six 747 freighters are required to fly the production to New Zealand.

The stage weighs 590 tonnes with all of the production gear hanging from it, and covers 6000 square metres.

‘The Claw’ itself stands 30.53m high, and with the pylon it’s 51.8m. That means it’s higher than most stadium roofs. Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium roof will have to be “cracked” and stay open to allow the pylon to be installed.



Jay Z and Bono in New Zealand

Hip hop star Jay Z is to join U2 for the band’s tour of Australia and New Zealand later this year.

One of the most successful artists of all time, Jay Z last played in Australia in 2006 and has never played in New Zealand.

U2 and Jay Z will be playing in Auckland on November 25 at Mt Smart Stadium.

Marketing manager Patrick Smith says it’s taken the last four months to secure the show.

He says at least two planes will be needed to bring the equipment to New Zealand.

From there he says around 250 people and 120 trucks will have the task of arranging the set, a 50m-high, four-legged stage with rotating bridges and a giant video system.

Following the show in Auckland, the band will travel to Australia for shows in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth.

The band has visited New Zealand five times before. The last in 2006.

A special deal will see some tickets start at $40. However, most people will pay $100 for general admission tickets.

Following the show in Auckland, the band will travel to Australia for shows in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth.

Tickets are on sale from September 3.