Week In Review: July 31, 2020
Once again, @U2 brings you the latest in U2 news.
Larry Mullen Donated A Pair Of Signed Drumsticks To A Charity Auction To Benefit The National Health Service Of The United Kingdom
Continuing the band’s ethos of giving during the pandemic, Larry donated a pair of signed drumsticks to a charity auction to raise money for the National Health Service, the publicly-funded health care system of the United Kingdom. Larry’s contribution became part of the circumference of a snare drum constructed of pieces of autographed drumsticks from a variety of artists. The Drumathon 2020 Charity Auction, run by Dawsons Auctions in London, took place on July 18, 2020 and earmarked all proceeds for the NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. A peek at the snare drum can be found here.
U2 Donated €200,000, A Message Of Gratitude And A Song To Songs From An Empty Room, A Televised Fundraiser To Support Irish Stage Crew During The Pandemic
On July 25, 2020, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), Ireland’s National Public Service Broadcaster, aired Songs From An Empty Room, two hours of live musical performances by Irish artists to raise money for Minding Creative Minds (a 24/7 mental health support network for Irish musicians, songwriters, artist managers and crew) and the Association of Irish Stage Technicians (AIST) Hardship Fund. The event raised money for Irish stage crew impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. U2 donated €200,000 toward the initiative.
Adam Clayton appeared briefly on the show, honoring the important role of the dedicated crew who support the band. Adam reiterated, “You’re only as good as the crew supporting you.” Listen to his words here. Bono and The Edge provided a pre-recorded homage to Irish road crew—“best in the world,” in Bono’s words. They also performed an acoustic cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” Check out their trademark smirks, cool pandemic attire and the voice and guitar strumming that we all miss here.
U2 fans who wish to follow our favorite band’s lead and support Irish stage crew (especially the U2 crew who keep us calm around the stage rail while we eagerly await the start of each show) may donate or buy merchandise here. The entire Songs From An Empty Room show can be found here. Bono and The Edge appear at 1:40.
On July 30, 2020, Joe Lynch of Billboard announced that U2’s €200,000 contribution is just one part of a $1.5 million donation from the band to live music industry workers who have been economically affected by the pandemic. Lynch’s article can be found here.
U2 Fans Perk Up At Rumors Of A 20th Anniversary Box Set Of All That You Can’t Leave Behind
U2Songs.com reported a buzz about the possibility of a 20th anniversary box set of the band’s tenth studio album, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, originally released in 2000. You can read more here.
© @U2/Brown, 2020