The U2 stars performed a 40-minute concert in the metro station in support of Ukrainian forces.
Bono, who is one of the most famous Irish people of all time, and the Edge performed a 40-minute concert in Kyiv metro station, which is currently acting as a bomb shelter, in front of a small audience on Sunday.
Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, invited two of Ireland’s foremost musicians to take part in a one-off performance in support of Ukrainian forces.
The Irish musicians were also joined by Ukrainian pop-rock band Antytila to sing ‘Stand By You’.
Showing solidarity – standing with Ukraine
Bono and the Edge performed the 40-minute concert in the Kyiv metro station on Sunday to show their solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they face the Russian invasion.
Posting on Twitter, U2 wrote, “President @ZelenskyyUa invited us to perform in Kyiv as a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and so that’s what we’ve come to do. – Bono and The Edge #StandWithUkraine”.
Bono is as well-known for his activism and charitable work as he is for his music. Using his talents to stand up for a cause he believes in is something he is well-recognised for.
Bono and the Edge perform in Kyiv metro station – bringing light into the darkness
Videos posted to social media show the artists performing Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’ alongside Ukrainian soldiers. The musicians also performed U2 hits, such as ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’, ‘With Or Without You’, and ‘Angel of Harlem’.
The past few months have been some of the most difficult for the Ukrainian people. So, the concert provided a short escape from the war, offering hope for the future.
In his nightly address, President Zelenskyy thanked the musicians for their support. He said, “I am grateful to [Bono, U2] for supporting our people and drawing even more attention to the need to help our people.”
The power of music – a uniting force
Music means many different things to different people. Whether that be an emotional release, an escape from the real world, or a symbol of hope.
Posting a video of the performance on Instagram, Antytila wrote, “Tonight we came from Kharkiv to Kyiv at the personal invitation of world legend Bono, @u2.”
They continued, “We sang ‘Stand By You’ without rehearsal, only impromptu, to support Ukraine and all our people. Very important moment for us and all country.
“Thank you, Bono and the Edge, for coming, thank the people of Ireland for such great support of Ukraine.”
You can watch the video of Bono and the Edge performing in the Kyiv metro station below:
