U2 9/11 Tributes: A Look Back

I’d like to look back at U2’s 9/11 tribute history with the perspective that 14 years of time can offer. It’s only fitting, right?

First there was the telethon-style special, “America: A Tribute to Heroes,” which was broadcast on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox on September 21, 2001. Just 10 days after 9/11, emotions were raw for all of us and of course, U2 captured that like no other band could. It didn’t matter that they weren’t American; they got it. They began with the poignant first verse of Peace on Earth, then launched into a tear-jerking rendition of Walk On. It was incredible, but this was just the first in a series of U2 performances to pay tribute to the victims of 9/11 and encourage Americans to carry on.

One month later, the third leg of the Elevation tour was back in the U.S. On the final night of the New York City shows at Madison Square Garden, U2 finished Walk On by bringing members of the NYPD and FDNY on stage. For several minutes, there were cheers, hugs, Bono being wrapped in the American flag and the entire house chanting, “USA.” Eventually, the band launched into Out of Control with Bono changing the lyric, “Not like this one” to “not like these ones” and motioning towards the men onstage. Watch all 14 minutes of it here.

Of course, a piece on U2 9/11 tributes would not be complete without acknowledging the 2002 Superbowl halftime show. The performance begins with Bono walking through fans on the field, mic in hand and singing Beautiful Day. He joins the band on the stage, which is in the shape of the iconic Elevation tour heart and the next song, MLK, cues a scroll with the names of all 3,000+ victims of the attacks. The band finishes with Streets, where Bono reveals that unforgettable American flag jacket liner. For those of us who are struggling to recapture the intense emotions we felt during that saddening, confusing and eventually inspiring time in our history, watching this just might help. It certainly did for me.

Before September 11, 2001, we were innocent (even if we didn’t know it). In the years since, we have become experienced. What is your favorite U2 9/11 tribute, and what do you remember feeling when U2 did these performances? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter.