U2 rooftop gig at the BBC

john ousby — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:41:12 +0000

U2 performed a few songs from the roof of the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London last night. Early activity on blogs, message boards and twitter ensured that there were some diehards finding the best vantage points for this “secret” gig from quite early in the afternoon. As it approached 6.45 the police closed off Portland Place and the band stepped out to perform ‘Get On Your Boots’, ‘Magnificent’, ‘Vertigo/Substitute/She Loves You’ medley and ‘Beautiful Day’.

There were several thousand people on the street and loads of disappointed people who all had the great idea that they would get to the top floor “heights” bar in the hotel next door for an amazing view. unfortunately the whole bar was closed off for a private do. I was lucky enough to get a view from my office.

Regardless of what you think about U2, (i’m not a big fan myself) this was an amazing spectacle. There was a great atmostphere with the sound of cheers, electric guitar and overhead helicopters mingling together. It felt like you were part of something special.

more pictures and some short video clips on my flickr site, and much more on the BBC website

BBC – Radio 2 – Elbow with the BBC Concert Orchestra

john ousby — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:47:06 +0000

The rights on the video have expired now, but it was great stuff, even if you’re not mad on elbow. you can get cd & dvd of the performance from the elbow site. UPDATE – the original online retailer is now out of business. New retail partner is HMV – details here

more live music from BBC Radio 2

Fatcontroller » music

U2 rooftop gig at the BBC

BBC – Radio 2 – Elbow with the BBC Concert Orchestra