U2 to make history with live web gig
Rockers U2 are to become the first stadium-packing stars to allow a full live show to be streamed for free on YouTube, they announced today.
The band revealed today that the show from the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California will be seen as it happens on the video-sharing site this Sunday, October 25.
U2 manager Paul McGuinness said: “The band has wanted to do something like this for a long time.
“As we’re filming the Los Angeles show, it’s the perfect opportunity to extend the party beyond the stadium.
“Fans often travel long distances to come to see U2 – this time U2 can go to them, globally.”
The Rose Bowl show is U2’s penultimate show this year on the 360° Tour and sold out to the biggest crowd of more than 96,000 fans.
The gig will begin at 3.30am Irish time, 8.30pm LA time and 12.30pm in Tokyo and is the first time a show of this size will be streamed live.
YouTube is confident the site can handle the millions of fans expected to log on, while those who miss it can watch two replays of the full concert immediately afterwards.
Fans will also have access to instant messaging network Twitter while watching the show.
Michele Flannery, the website’s music manager, said: “YouTube is thrilled to be able to provide our global audience with a live streaming performance from one of the world’s greatest bands.
“We are always looking for new ways to connect fans around the world with their favourite artists, and this is the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
