U2 Nix World TV Link-Up?

NME Magazine by Eugene Masterson (1989-12-02)

U2 appear to have shelved plans for a worldwide TV broadcast of their New Year’s Eve concert in Dublin.

The Irish band had reportedly planned to broadcast their gig at Dublin’s Point Depot. But an insider told NME: “U2 did want to show to be broadcast but the fault lies with the TV company they were negotiating with. Apparently the satellite space which was needed for such a show was booked up for New Year’s Eve by other programmes so it looks like plans will have to be dropped.”

Instructions on the Dublin tickets, though, tell fans that one of the shows may be filmed and asks for co-operation with the producers.

However, the band are still planning surprises for their New Year’s Eve show. NME believes they are planning to fly in a jumbo load of people from New York for the show. They include American based friends, employees and possible stars. Among those mentioned who may guest at the gig are Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan.

U2 are also rumoured to have held back some tickets for the gigs.These will possibly be auctioned off for charity.

Band manager Paul McGuinness told Irish Radio last week that he expects the tickets to fetch up to £500 each on the black market. That is quite possible — some are already changing hands in Dublin for £150 each.

Meanwhile, reports that U2 have recorded a Republic of Ireland soccer anthem for the World Cup appear premature, according to Dave Pennyfather, head of the U2 owned Mother record company.

He said that Bono met team captain Frank Stapleton on a match day and said he would be interested in penning the Republic’s team song. But plans are only at their early stages.

“The band are desperately proud of the Irish team’s performance and would like to do something,” Pennyfather said.

Bono and The Edge have also written a number of songs for Marianne Faithful and she is due to perform them in Boston next week.

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