"Angel of Harlem" [03:41]

Links to Video

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Video Information

“Shot in Studio November 1989” says the video release “The Best of 1980 – 1990” – but that’s an obvious mistake as this video debuted in December 1988. The video was shot with director Richard Lowenstein while the band were in the USA for the premiere of the movie Rattle and Hum. The video itself includes footage from the premieres in New York at the Astor Theatre (November 1, 1988) and in Los Angeles at Mann’s Chinese Theatre (November 3, 1988). It also includes some footage from U2’s recording sessions in Sun Studios, lifted from the Rattle and Hum movie.

There is also a new performance of the song which is captured here. U2 performing in an empty theatre. That theatre was the Apollo Theatre in New York City, and that’s why the Apollo Theatre sign keeps popping up in the video – it’s a famous theatre in Harlem which opened in 1913. Also included in the video is a bunch of old footage and some old photographs of Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and others. Also included are some scenes from around modern day New York in colour including shots of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Harlem Moon Bar, and some modern day residents (children) of Harlem running around and having fun.

The video was released to music television in December 1988, as a follow up video to “Desire”. The video for the song was included on “The Best of 1980 – 1990” home video release.

Video Shooting Locations

Quick Start - Leaflet

Additional Screen Captures

Video Credits

  • Directed by Richard Lowenstein
  • Produced by Michael Hamlyn and Iain Brown