U2 surprised fans with a pop-up concert and music video shoot in Las Vegas, where they premiered their new song “Atomic City.” The track, which takes its title from Las Vegas’ nickname during the time of nuclear bomb testing in the 1950s, pays homage to the city’s history.
During the show, Bono and the band performed “Atomic City” multiple times, capturing footage for the music video set to release later this month. The song channels the spirit of late-Seventies post-punk, drawing inspiration from artists like Blondie and the Clash.
Interestingly, U2 has a special connection to the location. They filmed their “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking” music video on Fremont Street in April 1987. To honor their history, U2 also played a stripped-down version of the same song during the pop-up concert.
The concert featured Larry Mullen Jr., the band’s drummer, who won’t be part of the upcoming U2 UV: Achtung Baby residency at the MSG Sphere. Mullen Jr. is currently recovering from back surgery, and Dutch drummer Bram van den Berg will replace him for the residency shows.
The U2 UV: Achtung Baby residency is set to start on September 29, with additional shows scheduled throughout October and December. The band aims to redefine what a concert can be with these unique performances at the MSG Sphere.
Source: Rolling Stone