U2 Station

U2 Eyeing Multiple New Music Releases Starting in September - News

2013-01-18T05:45:27Z

Album working title is reportedly '10 Reasons to Exist'

by Marc Hogan and Kyle McGovern, Spin Magazine

U2's long-rumored new album has at least a tentative release date. The rockers hope to release "something" from the follow-up to 2009's No Line on the Horizon by September, drummer Larry Mullen Jr. told Irish broadcaster RTE.

"I'd say we will be finished by the summer -- and hopefully we will have something released by September," Mullen is quoted as saying on RTE's The Dave Fanning Show. "Hopefully what we will be able to do is release September this year and shortly afterwards, release again. That's what we want to do."

What's more, the Guardian has picked up a report in the usually dodgy Sun in which Bono reportedly says the new album is tentatively titled 10 Reasons to Exist. The band is "in fine fettle" and "really want to make a new record," he's quoted as saying. The Sun has been accused of fabrication by just about everyone, but when the Guardian picked up its report that Paul McCartney would be fronting a reunion of the surviving Nirvana members, that's what actually happened.

]]> U2's publicist didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Talk of U2's 13th studio album dates back to 2009, right around the release of No Line. Bono told Rolling Stone that he was planning "a sister release to No Line on the Horizon, a Zooropa to its Achtung Baby," that was supposed to see light within a year of Horizon. The singer confirmed a title (Songs of Ascent) and a first single ("Every Breaking Wave," which was dropped off No Line at the last minute), and said, "We're making a kind of heartbreaker, a meditative, reflective piece of work, but not indulgent."

As fansite @U2 points out, the Dublin foursome's U.K. label, Mercury Records, confirmed through a tweet last July that a new U2 album was scheduled for 2013. A month before that announcement, Bono appeared on an Irish late-night talk show and gushed about the band's recent recording time. "We've had the best three weeks in the studio since 1979," he said, adding that the group knew they had to do something significant for lucky number 13. "I think they [the other band members] are very aware that U2 have to do something very special to have a reason to exist right now."

That "something very special" might be a reference to U2's collaboration with Carl Falk, the co-songwriter of "What Makes You Beautiful" and "One Thing," by U.K. boy band One Direction. Falk told the Sun in April 2012, "There's a long way to go but we are doing something with U2."

Bono, the Edge, Mullen, and Adam Clayton have also been busy with a number of other album-length projects -- so much so that in 2010 the Guardian reported that U2 had a trio of unreleased albums, ranging in styles from traditional rock'n'roll to dance to the "meditative psalms" originally planned as Songs of Ascent. Bono admitted that despite being adventurous enough to try a "club-sounding" record, U2 hasn't really embraced digital culture. "We're not as 21st century as we think we are," he said. "We'd be putting out more new songs online, involving our audience in the choice, if we were really modern. [Instead] we're just sitting here arguing about them, except no one else knows about them."

Clayton, the band's bassist, spoke to Rolling Stone in June 2011 about the upcoming release, saying, "when the record is finished, we'll know what it is," in response to a question about U2's work with producer/Lady Gaga collaborator RedOne and the possibility of putting out Bono and the Edge's songs for the Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark musical as an LP. Clayton continued, saying, "The work we did with RedOne was very, very exciting. But again, I'm not sure it was the essence of what U2 is good at, and U2 is very elastic, we can do many different things, but I think we have to get down to the essence of the band." He added, "I think that's what people like about us, and we have to do what we do best and we have to focus on that, and the work we did with Danger Mouse came closest to that. And we're curious. We want to be in the clubs and make pop music as well as the thing U2 does, and we did that thing with RedOne, but in the end, it doesn't feel like the right fit." Clayton also said that the band made "great progress" with Danger Mouse back in January 2012. (The Guardian identified the Danger Mouse tracks as belonging to U2's "rock album.")

Bono mentioned the Danger Mouse sessions in a 2010 interview with the Age, confirming that they had 12 songs with the New York producer. He also said, "At the moment that looks like the album we will put out next because it's just happening so easily." The arena-friendly frontman went on to confirm that the clubby material also featured work from EDM superstar David Guetta and the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am.

As for the Songs of Ascent, Bono said in an interview posted on the band's website in January 2012 (via @U2) that they haven't abandoned that project completely. "We're working on three albums at the moment and we haven't decided what order we're going to put them out but The Songs of Ascent have the kind of beautiful intimacy that we're speaking of now." That was a year ago, though.

All of this is to say that, at some point, there will be a new U2 album coming out and it might be titled 10 Reasons to Exist.

'Bono's eyesight is deteriorating,' says John Lennon's son - News

2013-01-09T21:01:13Z

Julian Lennon says the U2 singer's eye condition is worsening

NME

Julian Lennon, son of The Beatles' John Lennon, has revealed that Bono's eyesight is deteriorating.

The U2 frontman has admitted in the past that he requires his trademark sunglasses because he suffers from an eye condition which makes him over-sensitive to light, but now his friend Julian Lennon has confirmed the condition is worsening.

He told the Irish Daily Star: "Bono actually has a condition with his eyes. I don't know the exact issue but the brightness of the sun hurts them and it's a deteriorating issue."

However, Lennon admitted that he thinks the 'Where The Streets Have No Name' singer is lucky to suffer from a condition that can easily be made into a trademark style.

]]> "It's part of his image," he said. "In some senses it was lucky but not really of course. Maybe it's part of his process now and without the image he can't be Bono."

U2's Bono recently called Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' the "most perfect song in the world". The frontman made the claim in a new book by Alan Light, called The Holy Or The Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, And The Unlikely Ascent Of 'Hallelujah'.

Bono and U2's search for God - News

2013-01-04T04:44:04Z

The Washington Times,

WASHINGTON, January 1, 2013 -- Humans have praised God through many means throughout our history. Science has ventured tentatively into these waters, but God remains a mystery, and some would argue that this is the way that it is meant to be.

My views on this are well documented: I believe that science has a role to play in our spiritual development - as Jacob Bronkowski said, knowledge is our destiny, and science's raison d'etre is surely to obtain that knowledge. Science and Religion don't have to be in opposition, they are sides of the one coin, and ultimately, if we foster the advance of both of them, their description of that coin must converge.

But because it is the new year, and perhaps a time to eschew controversy in favor of community, let me talk about music. Except in the most puritanical religions, music has always been one way that we have agreed we could seek to commune with God, and share our experience of that seeking. Gospel and hymns are the traditional forms of praise, but pop music is also gathering its own rich tradition.

To the surprise of many, U2, arguably the world's most popular rock band, is not afraid to release songs which have a spiritual emphasis. They wear their Christianity on their sleeves if you know where to look.

]]> I have included some excerpts below from two of their earlier songs which are particularly clear in their message.

They touch on our need for God, and their popularity seems to suggest that they have a universal appeal, irrespective of your own particular religious belief.

Released in 1981, Gloria is one of U2's very first singles. Not to be confused with Thems' (with Van Morrison at the helm) ode to carnal love of the same name, U2's Gloria is a barely disguised hymn to God. Here is an excerpt from it:

"I try to sing this song

I, I try to stand up

But I can't find my feet

I try, I try to speak up

But only in you

I'm complete

Gloria, Gloria

Oh Lord, loosen my lips

I try to sing this song

I, I try to get in

But I can't find the door

The door is open

You're standing there

You let me in"

A superficial glance at the lyrics could confuse it with a love song. Perhaps Bono is simply singing to a girl named Gloria? Undoubtedly that meaning exists in the song, but the real meaning is revealed by the chorus "Gloria in te Domine / Gloria exultate" translates to "Glory in you, Lord / Glory, exalt" which is a reference to Psalm 30:2. The song also contains references to Colossians 2:9-10 ("Only in You I'm complete") and James 5:7-9 ("The door is open / You're standing there").

Similar feelings are expressed in the song 40, from their 1983 album, War. The song is called 40 after Psalm 40. Indeed the chorus is loosely based on the first two verses of Psalm 40:3, which reads "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God..."

In it, Bono refers to an inability to "find my feet", to "stand up" or to "speak up", which is an acknowledgement of our fallen state and a cry for help to God:

"I waited patiently for the Lord

He inclined and heard my cry

He brought me up out of the pit

Out of the miry clay

I will sing, sing a new song

How long to sing this song?

He set my feet upon a rock

And made my footsteps firm

Many will see

Many will see and fear"

Again U2 are making it clear how important it is to defer to the Lord - it is only "He" that will bring humanity "up out of the pit" or out of the darkness, and out into the light. It is only in God that we can find a firm foundation in our lives.

The question of "How long to sing this song" is one we are probably all asking ourselves here at the beginning of the new year. Ever since Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden of Eden humanity has stumbled in the darkness, trying to one day find our way home; and it seems that the further we have come, the more lost we have become - and so it would be easy to lose heart.

Today humanity is facing greater challenges than it ever has in its history, and it can seem overwhelming. 'How long?' asks Bono. Who can truly say? All we can do is have faith, and just put one foot in front of the other for a bit longer - and if we do that we will yet come out the other side.

My only caveat is that with the strength of our faith we continue forward rather than retreat - though retreat might seem like the safer way to get home. Though going forward seems fraught with uncertainty and danger, it is only in going forward that as a species we will fulfill the potential that God has given us. As a community, as a people, as a species, let us not hide our light under a bushel.

Surely a wonderful future awaits us if we but hold the course - a beautiful day no less. Happy new year!

This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.

Bono reveals title of next U2 album - News

2013-01-04T04:35:40Z

Review by John Balfe, entertainment.ie

It wasn't just busking on Grafton Street that Sir Bono kept himself busy with over the festive period - the U2 frontman also gave a rare radio interview to occasional cohort Amanda Brunker over Christmas.

During the interview, Bono told Brunker that plans for the next U2 album were already well underway. "They're mad for it at the moment and really want to make a new record", he said, speaking of his bandmates . "And they don't care if it takes 10 years, they just want to get it right."

"Within the band we've been calling it 10 Reasons To Exist but I will tell you we might have at least six of them."

The eventual album will be the band's thirteenth record and their first since 2009's No Line On The Horizon.

You can listen to the full interview here.

Bono busks again on Grafton Street Dublin, Christmas 2012 - News

2012-12-28T04:33:51Z

Glen Hansard along for the song on a night of nights

It has become an annual ritual, the great Bono busk in Grafton Street on Christmas Eve. This year the U2 front man was accompanied by Glen Hansard of "Once" fame and singer Lisa Hannigan.

It looks like a few thousand revellers who had gathered all day to see the great man joined them and Grafton Street was a throng of happy faces.

Bono did not disappoint, belting out 'Desire' among others. The fans joined in and it was another Bono night to remember.

]]> Here's footage of Bono and Glen Hansard busking on Grafton Street:

New limited-edition U2 t-shirt launched to mark human rights day - News

2012-12-14T04:44:03Z

Hard Rock project will benefit Amnesty's human rights work

Amnesty International,

Hard Rock has launched a new limited-edition U2 t-shirt to mark international human rights day (10 December) and raise funds for Amnesty International.

U2 joins a legendary roster of rock icons - including The Who, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Jon Bon Jovi, Shakira, Ringo Starr and John Lennon - as part of Hard Rock's "Signature Series", which has helped to raise millions of dollars for charitable causes worldwide.

The "U2 Signature Series: Edition 30" t-shirt is being produced through a partnership between EDUN LIVE and Hard Rock, and will be available online and in Rock Shops at Hard Rock Cafe locations in London, New York and Dublin, with 15% of the retail price benefitting Amnesty. It will be available in Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide from February 2013.

The U2 Signature Series t-shirt is printed on a navy blue EDUN Live t-shirt made from 100% African cotton (image available).

The shirt, which costs £20.45, features an image of an electric guitar with angel wings, emblazoned with the words "JUSTICE," "HUMANITY" and "EQUALITY." A barbed wire is seen wrapped around the neck of the guitar. The back of the t-shirt bears the signatures of each member of U2 - singer Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen, Jr.

U2's The Edge said:

"I hope this t-shirt generates loads of cash for Amnesty International and their tireless work towards the release of prisoners of conscience all around the world.

"Plus there's a guitar on it - so it's a win-win as far as I'm concerned."

Amnesty International Campaigns & Communications Director Thomas Schultz-Jagow said:

Buy the t-shirt at hardrock.com

]]> "We are thrilled that U2, Hard Rock and EDUN have generously offered to support Amnesty International in this high-profile way.

"We have a history of working with all three, and the combined power of us all coming together on this project will make a huge difference by raising awareness of our human rights work around the world."

Hard Rock International's Senior Director of Brand Philanthropy Annie Balliro said:

"We are proud to support Amnesty International and aid in the fight for human rights worldwide through the Signature Series programme.

"Hard Rock is honoured to have U2, legendary musicians and dedicated activists, join with us to raise funds and awareness for such an important organisation."

Bono talks at World Bank Headquarters - News

2012-11-17T22:37:43Z

As written in the Wall Street Journal's blog from November 14, "even Bono is worried about the fiscal cliff."

As taken from their website:

The lead singer of Irish band U2 says spending cuts that hit in January would devastate programs to help the world's poor, leading to more than 60,000 deaths.
"There's real jeopardy," Bono said Wednesday at a discussion at the World Bank with bank President Jim Yong Kim. "I'm still terrified of people wrestling the wheel of this mad lorry that they're driving off the cliff."

Sequestration -- a package of automatic spending cuts set in motion last year -- would slash funding for U.S. programs grouped in the federal budget as "international affairs" by 8.2%, or $4.7 billion, in the current fiscal year. Bono said that includes about $2 billion from anti-poverty programs, such as treatment for HIV/AIDS, on which he focuses at his anti-poverty advocacy group, ONE.

"We know there's going to be cuts," he said. "We understand that. But not cuts that cost lives."

You can watch the full 55 minute video of Bono above.

Bono's Beautiful Daughter Quietly Stuns In NYC Appearance - News

2012-10-26T20:51:44Z

By Wendy Geller, Stop The Presses!

U2 frontman Bono may be one of the world's highest-profile musicians, but you wouldn't know it from the low profile his family tends to take. Case in point: The rocker's 21-year-old daughter, Eve Hewson, who's been building an acting career in an understated, non-splashy fashion. Not too many people are familiar with Hewson's stunning looks--have you seen her before?

The beautiful blue-eyed brunette--the second-oldest of Bono and wife Ali Hewson's four children--stunned onlookers in New York at a screening of her new film, This Must Be The Place, which co-stars Sean Penn and Frances McDormand.

The movie competed at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and will go into limited release domestically on November 2. Hewson plays the teenaged Mary, a friend to Penn's portrayal of an aging Dublin rock star seeking revenge for his father's torment at the hands of a Nazi guard.

]]> The Irish-born Hewson, who lives in Brooklyn, made her feature-length acting debut in the 2008 drama The 27 Club. She also features prominently in Irish band the Script's music video "For The First Time."

Bono fights poverty, ex-Harvard head takes on Winklevoss twins at tech talk - News

2012-10-20T09:10:33Z

Ciara O'Brien, Irish Times

SOME OF the world's top technology entrepreneurs mixed with well-known names in Dublin's Mansion House yesterday as the F.ounders conference began.

Bono addressed the gathering as the co-founder of charity One International, an organisation that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease. He compared aid for struggling economies to start-up funding, and said One wants to be the NRA [National Rifle Assocation] of the world's poor. "It's much feared but well organised," he said.

Bono appeared on stage with One executive director Jamie Drummond to discuss the campaign and how technology has helped empower people. "The 21st century began last year in Tahrir Square, where the model of power over the millennia - the pyramid - was inverted. You have this incredible thing that technologists have known for years: the network effect," he said. "Received wisdom is not going over very well. Everything has changed ... The more of it that is available, the easier our job."

]]> Transparency is the "vaccine" for the "biggest killer disease of them all", Bono said.

The F.ounders conference is an invite-only event limited to 200 of the most influential tech leaders, and a few special guests. Director Barry Sonnenfeld and former US treasury secretary Larry Summers joined YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim, Flipboard's Mike McCue, and Yandex's Arkady Volozh for the two-day event. Topics for discussion included the future of the web, technology and the economy, and politics and revolution.

The conference has been called "Davos for Geeks" because of the opportunities for networking that it provides. The "fireside chats" revealed some interesting titbits.

Summers took on the topics of how technology had impacted ON the economy, and redressing the gender balance in the industry.

"I think there's a great deal One can do that is both pro-diversity and pro-meritocracy by giving everybody more of a chance," he said.

"There's a great deal that smart employers are increasingly doing to widen the sets of talent that they are able to recruit, and to recruit more women. I think the world is making progress, but . . . I'd like to see it making more progress."

The former president of Harvard was asked about his dismissive remarks on the Winkelvoss twins, who sued Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg for allegedly stealing their social network idea.

" You learn some things as a university president. One of the things you learn is that if undergraduates are wearing a suit and tie at 4 o'clock on a Wednesday afternoon, there are two possibilities. One is that they've got a job interview; the other is that there's something a bit off about them. The Winklevosses did not have a job interview that afternoon."

F.ounders continues today.

The Edge spotted with Bryan Ferry on stage - News

2012-09-28T19:28:51Z

On September 27, 2012, U2's The Edge was seen on stage performing with Bryan Ferry at the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital Friendship Ball in London, England. They played the Irish folk song "Carrickfergus", named after the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

U2's Bono and The Edge in Leicester for opening of Curve production of Finding Neverland - News

2012-09-25T19:18:42Z

Leicester Mercury

Surprise celebrities added their applause to a rapturous standing ovation for the world premiere of Finding Neverland.

Hundreds of people packed out Curve to see the opening night of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein's production.

The show premiered on Saturday night and included two unexpected star guests - U2 frontman Bono and guitarist The Edge - who had been invited by Mr Weinstein.

Mr Weinstein said:"We were so honoured that Bono and Edge came to see our first preview of Finding Neverland in Leicester. There was real excitement amongst the cast to meet them backstage after the show. I came to see Bono's show Spiderman in New York during previews, and he was a really good friend to come and see my first show here in Leicester."

]]> Speaking to the cast on stage after the show, Bono said: "Can I just say how nauseating it is to see it go so well. That was amazing."

The musical, about Peter Pan author JM Barrie, received whistles and cheers as the curtain fell and the Irish superstars got to their feet with the rest of the audience to give the cast a standing ovation.

Joss Paine, 18, from Thurnby, had to take a second after finding himself in the same row as Bono.

He said: "It was a bit surreal. I spotted him quite early on and had to look twice."

The show is inspired by the 2004 film Finding Neverland, based on the Scottish writer JM Barrie.

It tells the story of his platonic relationship with Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and friendship with her four young sons, who inspire the magical world of Peter Pan.

Maggie Friswell, 63, from Burbage, said: "It was absolutely fantastic. The singing was superb - in fact, everything was fantastic.

"I've been to London, to the West End to see shows, but this was just amazing - the technical bits were really impressive."

Stephen Smith, 61, from Stoke Golding, near Hinckley, said: "Brilliant. It was really good.

"For the show to premiere here in Leicester really says something about the city and the theatre."

Pam Hillyard, 74, from Thurmaston, was sat in front of the show's producer Harvey Weinstein but didn't know until her daughter told her.

She said: "I had no idea who he was, but I thought the whole show was fantastic.

"It really captured the essence of the story and the time in which it was set.

"The set and music was amazing."

The musical attracted audience members from all over the world.

American Bill Rummer had travelled from London to see the opening night of the show.

The 40-year-old said: "I thought it was beautiful and moving, it was fantastic.

"I'm originally from Los Angeles and I'm in London at the minute, but I had to come up here when I heard it was a Harvey Weinstein premiere."

Bill was not the only overseas admirer of the production.

Australian Craig Rohlf, 39, had also made his way up from London for the show.

He said: "It's my first time here and I am really impressed.

"It's not every day you see a world premiere of a big show like this."

British stage and screen actor Julian Ovenden plays JM Barrie, while West End actress Rosalie Craig takes the role of Sylvia.

The show, directed and choreographed by Olivier Award-winner Rob Ashford, runs until October 13.

For information and tickets, visit:

www.curveonline.co.uk

Apple's Jony Ive to team up with Leica and Bono for charity camera - News

2012-09-19T04:37:16Z

Devin Coldewey, NBCNews.com

Jony Ive, best known for his work in creating the iPhone and other Apple products, will be working with Leica on a custom camera to be sold for charity, the camera maker said.

The news was shared Monday night by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, who owns Leica. Ive was originally supposed to be present but couldn't make it, so the news was handled briefly during the announcements of Leica's new cameras, the new M flagship rangefinder and some other, less expensive cameras.

The idea is for Ive to design the camera and then for Leica to produce exactly one of them, which will then be auctioned off for charity in collaboration with U2's Bono. In all likelihood, the device will fetch an astronomical sum; limited-edition Leicas regularly sell for tens of thousands of dollars, and this will be among the most exclusive and desirable devices ever made to begin with.

]]> What Ive plans to do to the M is a mystery; he hasn't spoken publicly about the arrangement, and the design phase for the camera hasn't even begun. All that is known for sure is that it will be based on the new M camera, which already bears an iconic design -- but nothing that can't be improved.

Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.

Paul McCartney, Bono Top List of Richest Lead Singers - News

2012-09-14T03:29:51Z

by Dave Lifton, Ultimate Classic Rock

Three weeks ago, we learned that Ringo Starr is the world's richest drummer. Today, the same website lists Starr's former bandmate in the Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney, as the most valuable lead singer (and presumably, bass player) in the world.

Celebrity Net Worth estimates McCartney's net worth at $800 million, presumably in part due to his vast publishing holdings. They arrived at the figure based on "all publicly available information including salaries, real estate holdings, divorces, record sales, royalties and endorsements. The final net worths come from a formula that takes out taxes, manager's fees, agents' fees, and lifestyle."

Directly below McCartney, but far behind in terms of dollars, is Bono at "only" $600 million. It was suggested that the U2 singer had become a billionaire through his equity firm's stake in Facebook, but he quickly denied this story.

]]> For the record, Starr's $300 million would have been good enough for sixth place, between Mick Jagger ($305 million) and Sting ($290 million), but he did not make the list. Apparently 'Octopus' Garden,' 'Photograph' and countless All-Starr Band tours aren't enough to consider him a frontman.

The rest of the Top Ten contains pretty much the names you would expect, such as Elton John, Jimmy Buffett and Prince -- songwriters with large, hit-filled catalogs that can still command top dollar in concert.

Top Ten Richest Lead Singers (in millions of dollars)

1. Paul McCartney: $800
2. Bono: $600
3. Jimmy Buffett: $400
4. Elton John: $320
5. Mick Jagger: $305
6. Sting: $290
7. Phil Collins: $250
8. Dave Matthews: $250
9. Prince: $250
10. Dave Grohl: $225

Bono turns tables on pal Gavin as Electric Picnic off to a hot start - News

2012-09-02T19:52:57Z

By Ken Sweeney, Independent.ie Entertainment Editor

BONO was a surprise addition to the Electric Picnic festival when it kicked off in brilliant sunshine yesterday.

Arriving by helicopter at 6.15pm, the U2 frontman wasn't performing but turned up to catch a set by his long-time friend Gavin Friday on the first day of the music and arts event.

For decades Friday has jetted around the globe as U2's 'special adviser', giving them notes about their live shows.

But last night the roles were reversed as Bono sized up the former Virgin Prune's performance on the main stage just after 7pm.

]]> The only problem with having a superstar pal watching your show is that photographers' lenses were all trained on Bono watching from the mixing desk rather than on the stage.

Playground

Nevertheless, Gavin dedicated his song 'Angel' to Bono and his wife Ali who are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this month.

It was Bono's first visit to the Electric Picnic, which is now in its ninth year.

Take That's Gary Barlow admitted on the 'X Factor' last weekend that he had never heard of the Electric Picnic, but for the 32,500 Irish music fans in Stradbally, Co Laois, this weekend it's the highlight of their music year.

Wayne Stuart (30) spoke for many. Originally from Co Clare but now working in Glasgow, Wayne had returned to Ireland specially for the three-day event.

"It's not just the music. There are so many other attractions to the Electric Picnic like Mindfield and Body & Soul," he said.

"I'd describe it as an adult playground. I went to Oxegen for the first eight years but I'm not 18 any more and the age range at Electric Picnic goes from kids to senior citizens.

"I love the atmosphere so much that it got me back from Scotland."

The biggest drawback to any Irish music festival is the unpredictable weather, but by teatime last night the meadows of the 600-acre Stradbally estate were bathed in balmy sunshine.

There's more good news, with Met Eireann promising today will start off dry and bright, and tomorrow will be even warmer and sunnier, with temperatures hitting 20C or 21C.

Tailbacks didn't prove a problem either, with heavy but steadily-moving traffic around Stradbally last night.

Spirits

That left one genuine problem for festival-goers -- the clash of top names on different stages with Ed Sheeran, Christy Moore and Icelandic band Sigur Ros all performing between 11pm and midnight last night.

Even a three-hour set from Goth doom merchants The Cure tonight seems unlikely to dampen spirits.

One of the more unusual performers on the many stages over the weekend will be celeb agent Noel Kelly. (See The Diary -- Review Section).

More used to representing Ryan Tubridy and Grainne Seoige, the 49-year-old will be fronting the Transformation Blues Band on the Salty Dog stage at 7pm this evening.

However, the NK management boss said his "singing the blues" had nothing to do with salary cuts for his stars in RTE.

Rather, he's doing a favour for the band whose singer had been unavailable for the festival and looking forward to a return to his former role as frontman with Dublin blues band The Leadbellies.

Weekend festival tickets are still available for €230. Sunday day tickets are €99.50.

- Ken Sweeney Entertainment Editor

U2 New Album Expected For 2013 And Is Sounding Quite Different Says U2 Insider, Gavin Friday - News

2012-08-22T17:31:14Z

by TripleM Sydney

U2's record label over in the UK, Mercury Records, has put the Irish supergroup in their release schedule for 2013.

Now we'll just add caution that when push comes to shove, U2 are the ones who decide when they're ready to put out a new album, not the record company, but it's looking good for next year.

The band have been working their arses off in the studio with a number of producers including Danger Mouse and Will.I.Am, resulting in material which U2 insider Gavin Friday has described as "really very, very different".

In an interview with RTE Radio One's Weekend On One program in the UK just last weekend, Gavin said: "I've heard a bit of... Danger Mouse is producing it, so it's quite different."

]]> This backs up what Bono said earlier in the year during an interview on The Late Show on Irish TV.

"We've had the best three weeks in the studio since 1979. I think they [the other band members] are very aware that U2 have to do something very special to have a reason to exist right now," he said.

Of course, there have been loads of rumours about a new album to follow-up 2009's No Line On The Horizon. In fact, U2 have gone on record saying that they had made another record called Songs Of Ascent during the No Line On The Horizon sessions.

Also, they debuted some new songs on the U2 360 Tour including "Return of the Stingray Guitar", which was an instrumental rock track that was the opening song on the European leg in 2010 and "Glastonbury" - which they wrote shortly after the end of the 2009 U2 360 tour and planned to premiere at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2010.