Recently in Awards and Honors Category
This past Sunday, U2's performance of "Get Out of Your Own Way" (that was prerecorded live on January 26 on a barge along the Hudson River), was broadcasted on the 60th annual Grammy Awards in New York City.
Rolling Stone Magazine praised the performance in which they quoted:
The proximity of the Statue of Liberty helped drive home the call-to-arms nature of "Get Out of Your Own Way," which includes dire warnings about the state of democracy. "The face of liberty's starting to crack," Bono sang. "She had a plan up until she got smacked in the mouth." Adam Clayton's chugging bass line was the engine pushing the song forward, while the Edge played his usual uplifting riffs on guitar and Larry Mullen Jr. added emphatic punctuation on his cymbals. At the end of the performance, Bono picked up a megaphone to announce, "blessed are the bullies, for one day they will have to stand up to themselves." The performance ended with the singer raising his megaphone in the air, striking a pose that mimicked the Statue behind him.
In addition to that appearance, Bono and the Edge appeared live on stage during Kendrick Lamar's opening medley.
The Los Angeles Times summed it up:
Ripping through a medley centering on his song "XXX" with help from U2's Bono and the Edge, not to mention Dave Chappelle, Kendrick Lamar opened the Grammys on Sunday with the type of live-wire intensity he's well known for -- but which rarely makes it onto network television.
Finally at the end of the show, Bono and the Edge presented the Album of the Year award to Bruno Mars for his album 24K Magic.
Though the band was not up for any nominations at this year's show, U2 are the only band in history to have won the most Grammy awards, winning 22 total awards (out of 47 nominations).
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On Sunday at the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in London, U2 accepted the Global Icon Award from actor Jared Leto. The band was honored for their dedication and achievements in the music industry throughout the band's career.
Leto said in his introduction speech: "U2 changed my life. I discovered their seminal album 'The Joshua Tree' and it became the soundtrack of my youth. U2 isn't just a band, it's a way of life. Their songs are prayers, their concerts a church. They challenge us, they inspire us and they remind us that every moment in our lives is an opportunity to rise above and be part of the possibilities of life, rather than its problems. They teach us it's okay to mix art and politics, and sometimes - even better - to start a revolution and say fuck you. 157 million records sold, 22 Grammys and the highest-grossing concert tour in the history of the world. One love, one blood, one life."
Bassist Adam Clayton dedicated the award to Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who signed the band 40 years ago.
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. stated: "...MTV, after 35 years, and U2 are still making history. Thanks to Bob and Bruce and thank you."
As official recipients of the Global Icon award at the 2017 MTV EMAs, U2 will be performing tomorrow night in London.
Their special live performance will take place in London's historic Trafalgar Square with an expected crowd of 7,000 people.
According to Bruce Gillmer (Head of Music and Music Talent, Global Entertainment Group, Viacom), the 22-time Grammy Award-winning band will be honored for their "Contributions to music, pop culture and social issues around the world. For over four decades and counting, they've entertained, influenced, and inspired fans around the globe and we're thrilled to announce that they are this year's Global Icon."
Sadiq Khan, London's Mayor said: "London is one of the live music capitals of the world, with an unrivaled music heritage. It is fantastic to host the EMAs in our city for the first time in 21 years. What better way to showcase this than one of the world's greatest rock bands performing to Londoners from all backgrounds, for free, in the heart of our great city?"
By Associated Press/Billboard.com
In a frank and heartfelt speech, U2 bassist Adam Clayton thanked his bandmates of four decades for their support during his treatment and recovery for alcohol abuse years ago, and then joined them for a rollicking rendition of a few hits.
"We have a pact with each other," said Clayton, 57, who was receiving an award from MusiCares, the charity arm of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. "In our band, no one will be a casualty. We all come home, or none of us come home. No one will be left behind. Thank you for honoring that promise, and letting me be in your band."
.@U2's Adam Clayton accepts the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award in recognition of his dedication and support of the #MusiCares MAP Fund. pic.twitter.com/pD6x1tkukF
— MusiCares Foundation (@MusiCares) June 27, 2017
He ended by quoting lyrics that Bono, U2's frontman, had written when the band was starting out: "If you walk away, walk away, I will follow." At that, his bandmates came out to join him, performing "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of," ''Vertigo" and, fittingly, "I Will Follow."
Watch Larry accept the award and talk at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) conference in Anaheim, California:
Also, check out these clips of Larry Mullen playing drums on these classic U2 songs: