SiriusXM today announced a new creative partnership with U2 to launch U2X RADIO, which will include a dedicated SiriusXM channel and exclusive content available only to SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners*.
The announcement was made by U2, live from The Joshua Tree Tour stage at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan, with a cut-in from frontman Bono to Howard Stern on his SiriusXM channel Howard 100, which saw the tour’s massive 200×40 ft screen light up with a video tribute to radio ahead of a live performance of the band’s hit ‘Elevation’. A simultaneous stream by U2 on Facebook Live allowed fans around the world to hear the news of U2X RADIO as it happened.
U2 has sold more than 170 million records worldwide and has won 22 Grammy awards, more than any other band or group. Their most recent album Songs of Experience (2017) debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, setting the recently declared Artist of the Decade (Pollstar Magazine) apart as the only band in history to have topped the chart in four successive decades, including eight albums that reached number one in the U.S.
U2X RADIO will launch in 2020 with the band themselves taking to the airwaves and will feature music from U2’s acclaimed decades-long career; never before heard interviews and live concert recordings; favourites and surprises from the archive; band curated playlists sharing personal influences both new and old; plus content celebrating their Dublin roots and much, much more.
Bono said – “Generally when I open my mouth people prefer if I’m singing, but on U2X RADIO, maybe they’ll forgive me the odd interruption…”
Adam Clayton said – “I’m not entirely sure what this is but what it isn’t is an opportunity to hear some bass solos… U2 24/7. Welcome to the last 43 years of my life.”
Larry Mullen said – “It all sounds exhausting to me but if people really want to listen to us for 24 hours a day, this is the way to do it.”
The Edge added – “So I get to sit around having a laugh with my musician friends and playing our favourite music. As I always say, I have the best job in the world!”
“U2 has unparalleled influence as musicians, social activists, and global cultural icons. The band’s ability to evolve has enabled it to create a large and diverse library of hit songs, as well as four-plus decades’ worth of renowned live performances. U2X RADIO and the offering on Pandora will provide listeners new access and insights into one of the world’s most accomplished bands. We could not be more excited to welcome Bono, The Edge, Adam, and Larry to the SiriusXM family,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM.
U2 joins LeBron James’ UNINTERRUPTED, platinum recording artist Drake, and comic book giant Marvel Entertainment in coming to SiriusXM and Pandora for exclusive content and access. They also join other iconic and leading artists who are featured on their own dedicated SiriusXM channels, such as Phish, Garth Brooks, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra.
* Pandora is not currently available in Canada.
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