U2 to help reopen New Orleans Superdome
U2 will help reopen the New Orleans Superdome on September 25th, by performing before the start of the Saints' home game against the Atlanta Falcons. The band will be joined by the punk rock trio Green Day for a version of the song "The Saints Are Coming," which was originally recorded by the Scottish group the Skids. The appearance will be featured on Monday Night Football on ESPN, and the audio will be streamed live over the rhapsody.com music service. In addition, a download of "The Saints Are Coming" will be sold by rhapsody.com soon after the performance, with the proceeds going to the Music Rising charity that U2 guitarist the Edge helped set up to get instruments back in the hands of New Orleans musicians.
The Edge said, "My visits to New Orleans gave me a firsthand look at the devastation which tragically destroyed the lives of thousands. The area's rich and spirited culture must continue to be restored. Providing musical instruments through Music Rising will not only help the professional musicians, but all the churches and schools in need."
The Edge told time.com, "It really is a slice of pure post-punk rock. It's pure 1978, a song that was a big inspiration to us at the time and couldn't be more in the sweet spot of what Green Day are about. It perfectly intersects our mutual interests in musical terms. It's been great fun to play that tune with Green Day, who are great players and have the right stuff." He added, "(The song has) a bit of mournful sentiment, but we play it pretty fast, definitely under three minutes. This is playing with intent. We want to get to the point."
Green Day singer-guitarist Billy Joe Armstrong said, "One year later, people continue to be devastated by Katrina's effects. We hope that by collaborating with U2, we'll remind the public that people of the Gulf Coast are still suffering and still need help to rebuild their lives. The Edge and Music Rising are providing support to schools, churches, and musicians who lost everything in the storm, including their ability to make a living. We are honored to be asked and proud to be part of that."
U2 and Green Day have been working on a version of "The Saints Are Coming" at Abbey Road Studios in London.
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The Edge said, "My visits to New Orleans gave me a firsthand look at the devastation which tragically destroyed the lives of thousands. The area's rich and spirited culture must continue to be restored. Providing musical instruments through Music Rising will not only help the professional musicians, but all the churches and schools in need."
The Edge told time.com, "It really is a slice of pure post-punk rock. It's pure 1978, a song that was a big inspiration to us at the time and couldn't be more in the sweet spot of what Green Day are about. It perfectly intersects our mutual interests in musical terms. It's been great fun to play that tune with Green Day, who are great players and have the right stuff." He added, "(The song has) a bit of mournful sentiment, but we play it pretty fast, definitely under three minutes. This is playing with intent. We want to get to the point."
Green Day singer-guitarist Billy Joe Armstrong said, "One year later, people continue to be devastated by Katrina's effects. We hope that by collaborating with U2, we'll remind the public that people of the Gulf Coast are still suffering and still need help to rebuild their lives. The Edge and Music Rising are providing support to schools, churches, and musicians who lost everything in the storm, including their ability to make a living. We are honored to be asked and proud to be part of that."
U2 and Green Day have been working on a version of "The Saints Are Coming" at Abbey Road Studios in London.
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