Diplomats were left red-faced after the Irish rock band apparently changed their minds about how many freebies to allow dish out, according to newly uncovered Government files
A U-turn by rock band U2 meant Government officials ended up with far less tickets than they expected for a tour of the United States. The about-turn by the Irish stars left diplomats in “an embarrassing situation”, according to newly released Government files.
The Dublin rockers had huge international success with songs such as New Year’s Day, Pride and I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. Ahead of their 1987 Joshua Tree tour, in support of their hit album of the same name, the band’s management liaised with Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, offering to include “key people” on the guest list for various concerts across the US.
In a letter from Dublin to the Irish Ambassador in Washington, it was outlined that the band wished to invite representatives from “semi-state bodies and the like”. Diplomats also hoped to extend invitations to “colleague ambassadors, administration and other notables or their children”.
Based on these discussions, a guest list was compiled on the belief that up to 60 guests per concert would be allowed.
That understanding is documented in a note from a February 1987 meeting with U2 manager Paul McGuinness, during which a “possible mutual cooperation towards the benefit of Ireland’s image abroad” was discussed.
An official from the Department noted that “U2 would gladly make available a certain number (perhaps 50-60) of backstage seats” for the Ambassador or consul in a specific city on the tour.
This information was passed on to Ireland’s representatives in cities such as Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington DC in March of that year. However, weeks later, they were informed that the band intended to restrict the ticket allocation to just 10 per night.
The consul general in Boston said this “puts us in an embarrassing situation” as potential guests had already been approached for their preferred dates.
The reply from the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters stated: “You will appreciate that there is little can be done about U-turn by band in this matter. Why not ask your contact if you could put a few more than the ten per night on your list if situation is embarrassing?”.
The documents also reveal that U2 were being considered for a free concert at the Eiffel Tower to celebrate its centenary, following an expression of interest by then Paris mayor Jacques Chirac.
However, the band did not end up performing at the tower, with Johnny Hallyday and Stevie Wonder headlining the event instead. This article draws upon files found in document 2025/124/461 at the National Archives of Ireland.
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