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U2 Plays Surprise Rooftop Gig

Rockers launch new album with London set on top of BBC headquarters

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 28, 2009 8:56 AM CST

(Newser) – U2 treated London fans to a surprise concert from the rooftop of BBC headquarters last night. The band, promoting the launch of new album No Line on the Horizon, played two new songs and two old ones as thousands of fans filled the street below. "This is the first time we've played these songs to people, so we hope we don't screw it up," Bono told the audience.

"Some people tried to crowd on to traffic islands to see them," a BBC reporter at the scene said. "The crowd was screaming and cheering. Others were spilling out of pubs and shops to see it, and looking out of windows. It was a good-natured crowd and people really seemed to be enjoying it." The band plans a tour with recession-friendly ticket prices later this year.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (2)]

U2 perform at the top of BBC's Broadcasting House in central London Friday evening, Feb. 27, 2009. (AP Photo / BBC)

U2 greet fans after performing several songs at the top of BBC's Broadcasting House in central London Friday, Feb. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/BBC)

People turn out to watch U2 at the top of BBC's Broadcasting House, left, at an impromptu gig in central London Friday evening, Feb. 27, 2009. (AP Photo / Fiona Hanson)

Bono, right, and guitarist The Edge, left, greet fans from the top of BBC's Broadcasting House in central London Friday evening, Feb. 27, 2009. (AP Photo / Fiona Hanson)

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A street-level view of U2's BBC rooftop gig. (CormacHeron)

U2 discuss their new album with CNN. (CNN Video)

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U2 Plays Surprise Rooftop Gig