TORONTO — Iconic rock band U2 plans to launch its own U2X Radio channel on SiriusXM next year, which will include exclusive content available only to SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners (Pandora is not currently available in Canada, however).
The announcement was made Wednesday by the band, live from The Joshua Tree Tour stage at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan, with a cut-in from front man Bono to Howard Stern on his SiriusXM channel Howard 100, which saw the tour’s massive 200×40 foot 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.
U2X Radio will launch in 2020 with the band members 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 the band’s Dublin roots, said a SiriusXM news release.
Bono is quoted in the news release as saying: “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,” said Scott Greenstein, president and chief content officer for SiriusXM, in the news release. “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.”
