U2's Call to Disarm

On their recently wrapped tour, U2 used their nightly podium to powerfully address the issue of gun control. During their performance of The Joshua Tree's "Bullet the Blue Sky," the band screened a disturbing video montage created by artist Catherine Owens that included images of victims of gun violence and children toting firearms.

"The song needed something that would contemporize it," says the Edge. "We're treading a very fine line between being artists and wanting to lecture Americans about issues that are important. It's basically turning the mirror on the audience."

During their June 21st performance at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Bono stood at the end of the heart-shaped catwalk, illuminated only by the flashlight he held in his hand. At the song's climax, Bono turned the flashlight toward his face as he repeated, "What's my name? Mark Chapman!" over and over again, referring to John Lennon's assassin.

In the past twenty-one years, 676,000 Americans have died as a result of gun violence - a total higher than the death tally from the Vietnam War. "It's so surprising to people who come from Europe and anyone who's come from Ireland that in the U.S. guns are so available," says the Edge. "It has always mystified us."

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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