In a statement released today, frontman Bono reflected on how touring behind the seminal 1987 record has rejuvinated his perspective on the album, as well as expressing his pleasure at the prospect of returning to Australian shores – “It’s only taken me 30 years to learn how to sing these songs and it’s great to be able to say that I’ve finally caught up with the band. Our audience has given the Joshua Tree a whole new life on this tour. Doing these shows has been very special for us, a lot of emotion… From the despair of how relevant some of the dark songs still are, to the joy, pure fun of the staging… it’s quite a ride. And now we get to do it all over again. Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul… We’re coming for you.”
The band have also announced that they’ll be supported on all dates by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, who are slated to release three EPs of new material this year. Given that this tour is less than a month after Metallica’s huge run of stadium dates in October, we reckon the end of the year is going to be stacked for stadium gigs – might want to hit up Mum about early Christmas presents I reckon.
Suss out all the dates below. Tickets go on sale Tuesday June 11, and if you’re a lucky suscriber to U2.com, you can access presale from Tuesday June 4.
U2 – The Joshua Tree Australian/NZ Tour
w/ special guests Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Friday November 8 – Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland, NZ
Tuesday November 12 – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, AU
Friday November 15 – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, AU
Tuesday November 19 – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, AU
Friday November 22 – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney AU
Wednesday November 27 – Optus Stadium, Perth AU
For tickets and further details head to Live Nation.