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U2 Rocks Tulsa: Woody Guthrie Prize & Surprise Gig
4 Jan
Summary
- U2 members received the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize in Tulsa.
- They performed a surprise acoustic set at Cain's Ballroom.
- U2's return marked their first Tulsa visit in 44 years.
Legendary Irish band U2, represented by Bono and The Edge, made a significant return to Tulsa's iconic Cain's Ballroom after a 44-year hiatus. The duo accepted the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize, an award that recognizes artists embodying Woody Guthrie's spirit of advocating for the less fortunate and driving social change through art. Their visit culminated in a surprise two-man acoustic concert, an event now preserved as an audio recording on YouTube.
During their October 21st visit, Bono and The Edge were celebrated for their "unwavering commitment to noble causes," as stated by the Woody Guthrie Center's senior director. They performed six songs, including mashups of U2 anthems with Guthrie odes, on the historic stage. The prize ceremony also featured an onstage conversation with acclaimed producer T. Bone Burnett, discussing Guthrie's legacy, protest songs, and the power of music to inspire change.
Bono and The Edge also offered a glimpse into U2's new music, sharing lyrics from a work-in-progress song about a Palestinian activist's killing. This preview of their upcoming album, following 2017's "Songs of Experience," highlights the band's continued dedication to social commentary. U2 joins a prestigious list of Woody Guthrie Prize recipients, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Joan Baez, further cementing their impact on music and activism.
