When did U2 members Bono and The Edge visit Tulsa for the Woody Guthrie Prize?

Bono and The Edge accepted the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize in Tulsa on October 21st.

What was the significance of U2's return to Cain's Ballroom?

U2's return to Cain's Ballroom was their first performance there in 44 years, dating back to their 1981 Boy Tour.

What kind of performance did Bono and The Edge give in Tulsa?

Bono and The Edge gave a surprise two-man acoustic performance, which included mashups of U2 hits and Woody Guthrie songs.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / U2 Rocks Tulsa: Woody Guthrie Prize & Surprise Gig

U2 Rocks Tulsa: Woody Guthrie Prize & Surprise Gig

4 Jan

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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.

U2 Rocks Tulsa: Woody Guthrie Prize & Surprise Gig

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.