On Sunday at the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in London, U2 accepted the Global Icon Award from actor Jared Leto. The band was honored for their dedication and achievements in the music industry throughout the band's career.
Leto said in his introduction speech: "U2 changed my life. I discovered their seminal album 'The Joshua Tree' and it became the soundtrack of my youth. U2 isn't just a band, it's a way of life. Their songs are prayers, their concerts a church. They challenge us, they inspire us and they remind us that every moment in our lives is an opportunity to rise above and be part of the possibilities of life, rather than its problems. They teach us it's okay to mix art and politics, and sometimes - even better - to start a revolution and say fuck you. 157 million records sold, 22 Grammys and the highest-grossing concert tour in the history of the world. One love, one blood, one life."
Bassist Adam Clayton dedicated the award to Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who signed the band 40 years ago.
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. stated: "...MTV, after 35 years, and U2 are still making history. Thanks to Bob and Bruce and thank you."
Then when Larry handed Bono the microphone, he proceeded to sing a portion of Stormzy's "Blinded By Your Grace Pt.2".
Finally, The Edge said: "We've been making music together for a long time. People always ask, 'How have you kept your band together?' There has to be one boss, one leader, who calls the shots. It's not an easy gig, let me tell you, and I could not have done this without these guys' support. Truly, they are the wind beneath my wings."
The previous evening, U2 performed a 45 minute long, 9 song setlist in front of 7,000 people at Trafalgar Square. Included in the set was their new single "Get Out of Your Own Way", performed for the very first time live. The song was played twice as well, the second time for a live music video shoot. Check out the complete setlist and read more about it here.
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