U2 Returns: The Greatest Music Video in History and a Massive 2027 World Tour!
Legendary Irish rock band U2 marked their historic 50th anniversary, released their explosive new single «The Greatest Show on Earth» accompanied by an ironic music video directed by Anton Corbijn, and officially announced a massive 2027 stadium tour titled «Carnaval De Luz»!
“Yes, We Were the Greatest Show on Earth”: U2’s Irony and 50th Anniversary
Titling a brand-new single with signature Irish «modesty» — «The Greatest Show on Earth» — is a masterclass move in true U2 fashion. When your band hits the 50-year milestone, backed by historic rooftop gigs, packed stadiums, performances for the Pope, and a historic residency inside a $2 billion Sphere, you have earned every right to call things by their true name.
On September 25, the legendary band celebrated half a century together. As part of the festivities, Bono and the crew performed at their former high school, Mount Temple, and staged a surprise musical event for the residents of the Irish capital. For a deeper look at that event, read our article: «U2 Gives Two Free Concerts in Dublin to Celebrate 50th Anniversary».
The Greatest Video: A Desert Religious Cult by Anton Corbijn
The visual identity of the new track was crafted by long-time creative collaborator and acclaimed director Anton Corbijn. He delivered a clever, ironic response to critics who have spent the last three decades being vocal about Bono's «messianic» persona.
In the new video, shot across the California desert, U2 appear as members of a surreal religious cult:
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Four elders: featuring masks, fake beards, ceremonial robes, and a mobile homemade church on wheels.
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Cult hierarchy: as expected in a «properly» organized cult, the men handle communication with the divine, while the women oversee logistics and physical labor (hauling stage sets across the sand).
According to lead singer Bono, the phrase «The Greatest Show on Earth» lingered in his mind for a long time, fully taking shape after watching archival footage of Elvis Presley performing «You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’» in the biographical film by Baz Luhrmann. Co-written with producer Brian Eno, the song tells the story of lovers striving to maintain faith in one another and the world around them.
U2 2027 World Tour: “Carnaval De Luz presents: The Greatest Show On Earth”
Alongside the release of the song and music video, U2 announced their return to major global stadiums. The 2027 World Tour will launch in Latin America in support of their 16th studio album, «Carnaval De Luz» — marking the band's first release of new original material in 9 years.
First Confirmed 2027 Tour Dates:
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February 23 & 26, 2027: Mexico City, Mexico (Estadio GNP Seguros) — featuring special guest Beck.
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March 10 & 12, 2027: São Paulo, Brazil (Estádio MorumBIS).
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March 23 & 25, 2027: Buenos Aires, Argentina (Estadio River Plate).
These will be the band's only Latin American shows in 2027. Tour promoters are set to announce dates for Europe and North America in the coming weeks. Full details and dates for U2’s Irish shows (their last Dublin appearances were at Croke Park in 2017 and 3Arena in 2018) are expected shortly.
«“The Greatest Show on Earth”? Well, that is a challenge. A challenge to ourselves to make this evening the absolute best night of every audience member’s life. A bit of showmanship, a bit of shamanism, a burst of color, incredible guitars, and songs you can hold onto,» states U2.
U2’s New Album Tracklist: “Carnaval De Luz”
The new U2 album features 12 brand-new tracks, including guest collaborations with Rosalía and Dolly Parton:
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Go (Carnaval De Luz)
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La Reina
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Street Of Dreams
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The Mirror Maker (Feat. Rosalía)
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Superficiality
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If The World Is At War We Better Not Be
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Silencio
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The Greatest Show On Earth
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Glorify
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Midnight Sunshine
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Can’t Stop Us Now
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Torn (Feat. Dolly Parton)
The «Carnaval De Luz presents: The Greatest Show On Earth World Tour» kicks off on February 23, 2027, in Mexico City, Mexico, at the Estadio GNP Seguros.
Promoters will release the European and North American legs of the tour, including Dublin concert dates, in the coming weeks.
The band's 16th studio album is titled «Carnaval De Luz». The music video for the lead single «The Greatest Show on Earth» was directed by Anton Corbijn in the California desert.