When a stage was erected in Times Square and bathed in red light in 2014, people gathered for a surprise concert from U2, announced online only hours earlier. The event, held as part of a World AIDS Day benefit, carried special significance. But with lead singer Bono recovering from a recent bike accident, fans wondered how the show could go on. To their astonishment, two familiar voices stepped in to fill Bono’s shoes, making the night an unforgettable event for all who attended.
When the U2 members walked onstage, the fans cheered their arrival. The excitement suddenly grew to new heights when Coldplay frontman Chris Martin walked out to join them as lead vocalist. While an exciting moment for fans, the moment was likely just as exciting for Chris, as he has previously shared that he is an enormous U2 fan himself. One fan recognized this, commenting “I feel people forget how much Chris Martin loves U2” on the online video which now has over 1.5M views.
However, the surprises for attendees didn’t stop there. Confusion rippled through the crowd when Chris Martin left the stage halfway through the concert. However, it was soon revealed that he wasn’t the only singer filling in for Bono that night when legendary rock icon Bruce Springsteen walked out to greet the crowd. Cheers filled Times Square once more as Bruce took the mic, lending his voice to more of U2’s hits. This, however, wasn’t the first time that Bruce and U2 had performed together.
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When U2 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, it was Bruce Springsteen who inducted them. Not only that, but he played with them during the ceremony, lending his voice to ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.’ Bruce, also a fan of the band, described them as “keepers of some of the most beautiful sonic architecture in rock and roll” during his induction. His admiration for the band certainly shone through in his heartfelt performance with the band.
As Music Man readers are sure to agree, it is always a meaningful moment for fans to see artists paying tribute to each other. However, it’s especially moving when the tribute comes from fellow musicians who are fans themselves. Performances like the Times Square concert are not only an opportunity to help raise money for a worthy cause and give a gift that fans will never forget, but also an example of how legendary music will continue to be passed on as it inspires future generations of gifted and passionate musicians.
The 2014 Times Square concert remains a remarkable moment in music history, with Chris Martin and Bruce Springsteen stepping up to deliver a night fans still cherish. Their unforgettable performances alongside U2 added an unexpected twist to the World AIDS Day benefit, highlighting the spirit of collaboration and artistry. To explore more about this iconic event and the artists involved, check out the useful links below.