The last single we heard so far from U2's forthcoming Carnaval De Luz, "Silencio," was a crunchy rock song that suggested this band is still trying (and failing) to rewrite "Vertigo." Fortunately, their new one out today is not like that. After teasing the album with last year's "Street Of Dreams," sort of an All That You Can't Leave Behind throwback that casually stretches for anthem status, they're really getting back to their signature ballad mode with "The Greatest Show On Earth." Behold that cascading delay on the Edge's chiming guitar riff! Check out the fervent quarter-note bassline from Adam Clayton! It's not going to stand amongst their classics, but this song sounds like U2, and for that, I'm grateful.
"The Greatest Show On Earth" arrives along with news of Carnaval De Luz Presents: The Greatest Show On Earth, U2's 2027 world tour. Thus far they've only announced a handful of gigs in Latin America. In February and March, they'll play two shows in Mexico City, two in São Paulo, and two in Buenos Aires, all with support from Beck. We're told European and North American dates are forthcoming. A statement from the band regarding these travels:
“The Greatest Show on Earth”? Now that's a throwdown. It's a dare, to ourselves as much as anyone, to try and have the best night of anybody's life.
A bit of showman, a bit of shaman, a riot of colour, unreasonable guitar, bass and drums, and tunes you can hold onto.
Because if people are gonna show up, we certainly are.
Below, watch the video for the new song directed by old pal Anton Corbijn in their old haunt, the California desert. Per a press release, it "satirizes the band as a religious cult where women do all the heavy lifting."
TOUR DATES:
02/23 Mexico City, Mexico @ Estadio GNP Seguros
02/26 Mexico City, Mexico @ Estadio GNP Seguros
03/10 São Paulo, Brazil @ Estádio MorumBIS
03/12 São Paulo, Brazil @ Estádio MorumBIS
03/23 Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Estadio River Plate
03/25 Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Estadio River Plate
Carnaval De Luz is out 11/13 on Island. Do you think we'll hear the one with Dolly Parton or the Rosalía tribute with the made-up Spanish words before street date?