During the Sarajevo Film Festival, Bono surprised the audience with an unplanned, a cappella performance of Bob Marley’s timeless track “Redemption Song.” The event marked the premiere of a documentary that chronicles U2’s enduring connection with the war-torn Bosnian city, titled Kiss the Future.
In attendance were both Bono and the Edge, who participated in the screening of the documentary that follows aid worker Bill Carter’s endeavors to bring U2’s Zoo TV tour to Sarajevo during deeply turbulent times. As the credits rolled for the film–produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck–Bono and the Edge joined the documentary team on stage. When handed the microphone, Bono launched into a heartfelt rendition of “Redemption Song.”
Bono, who notably inducted the late Bob Marley into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame back in 1994, had previously shared his admiration for “Redemption Song” by including it in his list of “60 Songs That Saved My Life.”
Reflecting on the connection between the Irish and Jamaican cultures, Bono expressed, “The Irish and Jamaicans share more than a few commonalities, from our affection for rum to our intertwined lilting accents, especially in regions like Cork and Kerry… one, two, three…” Bono elaborated on the intersection of religion, politics, and the fiery protest spirit that breeds rebellion, drawing parallels between the rebellious music of the Wailers and the Irish ears that found familiarity in it.
Bono then connected the dots between the Marley family’s roots in Trench Town, just seven miles from Irish-named Daniel Power Trench’s domain. He emphasized the universal nature of rebel music, a powerful expression of freedom for anyone seeking to break free from various forms of bondage.
Following a hiatus of nearly four years, largely due to the pandemic, U2 are set to mark their return to the stage in late September with the commencement of their Achtung Baby residency at Las Vegas’ new MSG Sphere.
#Bono & #TheEdge at the #SarajevoFilmFestival for #KissTheFuture: “Redemption Song”
Video © @28th_sff
“When Bono’s voice meets the silver screen. Ready to #KissTheFuture? “https://t.co/MtWROdHyZS#U2 #U2NewsIT #29thSFF pic.twitter.com/xrhXOETqGi— dani mattei (@daniDpVox) August 11, 2023