Greatest show on earth? U2 confirm first tranche of tour dates for 2027
U2 have confirmed they will be touring in 2027. Picture: Michael Schwartz
Ireland has already had two U2 gigs this year, but the band confirmed on Thursday that the rest of the world will soon get to share in the experience with details released of the first leg of a forthcoming tour.
For now, dates have been announced for a total of six concerts in Mexico and South America, but European and North American appearances have also been promised. Branded as ‘The Greatest Show On Earth World Tour’, the 2027 dates will follow on the heels of next month’s release of new album (due November 13).
The tour will kick off with two dates in Mexico City (February 23 and 26), followed by Sao Paulo in Brazil (March 10 and 12), and Buenos Aires, Argentina (March 23 and 25). American artist Beck will provide support for those six dates.
“Additional 2027 dates for Europe and North America are set to be announced in the coming weeks,” the band promised in a statement on Thursday. The tour gets its title from a new single, also released on Thursday.
The worldwide stadiums that will host the tour will mark U2’s first return to such venues since the Joshua Tree anniversary gigs in 2017 and 2019.
Bono and co had last played a full Irish gig at 3Arena in 2018 as part of the Experience + Innocence dates. A residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas in 2023-24 featured 40 gigs without Larry Mullen Jr, who was recovering from neck surgery, but the 64-year-old drummer was back behind the kit for the band’s recent surprise gigs at Mount Temple school and Grafton Street, Dublin.
Speculation will inevitably follow about the potential location for the foursome's next Irish appearance. The summer 2027 roster is already looking fairly busy with confirmed concerts by the likes of Fontaines DC (Slane, June 26 & 27), Harry Styles (Croke Park, August 18, 20 & 21), and Oasis (Slane, September 4-5).
