New U2 Album in July

In a short interview broadcast today on Irish radio station Phantom, Edge talked about the band's plans for a new album, the rest of the 360 tour, and more -- and U2 fans probably won't be too thrilled with what he had to say.


Edge on the U2 360 Tour's Future


Although rumors have been circulating of new dates in Europe later this year, Edge said he thinks that's probably not gonna happen.


"I think we're probably gonna pack up the U2 claw after the American shows. I doubt if -- but you can never say never. But right now, if you wanted my opinion, I'd say that that will be the end."



Edge on U2's Next Album


The different projects the band is working on are all still alive, and the band isn't ready yet to commit to one particular direction. They'll probably decide on what kind of album to make and resume working on new material after the tour concludes.

"Bono's been talking about different projects and they're all still kind of alive. We're not ready to commit to one particular direction, but we've so much new material. And when the dust settles and we're off the road, I think we're gonna give ourselves a couple weeks and sit back and figure it all out and decide which way we're gonna go." Later he adds, "We're enjoying that moment where things haven't fully come into focus and we could take it in a number of different directions."


Edge also mentioned the band will probably change the set list a bit for their performance in Glastonbury and have "a few little extras, but nothing like the 360 stage."


Edge taped the interview last week while he was still in New York City. You can listen to it  on Phantom.ie's website.

www.atu2.com

"Walk On" on New Songs For Japan Album

U2 has contributed a song for a new album that aims to raise money for the victims of the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan. "Walk On (Radio Edit)" is the second song on the digital album Songs For Japan, which can be purchased now via iTunes. The 38-track album can only be purchased in full at a heavily-discounted price of $9.99 (compared to .99 or $1.29 that each track would normally cost on its own). All proceeds go to the Japanese Red Cross.

www.atu2.com

Jake Berry Speaks in Chile

Press Conference of Jake Berry,  360 º tour Production Director, in Santiago, Chile:




Special words to the "most dedicated fans in the world"




wwwU2Chile.net

Gifts from Bono

Bono helped his wife, Ali Hewson, celebrate her 50th birthday at Michael White's Osteria Morini on Saturday night with 20 guests, including Michael Stipe, The Edge and Helena Christensen. After dining on the rustic Italian fare, Bono emerged on the street to see if he could give away some records for Stipe's band, R.E.M. A spy reports, "He was asking people loitering outside if they wanted a CD. Bono was largely ignored, with some looking at him like he was a crazy person until one girl recognized him and snapped up the disc."

www.nypost.com

AWF Seeking Designs for 9th Annual Build a Well for Bono's Birthday Fundraiser

The African Well Fund will launch its 9th Annual Build a Well for Bono's Birthday fundraiser on Tuesday, March 22 and is inviting supporters to submit designs that could be used to promote the fundraiser.

The theme of this year's fundraiser is "Because we can, we must," a lyric from the U2 song "Mercy," and all designs submitted must include the fundraiser theme, the AWF logo (which can be downloaded here) and the AWF website (africanwellfund.org).

Artists are asked to submit their designs in a JPG or PDF format to lwineman@africanwellfund.org by Friday, March 18. Designs must also be available in a 300-dpi minimum high-resolution format if chosen to promote Build a Well for Bono's Birthday (PSD/AI/EPS/TIFF/PDF formats are all acceptable). Please don't include any copyrighted images or derivative images of Bono or U2 in your design.

The winning design will be selected by AWF's board of directors and announced on March 22. It will be featured on the AWF website and social media pages, as well as in press releases and on items sold through the AWF Zazzle store.

For more information, visit the Design Contest page.

Funds raised during the 9th Annual Build a Well for Bono's Birthday, which runs March 22 through May 10, will benefit water and sanitation projects that will be implemented by AWF partner Africare at girls schools in Benin that have been built by Angelique Kidjo's Batonga Foundation.

http://www.africanwellfund.org

Craig Evans Talks about the Concert in Chile

U2Chile.Net  has posted a video with a press conference by tour director, Craig Evans.

www.u2chile.net 

Edge and Family Arrived in Chile

Edge with one of the tripulation crew that took him to Chile (via twitter)

The Edge arrived almost a week ahead of the band. While the crew is focused on getting the stage ready.

Edge landed Saturday 19^th on a commercial flight ( Flight 533 Lan Chiile ) Of course traveling first class with his wife . Most of the flight they spent sleeping, taking some photos with the airline crew.

After landing, “The Edge” and family left the airport via VIP area and left the same day heading to northern Chile, to San Pedro de Atacama.

The guitarist plan is consistent with the initial requests were sent to all producers of his visit: the possibility that the trip mix business with tourism activities. In fact, last week, those responsible for the appointment to the team he sent the group a list of different places to visit, which included locations in the north and others further south, as Villarrica and Pucon.

 Bono, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen are thought to be arriving between now and tomorrow afternoon, on a private plane that also will  bring their families. The band will have a couple of private jets on stand by so that they can travel South America between shows. 

 Jack  Berry ,production manager, anticipates that the band will prepare a special video series designed in Chile.  “Bono has always been very interested in Chile, its history and its present, and this material is on that side,” defines Berry. Since early this year, the band’s staff has requested information about the earthquake of 2010, the bicentennial and the rescue of the miners. They have even asked for contacts to reach the  San Jose miners.

Everything seems to be ready for this Friday. 

www.u2tourfans.com/