U2 shot the video for a new single in Las Vegas: “Atomic City”. This is reported by several fan sites, including u2tour.de.
Twitter videos (see below) document the quite complex filming, for which several streets in the gaming metropolis were closed and cameras were set up. A truck carrying the band pulled onto N Main Street. Not entirely unimportant detail: Larry Mullen, Jr. was also present at the shoot and sat at his drums. For health reasons, he will be missing from the “Aehrung Baby” shows in Las Vegas.
The fact that Larry Mullen, Jr. is on board for “Atomic City” definitely seems to mean that the drummer will not be leaving the band, but will only be temporarily replaced for the concerts. “Atomic City” was intoned five times until the filming was complete. A semi-acoustic version of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” was also played – its video from 1987 also had a Las Vegas connection.
As Bono reported, “Atomic City” was recorded last week at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles and was composed in the tradition of the post-punk Blondies and The Clashs.
As journalist John Katsilometes tweeted, the new piece would be released in time for the “U2 UV: Warning Baby” show – so it should also see its live premiere at the performances that pay homage to the 1991 album “Aehrung Baby”. The Irishmen’s last studio album with new songs, “Songs of Experience”, was released in 2017.
The U2 residency starts on September 29th at the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas under the title “U2:UV Attention Baby Live at Sphere”. Larry Mullen Jr will not be there. The drummer of the Irish rock band is currently recovering from an operation and will therefore not be on stage at the first concerts. “The whole band and certainly the audience will be very sad and miss Larry,” said U2 bassist Adam Clayton to the British newspaper “Daily Star” about their decision. “He wants to come back, he wants to have a long career and continue his drumming, so he’s taking care of these injuries,” explains the band member.
However, a replacement has already been taken care of. Bram van den Berg, the drummer of the Dutch band Krezip, will perform on stage in Mullen’s place. For this, the band got the blessing of their injured colleague. “He’s totally behind the idea of us going on stage with Bram,” continues Clayton. “I’m sure it’s a difficult moment for Larry knowing your band is going on stage and you’re not there.”