U2 will perform in London's Trafalgar Square on Saturday in celebration of receiving the Global Icon award at this weekend's MTV EMAs.
Part of their performance - MTV Presents Trafalgar Square - will be broadcast the following night on MTV channels worldwide during the live show from The SSE Arena, Wembley on Sunday, November 12.
“U2’s impact on music, pop culture and social issues around the world has been tremendous,” said Bruce Gillmer, head of music and music talent, Global Entertainment Group, Viacom. “For over four decades and counting, they’ve entertained, influenced, and inspired fans around the globe and we’re thrilled and honored to announce that they are this year’s Global Icon. Their EMAs performance for Londoners in historic Trafalgar Square is just the beginning of the electrifying celebration of music where artists from every corner of the world will unite in this extraordinary city!”
Free tickets will be offered via a public ballot for the 7,000-capacity event in Trafalgar Square. The ticket ballot is now live and will close at 10pm tomorrow, Tuesday, November 7. Fans can apply here. Those successful will advised at 10am on November 8 by email, with a unique code and a link to obtain up to two tickets per person.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is one of the live music capitals of the world, with an unrivalled music heritage. It is fantastic to host the EMAs in our city for the first time in 21 years. I’m delighted that Trafalgar Square will host this special MTV Presents performance – an iconic venue for an iconic band.
“I have been saying, loud and clear, that London is open to talent, creativity and business. What better way to showcase this than one of the world’s greatest rock bands performing to Londoners from all backgrounds, for free, in the heart of our great city?”
Songs Of Experience, the band’s 14th studio album, will arrive on December 1 via Island Records.
Former recipients of the Global Icon Award include Ozzy Osbourne, Eminem, Whitney Houston, Queen and Bon Jovi.
See the latest issue of Music Week for a preview of Sunday's MTV EMAs. It is only the second time the event is being held in London. It was previously staged at Alexandra Palace in 1996.
