Rock Icon Bono Delivers Unexpected Performance Before Christmas

U2’s legendary frontman Bono gave fans an early dose of Christmas magic.

While everyone was gearing up for the holiday festivities, he delivered an unexpected onstage surprise that sent waves of excitement through fans.

The 65-year-old rock icon left the crowd in awe after the award-winning vocalist hit the stage at Gaiety Theatre for The Busk: Dublin Simon Community.

On Christmas Eve, Bono shared the stage with fellow Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May as they performed Darlene Love’s “(Christmas) Baby Please Come Home” along with the band as they played acoustic guitars, violin, clarinet and percussion.

In a post on X, the U2 member showcased a casual yet electrifying performance, sending fans into a frenzy with his unexpected holiday duet.

Following their successful Sphere residency from September 2023 to March 2024, the band focused on studio work and creating new music in 2025.

“It was just the four of us in a room, trying a new song and going, ‘What’s that feeling? Oh right, that’s chemistry,” Bono said, as cited by BBC, adding, “We had it when we were 17. We’ve had it over the years, but you lose it sometimes, [especially because] the way music is assembled these days is not friendly to that chemistry. But isn’t it strange that it’s just got to the moment when just bass, drums, guitar and a loudmouth singer sounds like an original idea. That’s where we’re at in 2025.”

The four-piece band resumed activities following a lengthy hiatus while drummer Larry Mullen Jr. recovered from neck surgery.

The 64-year-old musician admitted that being unable to play with U2 was challenging, but it gave him a new appreciation for the experience of playing and creating with them.

“It was difficult being away because of injury,” Mullen Jr. shared. “So I’m thrilled to be back in a creative environment, even if I’m not 100% there and I’ve got some bits falling off. It’s just the most extraordinary thing. When I was away from the band, I missed it, but I didn’t realise how much I missed it.”

The iconic drummer underwent neck surgery in 2023, which forced him to miss the band’s residency in Las Vegas.

At the time, Mullen Jr., who was still recovering, was temporarily replaced by Bram van den Berg, drummer for the Dutch band Krezip.

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