At the grand opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on June 18, 2026, Bono and The Edge delivered one of the ceremony’s most memorable musical moments with a moving performance of U2’s 2004 anthem, City of Blinding Lights. Their appearance was part of a star-studded celebration marking the official dedication of the center, which brought together former presidents, world leaders, artists, and thousands of guests in Chicago to celebrate the legacy of Barack Obama and his commitment to civic engagement.
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Reuters
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The choice of “City of Blinding Lights” carried special significance. The song became closely associated with Obama’s political rise after it was adopted during his historic 2008 presidential campaign and continued to feature prominently throughout his presidency. U2 famously performed the song during celebrations surrounding Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, making its return at the Presidential Center opening a symbolic full-circle moment. More than two decades after its original release, the song’s themes of hope, possibility, and embracing a brighter future continued to resonate with the ideals celebrated during the dedication ceremony.
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U2.com
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Taking the stage immediately after an emotional speech by Michelle Obama, Bono and The Edge were joined by longtime U2 collaborator Jacknife Lee for a stripped-back arrangement of the song. Before performing, Bono joked that he and The Edge were representing “all the Irish in Chicago and all over the world,” drawing laughter from the audience before launching into the familiar opening chords. The acoustic interpretation gave the performance a reflective quality while preserving the uplifting spirit that has made the song one of U2’s signature live numbers.
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KQRX – Midland, TX
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As the performance progressed, Bono personalized several lyrics to acknowledge the occasion. Near the conclusion, he improvised lines referencing the gathering of American presidents in attendance, singing about performing before Presidents 46, 42, and 43 before adding “44 and family” in tribute to Barack Obama and his family. He also altered the song’s refrain to celebrate Michelle Obama, replacing the original lyric with “You look so beautiful, Michelle.” The performance concluded with Bono singing “Michelle, ma belle,” borrowing the famous line from Michelle as a warm and affectionate salute to the former First Lady. The personal touches underscored the longstanding friendship between U2 and the Obama family while giving the audience an intimate moment amid the day’s grand celebrations.
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Chicago Sun-Times
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The grand opening featured performances from an extraordinary lineup that included Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Tems, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, and The Roots, among many others. Yet Bono and The Edge’s performance stood out because of its historical connection to Obama’s presidency and the enduring association between “City of Blinding Lights” and one of the defining political movements of the twenty-first century. As the Obama Presidential Center officially opened its doors, the song once again served as a soundtrack for optimism, democracy, and the belief that communities can shape a brighter future together.
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apnews.com
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