U2 opened Saturday's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony with an unannounced two-song set at the Peacock Theater. Dancers in helmets carrying shields surrounded the band during "Silencio," a single from its newly released album Carnaval De Luz. Then came "Pride (In the Name of Love)," the band's 1984 tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
As the Edge and the band played "Pride," Bono alternated between raising a fist and flashing a peace sign, the Associated Press reported. The song first appeared as the lead single from The Unforgettable Fire. U2 traces its beginnings to a 1983 soundcheck in Honolulu, and the original recording features backing vocals from Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde.
The surprise appearance came one day after the Nov. 13 release of Carnaval De Luz, U2's 16th studio album and its first full-length record of new material in nine years. The band released "Silencio" in September. Jacknife Lee produced the album, with additional production from Ryan Tedder on the single. The music video was shot in Mexico City and directed by Cliqua, the duo of Pasqual Gutiérrez and Raúl "RJ" Sanchez.
The album arrives in U2's 50th year. The band traces its start to September 1976, when drummer Larry Mullen Jr. put a handwritten notice on a bulletin board at Dublin's Mount Temple Comprehensive School looking for musicians. Earlier this year, U2 released two EPs, Days of Ash and Easter Lily, timed to Ash Wednesday and Easter. The new album closes with "Torn," a duet between Bono and Dolly Parton.
Saturday's opening set brought U2 back to a ceremony where Bruce Springsteen inducted the band in 2005. This year's Performer class includes Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.
The recorded ceremony is scheduled to air on ABC on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. ET/PT and stream on Disney+ on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
Watch "Silencio" on U2's official website
