U2 Unveils Anton Corbijn Desert Video for The Greatest Show On Earth Ahead of New Album
A story of lovers fighting to keep faith in each other, and faith itself,
is how U2 describes their third single, The Greatest Show On Earth, co-written with Brian Eno and released ahead of their upcoming studio project. The track pairs sharp, high-pitched guitar lines and uncertain vocals from Bono with a sweeping, epic tone that builds through added percussions.
The release arrives alongside a black-and-white music video shot in the Californian desert by director Anton Corbijn. In the visual piece, band members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. sport fake beards and carnival masks to portray a satirical religious cult where female members handle all the heavy labor.
The single serves as the third preview of U2’s sixteenth studio album, Carnaval de Luz, scheduled for release on November 13, 2026. The 12-track record follows their 2017 release, Songs of Experience. Alongside the new track, the album features previously issued singles Street of Dreams and Silencio, both of which feature the vocalist singing verses in Spanish.
World Tour Dates and Production Details
To support the upcoming album, U2 announced an international stadium run titled Carnaval de Luz presents: The Greatest Show On Earth. The tour kicks off in Latin America before expanding to further territories.
Produced by Jacknife Lee, the 12-song collection explores themes of spirituality, friendship, freedom, and endurance against dark forces. Below are the announced stadium dates for the 2027 itinerary, featuring support act Beck across all scheduled stops:
- February 23, 2027: Mexico City, Mexico — Estadio GNP Seguros
- February 26, 2027: Mexico City, Mexico — Estadio GNP Seguros
- March 10, 2027: São Paulo, Brazil — Estádio MorumBIS
- March 12, 2027: São Paulo, Brazil — Estádio MorumBIS
- March 23, 2027: Buenos Aires, Argentina — Estadio River Plate
- March 25, 2027: Buenos Aires, Argentina — Estadio River Plate
Additional performances across Europe and North America will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Celebrations and Collaborative Lineup
The new music arrives as the Irish rock group marks 50 years since their formation. Last month, the band held an unannounced performance at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin, the institution where the group originally formed, followed by an appearance at Bewley’s on Grafton Street.
The surprise Dublin show offered students the live debut of the single Silencio, alongside classic catalog tracks including With or Without You, Beautiful Day, and I Will Follow. will also feature guest collaborations with Rosalía and the late Dolly Parton.
Additional 2027 dates for Europe and North America are set to be announced in the coming weeks,
confirmed Hot Press.
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