U2 speak out about their imminent return to Paris this month

'Terrorism relies on people being terrorised, and we were not going to be'

U2 to play two Paris shows on 2015 tour, spoke about terror attacks

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U2 have spoken out in the wake of the Paris terror attacks committed by Daesh ahead of their return to the city.

Bono, The Edge and the rest of the band spoke with the New York Times about their choice to return to Paris this month in the wake of the recent terror attacks and their conversations with Eagles Of Death Metal.

U2 will be playing two shows in Paris on 6 and 7 December to end their Innocence + Experience tour, with the last show being aired live on HBO. The Edge explained that “some of our songs from back in the ’80s, about events in Ireland, suddenly have a new meaning and a connectedness to these terrible events in Paris.”

He added that the band were “thinking about some special guests to honor the tragedy.” In the interview, Bono stressed the importance of U2 returning to Paris as soon as possible after the tragic events that recent took place. Absolutely.

"Terrorism relies on people being terrorised, and we were not going to be," said Bono. "We felt the biggest and the only real contribution we can make at moment like that is to honor the people of Paris, who brought us the concept of liberté, égalité, fraternité."

He continued: "ISIS and these kinds of extremists are a death cult. We’re a life cult. Rock ’n’ roll is a life force, and it’s joy as an act of defiance. That’s what U2 is. That’s at the very heart of our band. More importantly in this case, it’s the very heart of our audience. I can now already hear that we will be drowned out by that French crowd. And that’s powerful."

Bono also spoke about the initial choice to cancel several shows and the re-scheduling of the Paris performances after what he described as "the first direct hit on music."

"U2 doesn’t have a history of canceling many shows. I suppose the Irish in us just doesn’t want to give in to terrorism. We’ve had it all our lives. But the look on [the head of global touring for Live Nation] Arthur Fogel’s face, I could just see that this was not going to happen. And then: How could we be useful for the Eagles of Death Metal? What could we do while we were here in Paris?"

U2 will play the Accorhotels Arena in Paris on 6 and 7 December. For tickets and information, visit here.