U2 will play M&T Bank Stadium in 2011
U2 will play Baltimore's M & T Bank Stadium in 2011, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced Monday morning.
The band will bring its 360 Tour to the stadium on June 22, becoming the most successful headliner to hit the city since Bruce Springsteen played 1st Mariner Arena last year.
"Next summer is going to be a real statement for Baltimore," Rawlings-Blake told The Sun.
A week before, British singer Sade will kick off her first tour in a decade at 1st Mariner.
Midnight Sun had previously reported rumors of the show in October, but promoters Live Nation and the stadium refused to speculate on the date.
A source at the mayor's office confirmed those rumors Sunday.
Blake herself made the announcement Monday morning on 98 Rock. Live Nation also announced a new St. Louis date Monday.
M&T Bank tried to book the popular band in 2009, but couldn't square a date that didn't clash with the Ravens schedule.
This time, Roy Sommerhof, vice president of stadium operations, said they pursued the band 18 months in advance.
"We're fortunate enough to get it next summer," he said on the show. "It's been a long process."
For M&T, it's the biggest headliner since Kenny Chesney in 2008. They have hosted concerts like HFStival before.
Florence and the Machine will be U2's opening act.
With U2 and Sade, Baltimore may finally be able to brush aside the impression that Washington DC gets all the big headliners.
"It will put Baltimore on the map" as a major concert venue, Rawlings-Blake said.
U2 played FedEx Field last year, but the "Smooth Operator" singer chose Baltimore to open her first tour in a decade.
Photo: AP
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Hey, have you checked out who produced U2's "The Joshua Tree"? Well, Daniel Lanois did and if you love jazz and you love soul, check out his band, Black Dub with singer Trixie Whitley and jazz musicians. It's sooo good. Video? http://bit.ly/9BGtiV
Posted by: Kathy | November 1, 2010 8:06 AM
U2 played First Mariner about 8 years ago to support All That You Can't Leave Behind. This is obviously a step up. I just hope the acoustics are a bit better than Fedex Field was.
Posted by: Rich B | November 1, 2010 4:35 PM
Why is SRB on air taking credit for this? Sounds like this has been being worked out for 18 months way before she was ever even in office. How was she even involved in this?
Posted by: Dr. Cox | November 1, 2010 5:03 PM
I'm coming from Atlanta to come see Sade I can't wait.....
Posted by: SHEENA MARIE | November 2, 2010 4:56 PM