U2’s Bono puts on ‘freedom’ show in Kyiv metro

During a performance in a metro station in central Kyiv on Sunday, Irish rock artist Bono lauded Ukraine’s fight for “freedom,” and delivered his own “peace” prayer.

The 61-year-old rock legend sang U2 hits “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “Desire,” and “With or without you” from the platform of a Kyiv metro station.

“The people in Ukraine are not just fighting for your own freedom, you are fighting for all of us who love freedom,” said Bono during a break.

The singer also referenced the past conflicts in the band’s native Ireland and the troubles it had with a more powerful neighbor.

“We pray that you will enjoy some of that peace soon,” said Bono.

The surprise appearance by Bono — a long time humanitarian who frequently lends his voice to a variety of causes including the fight against poverty and AIDS — came as air raid sirens echoed in the Ukrainian capital and fighting raged in the country’s east.

At one point, Bono invited a Ukrainian soldier to sing along who called on the world’s support for the embattled country as they covered “Stand by me”.

Bono performed alongside U2’s guitarist ‘The Edge’ to a small crowd of fans including fatigue-clad members of Ukraine’s armed forces.

“It’s some good emotions, that’s all,” said a member of the Ukrainian territorial forces in the audience.

“It’s a strange feeling, like being a child going to first grade,” said 36-year-old university lecturer, Olesia Bezsmertna, ahead of the show.