U2 Joined by Jay-Z at Controversial Berlin Show

Posted on Nov 6th 2009 4:52AM by Spinner Staff
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U2's gig at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin for MTV's European Music Awards went ahead on Thursday night (Nov. 5), with a guest appearance from Jay-Z.

The rapper -- who played a show at London's Alexandra Palace venue just 24-hours prior to his surprise appearance -- was introduced by Bono as "the Mayor of New York City." He then performed a rap over the U2 classic 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' which featured lyrics from Bob Marley's 'Get Up, Stand Up'.

U2 also played the track 'One,' from their 1991 album 'Achtung Baby,' which was inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago.

The free show -- planned to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the wall -- caused huge controversy after organisers erected a two-metre-high barrier around the site. This meant that anyone not holding one of 10,000 free tickets, previously given away online, would not be able to see any of the show. Berlin police had been expecting at least 100,000 people to descend on the square in front of the iconic gate.

Local politician Frank Henkel told the BBC, "It's a shame that a barrier has been set up. It's stopping many Berliners from hearing the concert. We don't know who's responsible for this, whether it's U2 or MTV. Ten thousand people is a lot, but U2 could have had an even bigger audience enjoying their music at this wonderful location."

MTV hit back at the criticism in a statement that said, "MTV wants to ensure that the 10,000 music fans expected to attend tonight's production enjoy a safe and happy experience. To that end, MTV placed a temporary security fence around the site perimeter. Under no circumstances did MTV build a 'wall' of any kind in or around the U2 production site."

U2 walked away with the award for Best Live Act at the awards. Bono said: "Live is where this band lives. It's all that counts ... If you have given us this award I guess that's what you're thinking and it means a great deal to us."

The awards were this year dominated by Beyonce, who won three gongs, including Best Song for 'Halo' and Best Video for 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).'