London
July 8-9, Twickenham Stadium
The band kicks off the Europe leg of the tour in The Edge’s hometown. Don’t be surprised if you run into them at Claridge’s or the Connaught—both hotels are owned by investor Paddy McKillen, who’s a partner with Edge and Bono at the Clarence Hotel in Dublin.
Berlin
July 12, Olympic Stadium
U2 famously recorded Achtung Baby at Hansa Studio, on Potsdamer Platz, in 1990, right after reunification—a series of grueling sessions that nearly had Bono and producer Daniel Lanois coming to blows. We suggest reliving a happier memory: the band’s 2009 outside concert at the Brandenburg Gate, right across from the storied Hotel Adlon Kempinski.
Rome
July 15-16, Olympic Stadium
The European leg of the first Joshua Tree tree started in Rome, and now they’re back, 30 years later. The big question: Will Pope Francis come to a show? After all, His Holiness allowed The Edge to perform a short set last year in the Sistine Chapel—the only contemporary artist to do so. Stay at the Hotel de Russie: If it’s rock ‘n’ roll enough for Thom Yorke and Roger Waters, it’s rock ‘n’ roll enough for you.
Barcelona
July 18, Olympic Stadium
Jetsetters from around the world flew to Barcelona for the opening of the epic 360 Tour in 2009—even Travel + Leisure covered it—and U2 has always received an enthusiastic welcome from fans here. When you’ve had enough of the crowds, decamp to the Gran Hotel La Florida, perched above the city like a rock god.
Dublin
July 22, Croke Park
To come hear the band where it all started nearly 40 years ago is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Not surprisingly, tickets to the Croke Park show sold out in about 10 minutes flat.) To have the full U2 experience, be sure to swing by the Clarence Hotel, co-owned by Bono and The Edge, then pop around to the Project Arts Theatre, where the band played many early shows.
Paris
July 25-26, Stade De France
The Paris shows are sure to be tinged with grief and defiance given recent events here—recall that U2 was due to play a concert the night before the Bataclan attacks, only to play rescheduled dates a few weeks later with Eagles of Death Metal. In past years, band members have stayed at celebrity magnet Hôtel Plaza Athénée—reassurance that their taste in hotels is as impeccable as their musical talents.
Amsterdam
July 29-30, Amsterdam Arena
Back in 1990, a couple of kids from Dublin calling themselves “U2” played a set at the fabled Melkweg (Milky Way) club in central Amsterdam. This time around they’re playing a much larger venue—capacity 50,000—located south of town. But we recommend staying in the Canal Zone at a place like the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, designed by the Dutch design world rock star, Marcel Wanders.
Brussels
August 1, Stade Roi-Baudouin
Don’t be surprised if rocker-cum-statesman Bono swings by the European Union headquarters while the band is in town for the final concert of the tour—we’re certain he has opinions about Brexit and the refugee crisis. If you’re coming to Brussels to hear what he has to say on stage, stay at the Hotel Amigo, where band members stayed in 2010