U2 played a secret BBC Music concert at London's Tate Modern on Tuesday evening, November 3, 2026, in front of a select audience of fans, in a night that celebrated the band's decades-long creative partnership with producer Brian Eno and offered the first live performances of three new songs from Carnaval De Luz. Read our U2 biography for more on the band's story so far.
The venue was kept secret until the day of the show, with tickets distributed through a BBC Audiences ballot that closed on October 29, 2026. BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley introduced the band as they took the stage at the London gallery, and the concert was professionally filmed for the BBC.
Image: Frank Weigel via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 — U2 performing at Sphere, Las Vegas, February 2024
Concert Details
The show was built around U2's long creative partnership with Brian Eno, the producer who has shaped so much of the band's sound across the decades. The set moved between songs from across the catalogue and new material, and it included the first live performances of three songs: "Can't Stop Us Now" and "The Greatest Show on Earth", both from Carnaval De Luz, and "COEXIST (I Will Bless the Lord at All Times)" from the Easter Lily EP.
According to reports, the audience was made up of fans who had secured tickets through the BBC Audiences ballot, which closed on October 29, 2026. The venue itself was kept secret until the day of the show, adding to the sense of occasion at the London gallery.
How to Watch and Listen
The concert was professionally filmed for the BBC and will air on BBC Two in late November 2026 as part of a special U2 programming night; the exact date has not yet been announced. BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds will broadcast the performance on Monday, November 30, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m. UK time on Jo Whiley's programme, alongside a new interview with band members. The concert will also be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
Carnaval De Luz and the 2027 Tour
The new songs come from U2's forthcoming 16th studio album, Carnaval De Luz, out November 13, 2026 via Interscope Records. It is the band's first album of new material in nine years and arrives in their 50th anniversary year. Read more in our guide to the Carnaval De Luz album by U2.
U2 have also added four more 2027 European tour dates. The European leg of the 2027 "Greatest Show on Earth" tour starts in Stockholm on April 26, 2027, with support from Wolf Alice, and includes two London shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 18 and 19, 2027, plus the previously announced U2 third London show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 22, 2027.
Watch the Official Video
Watch the official video for "Silencio", the new single from Carnaval De Luz, and find the words in our Silencio lyrics by U2 page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was U2's secret BBC concert held?
It was held at Tate Modern in London on Tuesday evening, November 3, 2026, in front of a select audience of fans. The venue was kept secret until the day of the show.
When will the BBC concert air on BBC Two?
The concert will air on BBC Two in late November 2026 as part of a special U2 programming night. The exact date has not yet been announced.
When is the BBC Radio 2 broadcast?
BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds will broadcast the performance on Monday, November 30, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m. UK time on Jo Whiley's programme, alongside a new interview with band members.
What is Carnaval De Luz and when does it release?
Carnaval De Luz is U2's forthcoming 16th studio album, their first album of new material in nine years. It will be released on November 13, 2026 via Interscope Records.
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