Thousands of U2 fans wore Aung San Suu Kyi masks of her image at a packed concert in Barcelona, as U2 kicked off the European leg of their tour. U2 open their North American tour on 12 September in Chicago.
Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Burma’s democracy movement, is currently on trial in Burma, and could face a further five years in jail. She has already spent more than 13 years in detention. The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, arrives in Burma on Friday, and securing the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners in Burma is a top priority.
Introducing “Walk On”, which was written by the band for Aung San Suu Kyi in 2000, Bono said; “This next song is dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma. Let’s send her a message of love and support. Let us stand with her… Put on your masks.”
Audience goers held up masks, which are in the tour programme or can be downloaded from the U2.com website. At the end of the song the band invited selected members of the audience up on the stage wearing the masks.
As well as the Burma Campaign UK, the 360° Tour is associated with the ONE campaign to fight extreme poverty, (RED), Amnesty International, Music Rising, The Angiogenesis Foundation, Mencap and Greenpeace.
Pictures of the concert are available from info@burmacampaign.org.uk.
For more information contact Mark Farmaner on 0207 324 4710
Photo Credit: Martin Roe
Photo Credit: Martin Roe
Photo Credit: Dave Hogan
Photo Credit: Dave Hogan