The Rare Performance Where U2 Ended With “40” Sung By The Audience For 10 Minutes After The Band Left

April 2, 2025

The night was electric in Chicago, a city known for its vibrant music scene. It was September 10, 2017, and thousands of fans filled the United Center, buzzing with excitement. They were there to witness U2, a band that had won hearts and awards with their powerful music and passionate performances. As the lights dimmed and the first notes of “Beautiful Day” echoed through the arena, the crowd erupted. Everyone was singing along, their voices joining together to create an unforgettable atmosphere that felt almost magical.

As the concert progressed, it became clear that this night was going to be special. The band played hit after hit, each song a reminder of the impact U2 had on music and their fans’ lives. The crowd swayed, danced, and sang with all their might, feeling connected not just to the music but to each other. Bono, the charismatic lead singer, poured his heart into every note, sharing stories that resonated deeply with those listening. The energy in the room was palpable, and with every song, the bond between the band and their fans grew stronger.

But as the last chords of “One” faded, a mix of excitement and sorrow filled the air. The band had announced that it would be their final song of the night. The audience chanted, urging them to stay, but U2 had to end their performance. As they played the opening notes of “40,” an inspired decision to close the show, the crowd felt the weight of the moment. Bono sang the first few lines, but then he stepped back, letting the audience take over. In a remarkable turn, the fans began singing the song’s familiar refrain: “How long to sing this song?”

For ten whole minutes, the arena was filled with the haunting, beautiful voices of thousands, each person lost in their connection to the music and to each other. It was as if the crowd was giving the band a gift, a powerful display of unity and gratitude. Bono and the rest of U2 stood offstage, moved to tears by the love and passion radiating from their fans. This spontaneous moment created a sense of belonging, reinforcing that music was not just entertainment but a way to heal, connect, and inspire.

As U2 left the stage, they likely understood the significance of what had just happened. That night, the audience transformed a simple farewell into a celebration of friendship and community through music. It became a historic moment, reminding everyone of the power of collective voices. For the band, this performance was a turning point; they realized that their music truly meant something profound to people. It wasn’t just about fame or success—it was about connection, resilience, and the shared experiences that shaped their lives and those of their fans.

Years later, when Bono reflects on that incredible night, he knows it marked a new chapter for U2. It reignited their passion for performing and reminded them of their purpose in the world. The night they walked off stage only to hear thousands singing their hearts out became a powerful testament to the idea that, even when artists step back, their music lives on in the hearts of those who cherish it. In that moment, U2 didn’t just finish a concert; they witnessed the birth of something extraordinary—an everlasting bond with their audience that would inspire them for years to come.