U2 To Make Web History With Live YouTube Gig – October 25, 2009

 U2 To Make Web History With Live YouTube Gig – October 25, 2009
Photo: Happyfloyd | Flickr

From Wired:

U2 are to become the first rock stars to stream an entire gig on YouTube this Sunday.

The gig will begin at 4.30am, 8.30pm LA time and is the first time a show of this size will be streamed live on the site.

YouTube is confident the site can handle the millions of fans expected to log on, while those who miss it can watch two replays of the full concert immediately afterwards.

Michele Flannery, the website’s music manager, said: “YouTube is thrilled to be able to provide our global audience with a live streaming performance from one of the world’s greatest bands.

“We are always looking for new ways to connect fans around the world with their favourite artists, and this is the perfect opportunity to do just that.”

Fans will also have access to Twitter while watching the show.

The band will broadcast live from the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California to millions of fans – and it is all for free.

U2 manager Paul McGuinness said: “The band has wanted to do something like this for a long time.

“As we’re filming the Los Angeles show, it’s the perfect opportunity to extend the party beyond the stadium.

“Fans often travel long distances to come to see U2 – this time U2 can go to them, globally.”

The Rose Bowl show is U2’s penultimate gig of the year on the 360 Degrees Tour.