U2 Shakes Up Los Angeles: The Rooftop Concert That Stopped Traffic
March 27, 1987—The Day U2 Turned a Liquor Store Roof into Rock History
On March 27, 1987, U2 transformed a downtown Los Angeles rooftop into an impromptu concert venue, creating a moment that would become legendary in rock history. The band performed atop the Republic Liquor Store at the intersection of 7th and Main Streets, drawing a crowd of over 1,000 people and causing significant street closures.
The performance was meticulously planned, with the band aiming to disrupt the normal flow of the city and capture the raw energy of live music. They performed an eight-song set, including multiple takes of "Where the Streets Have No Name," as well as "People Get Ready," "In God's Country," "Sunday Bloody Sunday," and "Pride (In the Name of Love)."
The event was not without its challenges. The Los Angeles Police Department intervened due to safety concerns, leading to the performance being shut down. However, this confrontation was, to some extent, anticipated by the band and incorporated into the video's narrative, adding to its authenticity and impact.
The resulting music video, directed by Meiert Avis, begins with aerial shots of Los Angeles and snippets of radio broadcasts discussing the planned performance. It captures the escalating excitement and eventual shutdown, effectively documenting the day's events. The video went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Performance Music Video in 1989.
⬇️WATCH NOW⬇️
"Step back in time and witness rock history in the making!
🎸🔥 U2’s electrifying rooftop performance is waiting for you—watch the official music video now on their YouTube channel and experience the moment that stopped L.A. in its tracks!"