Newly released Government files reveal a U2 ticket u-turn left diplomats in an “embarrassing situation” during the band’s 1987 Joshua Tree tour. Initially, Irish officials believed they had secured a substantial number of free tickets for the acclaimed Dublin rock band’s concerts in the United States, a miscalculation that led to awkward conversations and dashed expectations.
Management for U2 had approached the Department of Foreign Affairs to discuss including “key people” on the guest list for various shows. This collaboration was intended to foster “a possible mutual cooperation towards the benefit of Ireland’s image abroad.” The initial understanding was that a significant number of backstage seats would be made available.
A note from a February 1987 meeting with U2 manager Paul McGuinness detailed this understanding. It was recorded that U2 would “gladly make available a certain number (perhaps 50-60) of backstage seats” for the Irish Ambassador or consul in each city on the tour. This information was subsequently relayed to Ireland’s representatives in major US cities, including Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington DC, in March.
However, weeks later, the situation took an unexpected turn. The band’s management informed the Irish representatives that they intended to limit the allocation to just 10 tickets per night. This significant reduction from the initially discussed numbers caused considerable consternation among the diplomatic staff.
The consul general in Boston articulated the predicament, stating that the revised allocation “puts us in an embarrassing situation.” This was due to potential guests already having been approached and their preferred concert dates confirmed based on the earlier, more generous, ticket offer.
How to navigate these diplomatic challenges when plans change unexpectedly is a key consideration for international relations. The response from the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters acknowledged the difficulty, stating, “You will appreciate that there is little can be done about U-turn by band in this matter.” They suggested inquiring if a few more tickets could be accommodated if the situation was indeed embarrassing.
What is the impact of miscommunication in international diplomacy? In this case, it led to a strained situation for Irish diplomats trying to manage guest lists for a high-profile U2 tour. The expectation of numerous free tickets, set by initial discussions, clashed with the band’s final decision, creating awkwardness and requiring delicate handling.
U2’s engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs was not limited to tour tickets. The documents also mention that the band was considered for a free concert at the Eiffel Tower to celebrate its centenary. This potential event was proposed after an expression of interest from the then Paris mayor, Jacques Chirac.
This proposed Eiffel Tower concert did not materialize as planned. While U2 was considered, other prominent artists like Johnny Hallyday and Stevie Wonder were among the main performers on the day of the centenary celebration. The band’s potential involvement highlights their global profile and the various ways they have been approached for significant cultural events.
The U2 ticket situation serves as a case study in managing expectations and communications in high-stakes environments. The initial optimism surrounding ticket allocations quickly dissolved into a more challenging reality, underscoring the importance of clear and confirmed agreements in all dealings, especially those involving international representation.
Why is managing public image important for artists and governments? In this instance, U2’s management was engaging with the Department of Foreign Affairs to potentially enhance Ireland’s image abroad through their tour. The success of such initiatives relies on smooth coordination and avoiding situations that could reflect negatively on either party.
Best U2 tour dates for diplomats in 2025 might seem far off, but understanding past diplomatic engagements provides context for how such situations can be managed in the future. The lessons learned from the 1987 tour continue to inform diplomatic practices.
U2 tour guide for archives enthusiasts reveals how historical documents shed light on past events and their diplomatic implications. The files from the National Archives of Ireland offer a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of international relations and celebrity engagements.
This article is based on files in a document labelled 2025/124/461 at the National Archives of Ireland.
The U2 ticket situation highlights the complexities of managing international guest lists, especially when initial assumptions about allocations are significantly altered. The “embarrassing situation” described by the consul general in Boston underscores the need for precise communication and confirmation in all diplomatic engagements.
