Madison Square Garden is hosting U2's latest string of residency shows in New York and to make each night unique from its preceding gig, the group brought out special guests--Jimmy Fallon and The Roots--on their third night of eight--all under the watchful eye of some high profile celebrities.
A few hours prior to the show, U2's producer, Steve Lillywhite, sent fans into a state of panic with one single tweet that said: "Was at U2 soundcheck today," he wrote, "and all I can say is, everyone who goes tonight will get a good surprise!!"
Bono, Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. performed alongside Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon for "Mysterious Ways and Desire" after he revealed his identity from behind a large poster that mocked his latest injury by stating: "singer with a broken finger." Billboard reports that Paul McCartney, Alicia Keys, Angelique Kidjo, Helena Christensen, Christy Turlington, Mario Batali and Nile Rodgers were among the cheerful crowd at the garden.
"I'm a big fan of Irish people that fall down and hurt themselves," Fallon said in the video above. "So you're like a mentor to me, brother. Edge, what you did a couple of weeks ago falling off the stage was classic, brother. I'm happy to be a part of the club." Fallon then grabbed the mic and executed his finest Bono impression on "Desire" while nailing the scoff that launches the song.
"I brought a few friends of mine," Fallon announced after the song. "I'd like to introduce them. You know them from Philadelphia. The Roots, ladies and gentlemen!" Fallon's house band backed U2 on "Angel of Harlem," a track they've previously teamed up for on The Tonight Show in May. Mullen Jr. even relinquished his seat at the drum kit to Questlove in exchange for a go at the tambourine, notes Rolling Stone.
Other highlights from their residency include the rendition of "October," a song they haven't played live in 25 years. Before kicking off the eight-night gig, U2 released a short film starring Woody Harrelson and his daughter Zoe for "Song for Someone" off of their latest LP, Songs of Innocence.
