Rock Icon Bono Delivers Unexpected Performance Before Christmas
- - Rock Icon Bono Delivers Unexpected Performance Before Christmas
Geca FloresDecember 26, 2025 at 2:48 AM
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U2’s legendary frontman Bono gave fans an early dose of Christmas magic.
While everyone was gearing up for the holiday festivities, he delivered an unexpected onstage surprise that sent waves of excitement through fans.
The 65-year-old rock icon left the crowd in awe as he hit the stage at Gaiety Theatre for the 2025 Dublin Simon Christmas Eve Busk.
On Christmas Eve, Bono shared the stage with fellow Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May as they performed Darlene Love’s "(Christmas) Baby Please Come Home” along with the band as they played acoustic guitars, violin, clarinet and percussion.
In a post on X, the U2 member was seen showcasing a casual yet electrifying performance, which sent fans into a frenzy with his unexpected holiday duet.
U2's Bono made a surprise appearance yesterday alongside Imelda May to sing "(Christmas) Baby Please Come Home" at The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin pic.twitter.com/eU0lLYwN59
— 🎸 Rock History 🎸 (@historyrock_) December 25, 2025
Following their successful Sphere residency from September 2023 to March 2024, the band focused on studio work and creating new music in 2025.
"It was just the four of us in a room, trying a new song and going, 'What's that feeling? Oh right, that's chemistry,” Bono said back in May, as cited by BBC, adding, "We had it when we were 17. We've had it over the years, but you lose it sometimes, [especially because] the way music is assembled these days is not friendly to that chemistry. But isn't it strange that it's just got to the moment when just bass, drums, guitar and a loudmouth singer sounds like an original idea. That's where we're at in 2025."
The four-piece band resumed activities following a lengthy hiatus while drummer Larry Mullen Jr. recovered from neck surgery.
The 64-year-old musician admitted that being unable to play with U2 was challenging, but it gave him a new appreciation for the experience of playing and creating with them.
"It was difficult being away because of injury," Mullen Jr. shared. "So I'm thrilled to be back in a creative environment, even if I'm not 100% there and I've got some bits falling off. It's just the most extraordinary thing. When I was away from the band, I missed it, but I didn't realise how much I missed it."
Lady Gaga (2nd L), The Edge, Bono, Bram van den Berg, and Adam Clayton of U2 perform onstage at U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere on October 25, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation
The iconic drummer underwent neck surgery in 2023, which forced him to miss the band's residency in Las Vegas.
At the time, Mullen Jr., who was still recovering, was temporarily replaced by Bram van den Berg, drummer for the Dutch band Krezip.
Related: Iconic '90s Band Teases New Song Ahead of First Album in 33 Years
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
