In 2022 and 2023, U2 frontman Bono gave a series of special performances in the U.S. and Europe to promote his memoir, Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story. Now, a new documentary titled Bono: Stories of Surrender that was inspired by the book and the singer’s accompanying tour is scheduled to premiere on May 30 on Apple TV+.
Videos by American Songwriter
The film is described as “a vivid reimagining of Bono’s critically acclaimed one-man stage show.” During the show, dubbed “Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief…,” the Irish rock legend told stories and anecdotes about his life and music that appeared in the book. He also performed a variety of classic U2 songs.
[RELATED: U2 Guitarist The Edge Shares Exciting News About the Band’s Plans to Release New Music]
In the film, Bono shares personal tales about his childhood, and his experiences as a family man, rock star, and activist. For the musical performances the singer was joined by Gemma Doherty on harp, keyboard, and vocals; Kate Ellis on cello, keyboard, and vocals; and Jacknife Lee on keyboards and percussion. Lee also served as the show’s musical director.
The documentary also will feature previously unseen, exclusive footage shot during Bono’s 2023 run of “Stories of Surrender” performances at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
Bono: Stories of Surrender was directed by Andrew Dominik, whose credits also include Chopper, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and Blonde. Among the film’s producers are Brad Pitt and the RadicalMedia company’s Jon Kamen and Dave Sirulnick. RadicalMedia’s previous productions have included Summer of Soul, Hamilton, and David Byrne’s American Utopia.
Bono is one of the new documentary’s executive producers.
An Immersive Version of the Documentary Also Set to Premiere
Also on May 30, an immersive version of Bono: Stories of Surrender will premiere via the Apple Vision Pro spatial computer. The documentary will be the first feature-length movie made available in the Apple Immersive Video format.
The media format is recorded in 8K and features Spatial Audio, presenting a 180-degree video experience. Viewers will feel like they’re onstage with Bono and in the center of the performance.
U2’s Upcoming Plans
In a recent episode of the Sodajerker on Songwriting podcast, U2 guitarist The Edge revealed that the band was working on “a lot of new songs.”
The Edge also hinted that fans might be hearing at least one new track “very soon.” He added, We’re in a great place creatively.”
The guitarist also shared that U2 was hoping to return to touring this year after playing a lengthy Las Vegas residency at the Sphere venue in late 2023 and early 2024.
“[W]e’re looking forward to hooking up with our fans where they live, as opposed to them having to come to us,” he said.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.