As if the announcement of one U2 appearance wasn't enough, another has followed hot on its heels. Well, not a full U2 appearance; just Bono* will perform this Sunday, 18 January 2009, at We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration At The Lincoln Memorial. The event is one of a number of official balls and other celebrations held on 18-21 January in Washington DC to mark the inauguration of Barack Obama as the new President of the USA. Obama is sworn into office on the 20th of January.

We Are One begins at 2pm US eastern time and will be headlined by Bruce Springsteen. In the US, HBO will broadcast what will presumably be a highlights package between 7-9pm eastern time. Bono will be supported by a backing band arranged by the musical director Rob Mathes. Other performers scheduled to appear at this particular event include Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Beyonce. Read the press release here, and visit U2gigs on the 18th of January to find out what Bono performed.

This is not the first time members of U2 have appeared at an inaugural ball. On 20 January 1993, Adam and Larry joined with Michael Stipe and Mike Mills of REM as the band Automatic Baby to perform One at MTV's inaugural ball for Bill Clinton.

*Update 14/01: Perhaps it will be all of U2 after all. U2.com are currently reporting that U2, not Bono, are in the event's line-up.

Posted on January 13, 2009 by Axver