The Edge made history over the weekend when he became the first rock musician to play in the Sistine Chapel.
His acoustic set comprised of U2’s ‘Ordinary World’, ‘Yahweh’ and ‘Walk On’ and Leonard Cohen’s ‘If It Be Your Will’, and was timed to coincide with the Cellular Horizons Medical Conference, which was being held in The Vatican.
Attended by doctors, patients and politicians, it concentrated on new breakthroughs and future treatments.
“When I was asked to perform in the Sistine Chapel I didn't know what to say, because usually there's 'this other guy' who sings,” Edge reflects. “So it took me at least, well, 30 seconds to agree to it! Being Irish you learn very early that if you want to be asked to come back it's very important to thank the local parish priest for the loan of the hall."
‘Ordinary Love’ was dedicated to his father Garvin who passed away last week.
"I want to dedicate this next song to my father, who passed away last week,” he’s reported as saying by u2.com. “He was supposed to be with us here today. He is here in spirit, represented by three of his granddaughters, Hollie, Arran, and Blue and his daughter-in-law Morleigh. My father lived for 10 years after being diagnosed with colon cancer, they were great years, made possible through the miracle of medical science. For this and all the amazing doctors and nurses who ministered to him right up to the end including, Dr William Li, and Dr Stan Natin, my family and I give thanks."
Delegate Primrose Niels describes Edge’s performance as: “The most incredible end to an incredible conference at the Vatican. The Edge from U2 gave the first-ever contemporary performance in the Sistine Chapel - amazing performance in the most amazing space in the world. A memory I will cherish forever.”