U2’s The Edge Plays In Sistine Chapel, Makes History

The Edge, the lead guitarist for Irish rock band U2, played in the Sistine Chapel over the weekend.

The Edge Plays Sistine Chapel

The Edge, whose real name is David Evans, performed a total of four songs inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Saturday. His performance marks the first time a rock star has played at the venue in history. The Edge’s setlist included U2 tracks “Yahweh,” “Ordinary Love,” and “Walk On” in addition to a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “If It Be Your Will.”

“When they asked me if I wanted to become the first contemporary artist to play in the Sistine Chapel, I didn’t know what to say because usually there’s this other guy who sings,” The Edge said, referring to Bono, the longtime U2 frontman.

Over the weekend, the Vatican was hosting the Cellular Horizons conference, which focused on regenerative medicine. It was attended by the likes of Vice President Joe Biden, as well as doctors, researchers and philanthropists.

Up on the stage, The Edge thanked Pope Francis for allowing him to perform inside the Sistine Chapel in conjunction with the conference.

“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,” the musician said, adding, “Thank you for allowing us to use the most beautiful parish hall in the world”.

On U2’s official Instagram page there’s a picture of The Edge posing with a member of the Swiss Guard, captioned, “In our rags of light, dressed to kill.”

There’s also a picture of the guitarist with the young Irish singers who joined him during his performance. “A Vatican adventure… with @mus_gen #musicgeneration,” the picture is captioned.