U2’s long awaited return to Mexico City this week to film the music video for their new single “Street of Dreams” has already sparked excitement across the capital, with city officials now officially inviting the legendary group to perform at the famous Zócalo plaza.
On Tuesday, May 13, Mexico City head of government Clara Brugada met with members of the band while they were filming scenes for the video throughout the Historic Center. During the visit, Brugada personally handed the group a formal invitation letter, which was accepted by frontman Bono.
“This is an invitation for you to play in our wonderful square, which is the Zócalo,” Brugada said in Spanish during a moment shared online through social media. “You are welcome, and we would love it very much.”
Before receiving the invitation, Bono reportedly told Brugada that the band hopes to launch its next world tour in Mexico City, describing the city as one of the group’s favorite places in the world.
“We’re working on that,” Bono replied in English. “In our dreams, we could begin our tour here.”
He added, “We love the city.”
The Zócalo, officially known as Plaza de la Constitución, is considered one of the most important public spaces in Mexico and serves as a major cultural and political landmark. It is recognized as the second largest public square in the world after Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Earlier this year, Shakira set a new attendance record there after drawing approximately 400,000 people to a free concert.
The meeting between Brugada and U2 took place at Casino Metropolitano in the Historic Center, according to a spokesperson for the city government. During the encounter, the official also gifted each band member a small axolotl figure, honoring the amphibian species native to central Mexico.
Later, Brugada posted photos alongside the group and shared a message celebrating their visit. “Welcoming U2 to our capital is a celebration of music, connection and the excitement that is felt in every corner of this city,” she wrote. “We are a city open to the world, vibrant and full of stories that are shared from the stage to the streets.”
The following day, the band continued filming the “Street of Dreams” music video, which will appear on their upcoming album expected later this year.
One of the most talked about moments from filming happened when the band performed atop a graffiti covered school bus designed by Mexican artist Chavis Mármol while surrounded by fans throughout the Historic Center. The new song reportedly includes choruses sung in Spanish.
The shoot also marked the first major public appearance of drummer Larry Mullen Jr. alongside the group after stepping away from performances for several years while recovering from neck and back surgeries.
Mexico has long held deep significance for U2. The band has delivered several historic performances in the country, including the famous concert film Popmart: Live From Mexico City recorded during the 1997 Popmart Tour.
Their most recent concert in Mexico City took place in October 2017 during celebrations surrounding the 30th anniversary of their classic album The Joshua Tree, only weeks after the devastating earthquake that impacted central Mexico.
