U2 are one of the acts rumored to take part in a June 27th concert honoring Nelson Mandela on his 90th birthday. The concert will take place in London's Hyde Park.

According to several recent news reports, U2 may play a residency later this year at the O2 Arena in London. In the most recent reports, Paul McGuinness lends some credence to the rumor: "It's got great potential for U2 and because it's undercover you can do a run of shows in the autumn."

The Irish TV entertainment program Expose on Wednesday (Jan. 16) tipped U2 to play a massive gig at Phoenix Park this summer to celebrate 30 years together as a band. (Thx Ciaran)

According to U2tour.de, the "U2 at O2 in 2008" rumor is false. A spokesperson from the arena management company says their CEO was "misquoted" in the article about U2's plans to play there next year.

According to an article in This Is London, U2 will play "multiple nights" at the O2 Arena in London in 2008.

Former Vice President Al Gore today announced the "S.O.S." series of concerts to raise awareness of global warming, but U2's name wasn't on the list of artists who will perform. The gigs will take place at locations around the globe on July 7th. U2 may still join the lineup ... organizers today said they expect to announce more artists in about a month.

U2 are "likely" to play this summer during "SOS", a day of concerts around the world aimed at increasing awareness of global warming. Friday's Independent (UK) has the rundown. U2 are often tipped to appear at gigs like this, and we don't always bother to report such rumors, but the fact that this event is being organized by former Vice President Al Gore gives both the event and U2's appearance more credibility. An official announcement is expected Friday.

Canadian press are reporting today that organizers of the 400 Years Festival of Quebec are trying to get U2 to play at the celebration, possibly in July, 2008.

Australia's 7News is running a story today with something of a misleading headline: "U2 announces Melbourne charity gig." It's misleading because there's been no announcement of such a show. Rumors, as reported in the article, have the band playing at the Telstra Dome on November 21st as part of a "Live 8-style" concert timed to coincide with a meeting of the world's finance ministers at the G20 economic summmit. There's no official word from U2 or tour promoters in Australia (yet).

With the impending announcement of new dates for the remainder of U2's Vertigo Tour, Australian newspapers are sharing what they've heard on the rumor mill. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, U2 are now expected to play Telstra Stadium in Sydney on November 10 and 11, with a new concert set for Nov. 13th. And the Melbourne Herald Sun tips U2 to hit Melbourne's Telstra Dome during the 3rd week of November. (Thx Lypton Village)

What Might Happen

A running collection of what we believe are at least somewhat reliable rumors.

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