Irish rock band U2 announced its first-ever concert in India on September 17, on Twitter. The show is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on December 15, 2019.
'Bono, what are you doing on December 15th 2019?' First ever @U2 show in India that's what, as The Joshua Tree Tour 2019 heads to Mumbai. Presales from next Tuesday, September 24 – https://t.co/L3R9jRe5xe#U2 #TheJoshuaTreeTour2019 #DYPatilStadium #Mumbai #India pic.twitter.com/tjr1ov4249
— U2 (@U2) September 18, 2019
The band wrote, “‘Bono, what are you doing on December 15th 2019?’ First-ever U2 show in India that’s what, as The Joshua Tree Tour 2019 heads to Mumbai. Pre-sales from next Tuesday, September 24.”
They also added a funny promotional video, claiming it’s going to be the best night of their life. However, their timing seems to be quite off, according to twitter.
The band has been under attack since the announcement, as several Twitter users have criticised them for paying no heed to the Indian atrocities in Kashmir, before deciding to perform in India.
A user claimed he suddenly lost his long term heroes, after the band claimed to favor India, not only in terms of playing a show but also in terms of their ‘functional democracy’ as mentioned in their interview.
I hear you well and must admit there is enough substance to the argument but maybe the timing of it while India puts an entire region of Kashmir under curfew for 7 weeks leaves a bad taste. Bono after all is not revered just for his status as an artist. He has stood out for more
— Omair Hasan (@omairhasan21) September 18, 2019
To which another user began to defend their decision, claiming that not all the people living in India are criminals, or deserve hatred. Suggesting that the concert means no harm to anyone.
Why shouldn't U2 play India? Not because I want to play down the situation in India, of course not, God forbid, but don't people also live there who are not rapists? And they could love the U2 without robbing/raping a woman on the way to the stadium or home?
— Mareike Graepel (@MissFoot) September 18, 2019
Then there was the user who decided to preach morality in terms of making the band realise that eight million people are under siege in Kashmir. And asked them to reconsider their decisions.
Do you realise that 8 million people are under siege in Kashmir? Perhaps you should reconsider and register your protest given your claimed commitment to human rights?
— Nida Kirmani (@nidkirm) September 18, 2019
Along with another user who felt this decision was extremely disappointing. Adding that it is inevitable for the band to be unaware of the situation in Kashmir and thus, making their decision quite incriminating.
Disappointing. I’m sure you all have seen what’s going on in the news with Kashmir right now. Expected more from you guys.
— Han (@rehanna83) September 18, 2019
In a recent interview with Bombay Times, the band stated that “We made India a priority on this tour and we are excited. It’s a culmination of so many years of our ambition to get to India and meet our Indian audience.”
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Original news : https://tribune.com.pk/story/2060283/4-u2-slammed-twitter-announcing-concert-india/