U2 Plays “City of Blinding Lights” at Obama Presidential Center Opening
U2 performed "City of Blinding Lights" with revised lyrics honoring Michelle Obama and American democracy during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
U2 ’s Bono and The Edge staged a special rendition of “City of Blinding Lights” to mark the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday. As part of the performance, Bono tweaked the lyrics to honor former first lady Michelle Obama (“You look so beautiful, Michelle,” “Michelle, my bell”) and American democracy (“In the company of 46, 42, and 43/ civility, hold tight to democracy, community/ Isn’t she lovely? 44 and family.”)
“City of Blinding Lights” served as Obama’s campaign theme during the 2008 and 2012 US presidential elections, and the band also performed the song at his 2009 inauguration.
The U2 members were a handful of notable performers on hand for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. Other participating musical acts included Eddie Vedder , Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, and Tems.
> Bono & The Edge (U2) at Opening Ceremony Obama Presidential Center pic.twitter.com/nwBod0cnjN — THECOUNT.com ™ © (@THECOUNTnews) June 18, 2026
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_Originally reported by [Consequence](https://consequence.net/2026/06/u2-city-of-blinding-lights-at-opening-obama-presidential-center/)._
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