U2 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup

U2 in Houston, Texas Oct. 2009 :: City of Blinding Lights
U2 in Houston, Oct 2009: City of Blinding Lights | Photo by Jonathan Blundell

I’ve really been enjoying the U2/South African mashup videos during ESPN’s coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The videos feature footage from U2’s Rose Bowl concert last year, mashed up with the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Billboard.com reported earlier this year…

After teaming with ESPN for its coverage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Bono pulled aside ESPN senior director of sports marketing Seth Ader and said, “This is just a warm-up for the one that really matters: South Africa.”

One of my favorites so far has been the Get On Your Boots mashup…

(Watch on YouTube)

They’ve also featured Magnificent, Beautiful Day, City of Blinding Lights (version 2), Desire, Where the Streets Have no Name (version with Martin Sheen narrating), Unknown Caller, Out of Control, One and Amazing Grace.

There’s been no specifics on how much money changed hands for the partnership, but I see it as a smart move by both parties — similar to another TV ad U2 did a few years back.

Granted, I’m a U2 fanboy, so I may be a little prejudice but I’d love to have these mashups available for download somewhere.

What do you think?

UPDATE: Found the great pre-game video from today’s US vs Algeria win, narrated by Martin Sheen:

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Jonathan Blundell

I'm a husband, father of three, blogger, podcaster, author and media geek who is hoping to live a simple life and follow The Way.

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