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’Tis the season… ALBUM season! U2’s Carnaval De Luz arrives November 13, 2026, and we’re going through every format announced so far: classic black vinyl, the rose indie-store edition outside the US, the sold-out yellow Third Man Records pressing, Target’s coppery gold, u2.com’s midnight blue marble and subscriber-only orange, Barnes & Noble’s curtain red, and the box set with the Days of Ash and Easter Lily EPs plus a slipmat. Also CD, cassette, a CD box set and Blu-ray audio. Is it a money grab? Kind of. Are we buying it anyway? Obviously. Jenny also shares a detail Bono confirmed: the tone at the end of Easter Lily is the first sound of Carnaval De Luz. Before that, we look at why U2 keeps releasing albums in the fall, from Boy and October all the way to How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Hillary tells the story of getting a leaked copy of HTDAAB as a birthday present, and we add more questions to the Bono-over-whiskey-and-cake list. Then we read YOUR comments on Do You Feel Loved, now on screen so you can read along. We get into why it disappeared from PopMart after following Mofo, the Naked Funk “Alien Groove Sensation” sample (we play a bit of it), where you were in your fandom when Pop came out, and the big question: what’s the best song on Pop? (Please vs. Discotheque vs. Mofo.) Plus: we rebranded! Say hi to our new silver-and-gold logo. 💬 Which Carnaval De Luz edition are you getting, and how will you hear it for the first time? 0:00 Intro + our new silver-and-gold look 2:09 Welcome to album season: U2’s fall release history 3:21 The leaked How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb birthday CD 4:08 Why does U2 always release in the fall? 6:34 Your Do You Feel Loved comments 16:45 What’s the best song on Pop? 19:27 Side B: every Carnaval De Luz format 25:42 The Easter Lily / Carnaval De Luz connection 🎧 Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts, the irreverent U2 podcast hosted by Jenny and Hillary, two friends who’ve been chasing U2 around the world for decades. 🌐 https://thegardentarts.com #U2 #CarnavalDeLuz #U2Podcast

U2's new album Carnaval de Luz drops November 13 — here's everything we know, plus our deep dive into Silencio lyrics & video after two weeks of listening. Welcome to The Irreverent U2 Podcast: Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts. We're Jenny & Hillary, two longtime U2 fans talking U2 news, new music and decades of seeing the band together. 🎡 SIDE A: Carnaval de Luz news. Bono's "we need some carnival here" teaser, the Abbey Road-style cover, the Beatles Carnival of Light connection, tracklist talk including Street of Dreams as a "head fake," Glorify from Vegas, the Dolly Parton duet on Torn, and the shocking news that U2 doesn't have a group chat. 🔥 INTERMISSION: Random song from the cigar box — The Unforgettable Fire. Your comments and stories, the Hiroshima/Nagasaki Peace Museum story, the 360 Tour moment that made grown men cry, and why you all keep saying "masterpiece." 🤫 SIDE B: Silencio breakdown. The Mulholland Drive Club Silencio red curtain, the "ninjas" with the Mexico City police, the F-bomb (we approve), "the host of Father, Son and the Holy Ghost," what Bono means by the silence of the devil, and the birds we still can't explain. 🥃 Whiskey & Cake: Rosie O'Donnell got Sunday lunch with Bono — can we come too? 👊 Want to know why Bono punched Hillary? U2 Stories Out of Context are on our YouTube channel now, with the full collection on Patreon. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro 0:38 Side A: U2 New Album Carnaval de Luz 8:41 Intermission: The Unforgettable Fire 17:59Side B: Silencio Song & Video Breakdown 30:48 Whiskey & Cake: Sunday Lunch with Bono? ☕ Support the show: Patreon: patreon.com/thegardentarts Website & merch: thegardentarts.com Subscribe for weekly U2 podcast episodes, U2 news and new music reactions. #U2 #CarnavalDeLuz #Silencio #U2Podcast #Bono

U2 turned 50 on September 25, 2026, and Dublin threw a party. We recap all of U2's 50th anniversary: the surprise Mount Temple school gig, the Grafton Street show from the Bewley's balcony, the live debut of "Silencio," and the "40" encore the fans asked for. No Side A or Side B this week, just one fast recap of the whole day. We cover the 5am Stationhead listening party that wasn't quite a party, Larry unveiling U2's commemorative coin at the Little Museum of Dublin, and the Mount Temple set with 32 young string players from Music Generation. Then the McGonagles press playback for Carnaval de Luz, with Dolly Parton on "Torn." And the big one: 11 songs over Grafton Street, Edge singing "Falling Slowly" for Glen Hansard, 4,999 fans singing Happy Birthday, and Edge and Adam swapping instruments for "40." Plus our questions for Bono over whiskey and cake: does 2026 Bono still carry a bit of 1976 Bono? And what would the day have looked like without a new album to promote? Grafton Street setlist: I Will Follow, Out of Control, One, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, With or Without You, Silencio, All I Want Is You, Falling Slowly (Edge on vocals), Beautiful Day, Vertigo. Encore: 40. Mount Temple setlist: I Will Follow, Vertigo, Beautiful Day, Out of Control, One, Silencio, With or Without You. Next week: our deeper take on "Silencio" and the Carnaval de Luz album announcement (out November 13). Support the show on Patreon (new tiers!): https://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts Shop the new Garden Tarts store and join the newsletter: https://thegardentarts.com The Irreverent U2 Podcast: Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts — Jenny and Hillary, decades of friendship and U2 shows.

U2 turns 50! On September 25, 1976, four Dublin teenagers crammed into Larry Mullen Jr.'s kitchen, and nothing was ever the same. To celebrate U2's 50th anniversary, Jenny and Hillary (the Garden Tarts) give you two things: 50 Stories With No Context. One-liners from decades of chasing U2 around the world. Bono punched one of us. He sneezed on both of us. We've been to church with him twice (we're Jewish). Larry left wristbands. Adam told a secret. Every word is true. We won't explain any of them. Our Top 50 U2 Songs. Two very different lists: from Boy and October through Achtung Baby, Pop, and All That You Can't Leave Behind, all the way to Songs of Experience and Atomic City. Who forgot Rattle and Hum? Who snuck in "I'm Not Your Baby"? And why didn't either of us pick "So Cruel"? Tell us your top U2 songs, and which story you want the full version of. More at thegardentarts.com. Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes, early access, and bonus deep dives.

U2's 50th birthday is Friday and the teasers have started — plus a broken foot, a fan club unboxing, and a deep dive into your comments on Playboy Mansion (Pop, 1997). Was Bono really invited to the Playboy Mansion? Is the song a secret metaphor for heaven? We get into it. 🎧 Also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube & all major platforms 🔔 Subscribe for weekly U2 content — thegardentarts.com

U2 turns 50 this year, and we're celebrating with one pivotal moment from every decade of the band's career — from Larry's message board note to the Sphere. Then: a live report from a U2 tribute band show, a full "Zoo Station" deep-dive with your comments, and an EXCLUSIVE US first listen to "Alison Stewart," December's new charity remix single, before its official release. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly U2 deep-dives, live show recaps, and superfan chaos. 🌐 thegardentarts.com — sign up for the newsletter 💬 Leave a comment: what's YOUR pivotal U2 moment? TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome + housekeeping 01:05 What's in this episode 03:27 50 Years of U2: a pivotal moment per decade 14:36 Intermission: U2 tribute band show recap (Cleveland) 19:57 Side B: "Zoo Station" deep-dive + your comments 44:00 Exclusive: "Alison Stewart" (December remix) first US listen 46:00 Next episode's song pick + goodbyes

U2 have released a joyful new cover of the Pogues’ “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah”—or, as we are now calling it, The Yays—and the Garden Tarts have thoughts. In this episode, Hillary and Jenny talk about U2’s light, playful take on the Shane MacGowan song for the upcoming 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowan tribute album. They discuss the connection to producer Steve Lillywhite, why the cover’s childlike keyboard sound works for them, and why not every U2 cover needs to be heavy or “important.” They also take a friendly but firm detour into the importance of checking sources before sharing U2 rumors, tour dates, album art, and supposed announcements. If it is not coming from U2 directly—or from a dependable source clearly labeling speculation as speculation—proceed with caution. At intermission, listeners share moving, joyful, nostalgic, and occasionally spicy feelings about last week’s Cigar Box selection: “Beautiful Day.” From weddings, first homes, fatherhood, recovery, and graduation to questions about singles, setlists, and “Vertigo,” this conversation proves once again that U2 songs become part of people’s life stories. Then Hillary reports back from a weekend with U2topia and Coldplay tribute act Back to the Start. There were thoughtful setlists, “Do You Hear Me Coming, Lord?” in “One,” “Shine Like Stars” woven into “With or Without You,” a brilliant Back to the Future-inspired opening, and a joint finale of David Bowie’s “Heroes.” And finally: the Cigar Box has spoken. Next week’s song is “Zoo Station.” In this episodeU2’s cover of the Pogues’ “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah”The upcoming Shane MacGowan tribute album, 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowanWhy the Garden Tarts find U2’s version “adorable,” light, and funSteve Lillywhite’s connection to the Pogues’ original recordingU2 covers we love, covers we do not, and why that is okayHow to separate confirmed U2 news from rumors and misinformationListener memories and reactions to “Beautiful Day”Why All That You Can’t Leave Behind remains emotionally tied to the era around September 11 for many fansA lively “Beautiful Day” versus “Vertigo” discussionJenny’s U2topia concert recapColdplay tribute band Back to the Start and their Back to the Future entranceA shared performance of David Bowie’s “Heroes”The next Cigar Box pick: “Zoo Station”Listener voicesThank you to everyone who shared a “Beautiful Day” memory or opinion. Your stories—from weddings and parenthood to recovery, new homes, and hard-won graduation days—made this week’s conversation especially meaningful. Links and calls to actionFollow the Garden Tarts on social media: @the_gardentartsVisit: thegardentarts.comSubscribe to the Garden Tarts YouTube channelSign up for the newsletterSupport the podcast on Patreon or Buy Me a CoffeeShare this episode with your U2 friendsLeave a five-star review on Apple PodcastsKissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, a U2 podcast with the Garden Tarts, is created, produced, and edited by the Garden Tarts. Intro and outro music by December.

Side A brings the U2 news roundup, including reports of Bono’s involvement in the upcoming Free Nelson Mandela documentary, a Windmill Lane book in the works, U2’s participation in a Shane MacGowan tribute project, and Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno’s guest-producer roles on the next U2 album. Then it’s show-and-tell time: a promo copy of War, a new U2.com hoodie, record-store dreams, and the challenge of finding Rattle and Hum on vinyl “organically.” On Side B, the random-song cigar box delivers “God Part II.” We dig into why this compact, punchy, contradictory track may be less a Rattle and Hum outlier than an early signpost toward Achtung Baby. Plus, we share listener thoughts, from “brilliant song” to the gloriously concise “Belter,” and pick next week’s song: “Beautiful Day.” In this episodeU2 news: tribute projects, producers, documentaries, Windmill Lane, and Bono’s message for VenezuelaWhy Howie B., Jacknife Lee, Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno all belong in the same conversationA gold-stamped promotional pressing of WarWhy “God Part II” feels like a bridge to Achtung BabyListener takes on one of Rattle and Hum’s most overlooked tracksNext week’s cigar-box selection: “Beautiful Day” Follow the Garden Tarts on social media at @the_gardentarts, subscribe to the newsletter at thegardentarts.com, and support the show through Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee.

How big is big when it comes to U2? This week, we dig into the astonishing attendance and box-office numbers behind U2’s touring legacy—from the 7+ million tickets sold during the 360° Tour to the nearly 150,000 people reportedly gathered for PopMart in Reggio Emilia. We talk Rose Bowl records, Wembley crowds, why some PopMart shows felt oddly empty despite the tour’s major grosses, and how ticket prices and inflation complicate comparisons across eras. We also wonder: what is it really like for Bono to play for 20,000 people versus 150,000? And, if he could travel anywhere next, what might still be on his bucket list? In this mini episode: U2’s biggest tours by attendance and gross The Rose Bowl, Wembley, JFK Stadium, and Reggio Emilia crowds Why 360° became a touring phenomenon Comparing U2’s live scale with the Eras Tour A Bono Over Whiskey and Cake question about performing for massive crowds Follow us at @the_gardentarts, sign up for the newsletter at thegardentarts.com, and please leave us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

Can music help save lives? This week, The Garden Tarts talk about discovering Punk Rock Saves Lives at a local record show—and the inspiring work they do to make harm-reduction resources, mental-health advocacy, and blood stem-cell registry signups more accessible at concerts, festivals, and in communities. We also discuss Love Hope Strength Foundation, the music-driven nonprofit co-founded by The Alarm’s Mike Peters. Their mission: saving and changing lives one concert, one step, and one helping hand at a time. If music has ever made you feel less alone, this conversation is for you. Learn more, get involved, or donate: Punk Rock Saves Lives: https://punkrocksaveslives.org Love Hope Strength Foundation: https://lovehopestrength.org If you enjoyed this mini episode, please like, subscribe, share it with a music-loving friend, and leave us a comment: What music community or nonprofit inspires you? #PunkRockSavesLives #LoveHopeStrength #TheGardenTarts #MusicSavesLives #TheAlarm #MusicCommunity #HarmReduction #Podcast

Welcome back to Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts! In this episode, Jenny and Hillary return after a short break to talk about two big music stories: the loss of Irish legend Glen Hansard (The Frames, Once) and U2’s new collaboration with Martin Garrix, “Fireflies.” We dive deep into: Glen Hansard’s legacy, from The Frames and Swell Season to Once and The CommitmentsU2 x Martin Garrix “Fireflies” – first reactions, lyrics, production, and how it fits into U2’s soundFan theories: “Electrical Storm” vibes, “City of Blinding Lights” connections, and what this means for the next U2 albumWhy some listeners say it “doesn’t sound like classic U2” (and why we disagree)Our favorite moments in the track, including Edge’s guitar work and Bono’s vocals If you love U2, Martin Garrix, or just great music conversation, this one’s for you. Help us grow: If you enjoy this episode, please send it to two YouTube friends who don’t know about the podcast yet. Your shares help more fans find us every week. Subscribe for weekly U2 talk, deep dives, and fan perspectives: www.youtube.com/@thegardentarts #U2 #MartinGarrix #Fireflies #TheGardenTarts #KissingLipsAndBreakingHearts #U2Podcast #MusicPodcast #GlennHansard #TheFrames #OnceMovie #NewMusic2026

In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts, Jenny and Hillary start with Bono’s back surgery in 2010 and the 360 Tour cancellations and reschedules that followed. From there, the episode shifts into a freestyle conversation about music, memory, and life, including a big CD purge, rediscovering favorite bands like R.E.M., Keane, and Travis, and rethinking what still deserves a place in the collection. They also talk about a Netflix true-crime-style documentary binge, the reality of summer heat and storms, climate change, family milestones, and the challenges of planning for the future. It’s a conversational episode with plenty of personality, a little nostalgia, and a lot of U2-adjacent charm.

In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts, we dig into U2’s “Love Rescue Me” from Rattle and Hum — a song of redemption, faith, and emotional release. We discuss Bob Dylan’s role, Bono’s harmonica, live performances at Smile Jamaica and Sphere, listener reactions, and why this U2 deep cut means so much to fans. U2’s “Love Rescue Me” from Rattle and Hum.Bob Dylan’s collaboration and vocal contribution.Bono’s harmonica and the song’s studio credits.Why the live version can feel more powerful than the album version.Fan stories about grief, healing, and personal meaning.Smile Jamaica, Lovetown, New Year’s Dublin, and Sphere performances.Why Rattle and Hum remains an underrated U2 album.U2, Love Rescue Me, Rattle and Hum, Bob Dylan, Bono harmonica, U2 podcast, The Garden Tarts, U2 deep cuts, U2 live performances, Sphere U2, Smile Jamaica, Lovetown tour, U2 lyrics, U2 fandom, U2 show notes, U2 music podcast.

In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts, we kick off with a celebration of Live Aid and the unforgettable U2 performance that changed everything, from “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “Bad” to the moment Bono became, well, Bono. Then we turn to “Street of Dreams,” the new U2 single that’s sparked a full-on fandom debate online. We talk about why the song is hitting some listeners as a joyful, radio-ready earworm while leaving others cold, and why that reaction says as much about fandom as it does about the track itself. We also get into the bigger question behind the release: who is U2 making music for now, and does every album need to aim for the next generation when the current fanbase is already all in? Along the way, we discuss: Why U2’s Live Aid set still looms so large in rock history.How Bono turned “Bad” into a once-in-a-lifetime moment.Why “Street of Dreams” feels built for big rooms, big singalongs, and big opinions.How the U2 fanbase reacts when the band changes direction.Why music can be divisive without needing to become personal. FIND MORE AT www.thegardentarts.com

The Garden Tarts react to U2’s new single “Street of Dreams” in this special mini-episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts. They break down the song’s upbeat sound, talk through the video’s playful details, and share their first impressions of what feels like a joyful new chapter for U2. If you want a fun, lively first listen with plenty of fan commentary, this episode is for you.