Ongoing History Daily: When The Edge played the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican is one of the most well-known religious sites in the world, built in the 15^th century and with its frescos painted by Michelangelo in the 16^th. Not exactly the spot for a rock concert, right?

In April 2016, The Edge from U2 became the first rock star to play the chapel. It was an unplugged affair where he was backed by a young Irish choir. How did he manage to get that gig?

He’s part of a medical group called the Angiogenesis Foundation, which deals with blood disorders. He got into that area after his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. The foundation was having a conference inside the Vatican and was invited to perform a special set.

And before you ask, no, there were no popes in attendance—although you do have to wonder what Michelangelo would have made of all this.