May 28, 2009 20:29

U2 make surprise appearance onstage in London

Band join Baaba Maal at Island Records gig

Photo Gallery: U2

U2 made a surprise appearance onstage in London tonight (May 28).

The band took to the stage at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, joining African artist Baaba Maal just after he played his set as part of the Island Life gigs which are taking place at the venue this week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the acts' label Island Records.

Having played a full set with his band, Maal returned to the stage kicking off his version of Irish band's 'One' before the full U2 line-up joined in acoustically.

Praising Maal's "nobility", Bono declared he was "the spark of Africa", before the pair slipped into a short version of Bob Marley's 'Feel Alright' - another Island Records artist.

The U2 frontman then declared "We've got one more in us", before his band launched into 'Vertigo', thanking their former record label at the songs climax.

Earlier Bono had introduced Maal onstage for his main set, declaring: "I have a friend a brother who really takes care of everything. We share the respect of Nelson Mandela's vision. We need people to understand. We didn't make it yet but we are on the way. As we continue fighting poverty especially on the continent of Africa."

Yusuf Islam/ Cat Stevens, is now set to headline the gig tonight.