While blaming the rain on the Irish, Bono sang nothing but praise for Canada.
The singer and the Edge paid a visit to Ottawa to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday and performed U2’s 1991 hit “One” for an estimated 45,000 people at Parliament Hill.
READ MORE: Donald Trump, Ryan Reynolds, Shania Twain among celebs wishing Canada a ‘Happy 150’ on Twitter
“When others build walls, you open doors; when others divide, your arms are open wide; where you lead, others follow. That’s the real reason The Edge and myself are here today,” he said, before repeating the touching message in his shaky French.
A spokesperson from Canadian Heritage told CBC News Wednesday, “The government of Canada is not paying U2 for their Canada Day performance,” said Natalie Huneault. “Bono and the Edge wanted to mark the occasion with Canadians and are donating their time as a birthday present for Canada 150.”
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U2 also includes members Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr., who were not in attendance Saturday, as the band were due to play in Cleveland Saturday night.
The pair joined Gordon Lightfoot, Alessia Cara and Cirque du Solei in the Canada Day festivities on stage.
Twitter loved Bono’s touching speech, even Rob Baker of The Tragically Hip gave a shoutout to his kind words writing, “Must say I got very emotional listening to Bono’s @U2s ode to Canada but also because “One” is one of the finest songs ever.”
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READ MORE: Your Canada 150 Music Playlist
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