from Launch

(10/18/01, 6 p.m. ET) -- U2's Bono, who will perform at the Concert For New York City with U2 guitarist the Edge on Saturday (October 20), says the show comes at a poignant time in the Irish band's career. The group's latest album, the year-old All That You Can't Leave Behind, returned U2 to political and social commentary after nearly a decade of "throwing rocks at our own demons," according to Bono.

The singer tells LAUNCH that a key idea for U2 now is the search for grace in a world that makes it very difficult to achieve. "It's a powerful idea, grace. It really is. And, you know, we hear so much of karma and so little of grace. Every religion teaches us about karma and, well, what you put out you will receive. And even Christianity, which is supposed to be about grace, has turned, you know, redemption into good manners, or the right accent, or, you know, good works or whatever it is. I just can't get over grace--(it's) so hard to find."

Others slated to perform at the Concert For New York City include Paul McCartney, the Who, Mick Jagger, Elton John, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, John Mellencamp, and James Taylor. The show airs on VH1.

U2--which also performed on the America: A Tribute To Heroes telethon on September 21--will have a four-day break after the Concert For New York City before beginning its own three-show stand Wednesday (October 24) at Madison Square Garden.

-- Gary Graff, Detroit