A Celebration
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| "A Celebration" | ||
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| UK cover | ||
| Single by U2 | ||
| B-side(s) | "Trash, Trampoline and the Party Girl" | |
| Released | March 1982 | |
| Format | 7" vinyl | |
| Recorded | 1982 | |
| Genre | Rock | |
| Length | 2:57 | |
| Label | Columbia / Island | |
| Producer(s) | Steve Lillywhite | |
| Chart positions | ||
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| U2 singles chronology | ||
| "Gloria" (1981) |
"A Celebration" (1982) |
"New Year's Day" (1983) |
| Alternate Covers | ||
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| France cover | ||
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| Japan cover | ||
"A Celebration" was a non-album single released by U2 between the October and War albums in 1982. It is probably better known for its B-side, "Trash, Trampoline and the Party Girl" (later shortened to "Party Girl"), which has become a fan favorite throughout the years. In recent years, when questioned about "A Celebration" by fans, the band has made comments implying that they do not like the song, and the fact that it is noticeably absent from any U2 compilation CDs appears to support this view. Nevertheless, the band did film and release a video for the song, most of which was shot in and around Kilmainham Gaol prison in Dublin, a setting later used in the film In the Name of the Father.
"A Celebration" made its live debut in late February 1982 and sporadically appeared at concerts throughout that year until it became a regular of the Pre-War Tour during the month of December. It then appeared at some early dates of the War Tour in February and March 1983. Its last live appearance was on November 30, 1983 in Tokyo.
In contrast, after its debut on 26 February 1983 at the first War Tour concert, "Party Girl" became a regular of the tour's encores. This happened despite the fact that after the initial performance, Bono stated "that is the first and probably last time we play that song." It continued to be a regular for the next couple of tours (earning an inclusion on the live album Under A Blood Red Sky) and has appeared sporadically at U2 concerts since then, usually for special occasions such as the birthday of a band member. The only tour on which it was never played was the Popmart Tour in 1997-1998, and it is the most frequently performed b-side in U2's live history, and the only b-side to be played more than a hundred times. Only one non-album song has been played more times, the 1980 single "11 O'Clock Tick Tock."
"A Celebration" is available on CD only on the 1999 compilation Now That's What I Call Music! 1982 - The Millennium Series (released in the UK) and on iTunes either separately or as part of The Complete U2.
Contents |
[edit] Track listings
[edit] Version 1
- "A Celebration" – 2:57
- "Trash, Trampoline and the Party Girl" – 2:32
This was the regular 7" release in most countries.
[edit] Version 2
- "A Celebration" – 2:56
- "Fire" – 3:50
This was the Japanese 7" release with the album version of "Fire" from October as an alternate b-side.
[edit] Chart positions
| Chart (1982) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles Chart | 47 |
[edit] External links
- A Celebration's performance history at U2-Vertigo-Tour.com—Lists all concerts at which A Celebration is known to have been performed.
- Party Girl's performance history at U2-Vertigo-Tour.com—Lists all concerts at which Party Girl is known to have been performed.
- Discography entry at U2 Wanderer—Comprehensive details on various editions, cover scans, lyrics, and more.
