U-turn about guest list led to upset in US

IRISH officials thought they had five times as many free tickets for a U2 tour of the United States, with newly released Government files revealing diplomats were left in an "embarrassing situation".

- BY CILLIAN SHERLOCK

Management for the Dublin rock band had engaged with the Department of Foreign Affairs ahead of their 1987 Joshua Tree tour and offered to include “key people” on the guest list for a range of shows.

In one letter from Dublin to the Irish Ambassador in Washington, it was explained the group wanted representatives from “semi-state bodies and the like”, with diplomats also hoping it was possible to invite “colleague ambassadors, administration and other notables or their children”.

A list of names was drawn up on the belief up to 60 guests for each concert would be acceptable.