U2 will receive this year’s Global Icon prize at the MTV European Music Awards (EMAs) on Sunday (12.11.17).
Bono and co will celebrate the prestigious accolade with a performance at London’s landmark Trafalgar Square on Saturday evening (11.11.17) for MTV Presents Trafalgar Square, ahead of the ceremony.
Bruce Gillmer, Head of Music and Music Talent, Global Entertainment Group, Viacom, said: "U2’s impact on music, pop culture and social issues around the world has been tremendous.
"For over four decades and counting, they’ve entertained, influenced, and inspired fans around the globe and we’re thrilled and honored to announce that they are this year’s Global Icon.
"Their EMAs performance for Londoners in historic Trafalgar Square is just the beginning of the electrifying celebration of music where artists from every corner of the world will unite in this extraordinary city!"
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today (06.11.17) welcomed the special MTV Presents Trafalgar Square event.
He said: "London is one of the live music capitals of the world, with an unrivalled music heritage. It is fantastic to host the EMAs in our city for the first time in 21 years. I’m delighted that Trafalgar Square will host this special MTV Presents performance – an iconic venue for an iconic band.
"I have been saying, loud and clear, that London is open to talent, creativity and business. What better way to showcase this than one of the world’s greatest rock bands performing to Londoners from all backgrounds, for free, in the heart of our great city?"
The ‘With or Without You’ rockers – who have picked up three awards at the EMAs in the past, two for Best Live Act in 1997 and 2009 and one for Best Group in 1995 – follow in the footsteps of last year’s Global Icon winners, Green Day.
Previous recipients have included Ozzy Osbourne (2014), Eminem (2013), Queen (2011), Bon Jovi (2010) and Whitney Houston (2012).
Part of the Irish rockers’ performance will be broadcast the following night on MTV channels worldwide during the live show from The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Sunday, 12 November at 8pm.
Clean Bandit will team up with collaborators Zara Larsson, Sean Paul, Anne-Marie and Julia Michaels for a very special moment at this weekend’s ceremony.
Liam Payne, Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, Camila Cabello, Kesha, The Killers and Stormzy are also set to perform on Sunday (12.11.17).
This year’s EMAs’ host Rita Ora will also take to the stage for a performance.
Further announcements will be made in the lead-up to the big night.
Those dishing out prizes on the night include James Bay, David Guetta and will.i.am, joining Natalie Dormer, Madison Beer and Sabrina Carpenter.
U2 receive MTV EMAs’ 2017 Global Icon prize
