It Was Twenty Years Ago...

06 August 2009
'New Year's Day' is the soundtrack to a new TV spot from The European Commission, celebrating the 20th anniversary of free elections in Poland this year.

The video takes place on the birthday of a Polish girl Marta who was born on the 4th of June 1989 - the date of the first elections in Poland after the fall of Communism. It documents key events and people in the recent history of Poland: the Solidarnosc movement with its leader Lech Walesa, Polish Round Table Talks, integration with NATO and the EU.

New Year's Day, the band's debut UK ten hit back in 1983, was inspired by Solidarnosc. You can find it on War.

Thanks to EUtube. (You can now only view this clip in certain countries.)

Get RSS News Feed
This article is tagged to:
Collaborations, Early Albums, Hearts + Minds, Singles
( 19 ) Comments
daddysgirl - 09 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
My all time U2 favorite, and in many ways and times
Rank:
mariabella - 09 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
That' so cool ! U2 music is always a great soundtrack for important moments of our history. The boys are the best , now and forever!!
Rank:
electricco - 09 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
I Will Always Love NewYear'sDay ... what a PeaceSong ! Like many fans its was my1st U2song heard on the Radio .... 1983
Rank:
Focus3 - 09 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
Can't wait to see you guys in Chorzow
Rank:
hand195 - 09 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
It's good that things are remembered!
Rank:
mpsarch - 09 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
This is a great tv spot!  I got a tear in my eye at "Thank You!" at the very end....
Rank:
Ausknutz - 09 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
great video!! Didn´t know it!!
Rank:
bronxirish1963 - 09 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
Very nice tribute to the Polish freedom movement. But why show President Clinton? President Ronald Reagan along with Pope John Paul and PM Thatcher made it all possible.,
Rank:
- 10 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
cool video..
Rank:
lufego - 10 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
New years day it is a great an powerful song, that whe it was released in the War Album (long play...long time ago...lol..) and still very actual, atrong and amazing. Cheers from Brazil, Luiz.
Rank:
glorydaz - 10 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
stunning.......
Rank:
BoonetheAiredale - 10 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
It's music that binds decades
Rank:
fabioemichela - 11 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
Oh U2....the sound of my life..the sound of the world....
Rank:
dirk1968 - 11 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
Those were my 'Wonder Years'
Rank:
- 11 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
Beautiful song.Thanks!
Rank:
scrumpy - 13 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
I can't believe it has been over 25 years since the day I first heard that wonderful song.But to this day,even after hearing it thousands of times it still brings an unexplainable tear to my eyes.I think it is the emotion in Bono's voice.
Rank:
OlaGoor - 17 June, 2009
it-was-twenty-years-ago
It's my brave nation :) I'm proud of these day. Thank you for the spot!!!! CU in Chorzow! ;)
Rank:
mayra11 - 06 August, 2009
twenty years ago
Wow, wonderful images for a wonderful song
Rank:
ewiercinska - 06 August, 2009
Dziekuje
I just love it! My favorite band and the history of my country in one. Unforgettable Polish '80!
Rank:
First < Previous 1 - 19 of 19 Comments Next > Last

Current News

17 November, 2009
'A song written to help stop his band from falling apart has become an unsentimental ode to unity - in this instance a bittersweet song for a bittersweet history.' Bono's latest column for the New York Times is a screenplay set in Berlin. Over several decades.
16 November, 2009
U2.com subscriber presales are underway this week for the band's shows next year in Montreal, East Lansing and, newly announced, Minneapolis.
16 November, 2009
From 'No Line' to 'Moment of Surrender', from 'The Unforgettable Fire' to 'Ultraviolet'. Great live video of ELEVEN tracks from the band's Rose Bowl show in LA last month.
12 November, 2009
It's been a highlight of the shows in 2009: this is Unknown Caller live from the Rose Bowl.
09 November, 2009
A second show has been announced for Anaheim, CA next June. Presales begin tomorrow, Nov. 10.