For Ronnie Drew at the Late Late Show
For Ronnie Drew at the Late Late Show
For Ronnie Drew at the Late Late Show

For Ronnie Drew at the Late Late Show

'I'm really knocked out and honoured and grateful.' Ronnie Drew was the surprise guest for The Late Late Show in ...

23 Feb 2008
'I'm really knocked out and honoured and grateful.' Ronnie Drew was the surprise guest for The Late Late Show in Dublin last night as 'The Ballad of Ronnie Drew' was performed live for the first time. Exclusive Photos.

U2, Kila, The Dubliners, Sinead O'Connor, Andrea Corr, Damien Dempsey and Shane MacGowan were in the house early and rehearsing from early evening. Not everyone who is on the recording could make it on the night so there were some new faces too - Liam from Hothouse Flowers stepped in admirably for Christy Moore. The vibe was special by all accounts - as you can see from our photos - and the performance itself was a spine-tingler.

"I'm speechless.' Ronnie told Late Late host Pat Kenny. 'I'm really knocked out and honoured and grateful. I don't think I deserve it.'

The song, he said, had made him feel stronger.

'He is a prime fighter, ' added Bono. 'And a fighter always fights harder when the crowd is cheering.That is why we did this."

Watch the video for 'The Ballad of Ronnie Drew'.

Profits from the release will go directly to the Irish Cancer Society here.

MORE NEWS

ALL NEWS
Out Now!
CARNAVAL DE LUZ

Carnaval De Luz, the band's first album of new material  in nine years, is out now. Listen to...

13 NOV 2026
Dolly Parton
CARNAVAL DE LUZ

U2 x Dolly Parton. A tribute to Dolly Parton and an invitation to make the video your own.

13 NOV 2026
Second Night in Seville, Third Night in Barcelona
THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH TOUR

A second show in Seville and a third in Barcelona have been added to The Greatest Show On...

12 NOV 2026
Live on iHeartRadio and TikTok Today
CARNAVAL DE LUZ

The band are live on iHeartRadio and TikTok later today previewing new tracks from the album ahead of...

11 NOV 2026
Another Night in Milan
THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH TOUR

A third Milan show has been added to The Greatest Show On Earth World Tour. A presale for...

06 NOV 2026
Third Night in Stockholm
THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH TOUR

A third and final Stockholm show has been added to The Greatest Show On Earth World Tour. A...

06 NOV 2026
Additional Nights in Berlin, Paris, London and Lisbon
THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH TOUR

Four more shows have been added to The Greatest Show On Earth World Tour. On sale tomorrow, Friday...

05 NOV 2026
'We might get expelled for this…'
CARNAVAL DE LUZ

The band go back to school with Zane Lowe for Apple Music. 'We're setting such a bad example.'

05 NOV 2026
Barcelona, Seville shows and third night in Amsterdam
THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH TOUR

Three shows in Spain and another night in Amsterdam have been added to The Greatest Show On Earth...

05 NOV 2026
U2 & Guinness
CARNAVAL DE LUZ

Exclusive, one-off limited run of Carnaval De Luz on pearl, white marble vinyl.

04 NOV 2026
UK & Europe Dates for The Greatest Show On Earth World Tour
CARNAVAL DE LUZ

European tour to open in Stockholm on April 26th. U2.com subscriber presales from Monday November 2nd.

29 OCT 2026
Listen Up!
CARNAVAL DE LUZ

Want to hear Carnaval De Luz first? Head to one of the global listening parties.

27 OCT 2026
SHOWING 12 OF 4790 STORIES KEEP SCROLLING FOR MORE ↓

Related Topic

LATEST COMMENTS

FROM THE ARCHIVE PICKED AT RANDOM
U2 - Song For Hal 2026 U2 - Song For Hal WATCH →
THE NEW ALBUM
CARNAVAL DE LUZ

The new album. Out 13 November 2026.

PRE-ORDER

SUBSCRIBE TO U2.COM

Special editorial and video, exclusive newsletters and events, 25% coupon for the shop and first access to ticket sales when the band tour.