We've been supporters of Amnesty for a couple of years now, ' explained Edge at the launch of the Conspiracy of Hope Tour. 'One of the founders of Amnesty is an Irishman, Sean McBride, whose involvement with human rights goes back to the early part of Irish history - to our country's founding in 1916. The Irish in general are very much involved in campaigning for human rights around the world. When Live Aid started, the Irish gave more money per capita than an country in the world...'

The first of six shows takes place at the Cow Palace in San Francisco and U2 open with Eddie Cochran's 'C'mon Everybody'. Also on the road for different dates with U2 are The Police and Lou Reed