Important to know
- Address: Gaiety Theatre; Bono's childhood home (10 Cedarwood Road); Sheriff Street; Castleforbes Road; and Grafton Street - Dublin, Ireland
The music video for “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own” by U2 was filmed in Dublin, Ireland, and directed by Phil Joanou (who also directed other notable videos, such as Bon Jovi’s “Keep the Faith” and U2’s “One” and “All Because of You”).
The filming, which included shots on the street and inside a theater, lasted four days.
The video opens with Bono walking along Castleforbes Road, with his writing appearing on the screen, sharing memories about his father, Bob, who worked in the post office by day and sang opera at night:
“My father Bob worked in the Post Office by day and sang opera by night. We lived on the north side of Dublin in a place called Cedarwood Road. He had a lot of attitude. He gave some to me – and a voice. I wish I’d known him better – Bono”
The visual narrative transitions between the band performing at the Gaiety Theatre and intimate moments of Bono in his childhood home. The video culminates with Bono preparing for the show, joining the band in a theatrical setting.
As a point of interest, the house where Bono appears in the video was purchased by his parents in June 1960, shortly after his birth. He lived in this house throughout his childhood.
This is one of the most popular spots for fans looking to follow a U2 tour in Dublin.
According to U2Songs.com, the video was filmed at the end of 2004:
- On December 13, Joanou filmed at the Gaiety Theatre with the entire band from 1 PM until 1 AM the next morning.
- On December 14, he and Bono recorded scenes in Bono’s childhood home at 10 Cedarwood Road.
- On December 15, they filmed scenes of Bono walking along Sheriff Street and Castleforbes Road.
- Additional filming took place on December 16, including Bono walking on Grafton Street and more footage at 10 Cedarwood Road.
The video was released in February 2005.
If you happen to visit the house where Bono lived during his childhood, please remember to respect the peace and privacy of the current residents. Be discreet and respectful.
Rock Route in Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland, is famous for its rich musical history, having been the birthplace of bands and artists like U2, Kodaline, Sinead O’Connor, Thin Lizzy, and The Script. The city is an excellent destination for rock fans, with plenty of interesting places to visit that will make your trip even more musical.
For those who enjoy bars, Whelan’s and Bruxelles offer a great atmosphere. If you’re looking to catch a live show, be sure to check the schedule for 3Olympia Theatre, The Academy, and 3Arena, as these venues often host top international bands.
Vinyl lovers can head to Tower Records, a well-known store famous for its great selection of records.
A tour of the historic Windmill Lane Recording Studios to learn more about U2, and a visit to the beloved Phil Lynott statue from Thin Lizzy are musts on your musical itinerary.
To plan your complete rock-inspired trip to Dublin (or other cities and countries around the world), check out all the guides we’ve already published here on Travel2Concert!
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