Debra L Rothenberg/WireImageThere was more than one surprise Monday night in Times Square!
Not only were people who lucky enough to be in the area treated to a surprise concert headlined by U2, Kanye West and Carrie Underwood for World AIDS Day (RED), but they also got to watch Bruce Springsteen and Chris Martin fill in for Bono!
The U2 lead singer was injured in a bike accident in New York City's Central Park on Nov. 16, leaving the band to find a more than suitable stand in for the famous Irishman. Based on the lineup, we think the found the perfect substitutes—Springsteen and Coldplay's Martin!
Not too shabby, U2.
The famous Irish band posted on its Facebook page to announce that the Boss and Martin had salvaged the concert.
"Friends have stepped in to save U2's surprise World AIDS Day (RED) performance..."
Dubbed U2 Minus 1 for the charity concert, the band switched between the Coldplay frontman and Springsteen throughout its time on stage. But before the rock band performed, former President Bill Clinton introduced the band by talking about how much (RED) has done for the fight against AIDS.
"We are going to end this fight," he said. "We can end AIDS but we all have to do our part."
At the end of his introductory speech, the former politician gave a warm welcome to one of his favorite bands—with a special note, of course.
"It is my great honor to introduce with their special guest Chris Martin one of the greatest bands in the history of rock music, my friends, U2."
U2 Minus 1 opened with Martin singing the band's classic "Beautiful Day." With an estimated crowd of 40,000 people, the charity concert lasted about 45 minutes, but was only revealed to be happening yesterday afternoon on U2's website. People who couldn't attend could watch a live stream on YouTube.
But before Gwyneth Paltrow's ex launched into "With or Without You," he left the crowd with a hopeful message, "Dreams come true for all young and old people alike."