For the first time in 41 years, U2 headlined their first festival Friday Night (June 9th) when they stepped on the main stage at Bonnaroo. This was the second ever festival the band had performed, though the group isn’t new to massive crowds.

It didn’t take Bono long to begin making political stances and share his beliefs. While “Ultraviolet (Light My Way)” was performed, the screens behind the band showed faces of famous women through history. From Rosa Parks to Michelle Obama, many generations were represented. Bono spoke into the mic “turning history… into herstory”, letting it be known that he is a supporter of the strength and power of modern women.

He also took some jabs at President Trump, proclaiming “Some people may think [Martin Luther King Jr.’s] dream is dead, but not at Bonnaroo tonight.” Bono also chimed in on social justice.“Maybe the dream is just telling us to wake up.”

U2 dedicated “One Tree Hill” to Lily Cornell, the daughter of Chris Cornell. “Her dad had an epic heart,” Bono declared. Along with Cornell, the group shouted out the group who played a few hours before hand, the XX, as well as a Saturday performer at the festival, Chance The Rapper.  The bridge of “Beautiful Day” turned into a sing-along of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under The Bridge”, who would be where they were 24 hours from then.

U2’s first headlining moment at a festival was 2 1/2 hours long and seemed to shock the band at how powerful festival fans, especially Bonnaroo, can be. Bono ended the performance asking “Did we make a big mistake not coming [here] before?”, adding “Can we come back again?”