U2 Shows Respect For Berlin Wall Anniversary at MTV Europe Music Awards

On the twenty year anniversary of the Berlin Wall falling to unite East and West Germany (marking the end of the Cold War), U2 paid their respects with a performance at the Brandenburg Gate during the MTV Europe Awards 2009. Host Katy Perry introduced the legendary band from O2 World, transferring broadcast to U2's stance at the former threshold turned national monument for "One," their 1991 hit from Achtung Baby.

The song, partially recorded in Berlin, got its title from a flag that used to hang from the Western gate, said Bono. Amongst shouts from the band of "Happy Birthday, Berlin," the crowd showed the generational transcendence of U2's influence by singing along to every word. From 1991 to 2009, U2 followed up with "Magnificent" off their new album, No Line On The Horizon.

The crowd ate it up.

And righteously so. Earlier that night U2 won Best Live Act over the likes of Beyonce, Green Day, and Lady Gaga at the annual award show. Decided by millions of votes, the European event is historically dominated by American artists. Even on the anniversary of one of history's most notable moments, this still rang true.