Universal Music Ireland and RTÉ 2FM are proud to announce the release of The Joshua Tree – New Roots, an 11 track studio collection which sees some of Ireland’s most outstanding musical talent cover songs from U2’s seminal Grammy Award-winning album ‘The Joshua Tree’. Set for release on 27^th October, The Joshua Tree – New Roots will raise funds for LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.

The Joshua Tree – New Roots will also include an exclusive bonus track from U2, a live performance of ‘Red Hill Mining Town’ recorded at the band’s recent show in Amsterdam during the critically acclaimed ‘The Joshua Tree Tour 2017’.

The Joshua Tree – New Roots features a stellar roll call of emerging Irish talent including new artist Lyra singing ‘Mothers of The Disappeared’; Picture This performing ‘With or Without You’; Fangclub with their version of ‘Exit’; The Strypes with ‘Trip Through Your Wires’, as well as the hugely talented Imelda May performing a stunning acapella version of ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’.

Other featured singers include Gavin James with a solo version of ‘Where The Streets Have No Name’; bright new star Aine Cahill performing ‘Red Hill Mining Town’; plus bands including All Tvvins (‘Bullet the Blue Sky’), The Academic (‘In God’s Country’); The Coronas (‘One Tree Hill’), as well as Kodaline with their rendition of ‘Running To Stand Still’.

Curated by Universal Music Ireland, the idea for the record originated with 2fm.

Paul Russell, Deputy Head of 2fm said – “The station has long been associated with U2. This special album is a 2fm Music initiative showcasing our support of Irish music by inviting some of our favourite acts to connect with one of the most famous Irish albums of all time. While highlighting the incredible work of LauraLynn, we are especially indebted to Larry Mullen for joining the dots together in the early stages.”

Mark Crossingham, Managing Director of Universal Music Ireland added – “When 2fm came to us with this idea, we immediately thought it was a complete winner that could be very beneficial to the chosen charity. I’ve always been astounded by the work that LauraLynn Children’s Hospice do, especially as they are so dependent on fundraising to provide their vital care. Choosing them to be our charity partner was a very easy decision.”

“LauraLynn is Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice caring for children from birth to 18 years old, with life limiting conditions and helping their families to cope. We are thrilled to have been chosen as the charity partner for this fantastic initiative by 2FM and Universal Music Ireland; not just because it will help raise vital funds to allow us provide hospice care and support families who desperately need it but also because the children have had so much fun in the process, designing artwork… making precious memories.  And that’s what it’s all about!” said Sharon Morrow, CEO LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.

And Larry Mullen of U2 said of the project – “The songs on ‘The Joshua Tree’ have travelled well with us over the past 30 years, it’s been a privilege to take them out on tour around the world again this year. And what an honour to hear them revisited on The Joshua Tree – New Roots in support of the important work of LauraLynn.”

The Joshua Tree – New Roots is available on CD, download and to stream from 27^th October 2017.

This very special album has been made possible through the generosity of the performing artists, U2 and all the labels, managers and production teams involved.

Full Track Listing is as follows;

1.	Gavin James	Where The Streets Have No Name
2.	Imelda May	I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
3.	Picture This	With or Without You
4.	All Tvvins	Bullet the Blue Sky
5.	Kodaline	Running To Stand Still
6.	Aine Cahill	Red Hill Mining Town
7.	The Academic	In God’s Country
8.	The Strypes	Trip Through Your Wires
9.	The Coronas	One Tree Hill
10.	Fangclub	Exit
11.	Lyra	Mothers of the Disappeared
12.	U2	EXCLUSIVE BONUS TRACK – Red Hill Mining Town – Live from The Joshua Tree Tour 2017