The Irreverent U2 Podcast: Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts

U2 Fans Hillary and Jenny, aka The Garden Tarts
  • 5.0 (27)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

If you love U2's music but want a fun, irreverent take beyond the stats and collectables, this podcast is for you. A podcast for U2 fans, casual and die-hard alike, we are two best friends discussing what we love the most: U2 and the ridiculous adventures we've had together over three decades of friendship. In a fan world full of collectibles, statistics and academia, Jenny and Hillary bring irreverence to the otherwise serious fandom. Come hang out with the cheeky but astute Garden Tarts. Subscribe now and join Hillary and Jenny every Wednesday for your dose of U2 news, stories and laughs. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER.

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  1. 1d ago

    Remember When U2 Rescheduled the 360 Tour?

    In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts, Jenny and Hillary start with Bono’s back surgery in 2010 and the 360 Tour cancellations and reschedules that followed. From there, the episode shifts into a freestyle conversation about music, memory, and life, including a big CD purge, rediscovering favorite bands like R.E.M., Keane, and Travis, and rethinking what still deserves a place in the collection. They also talk about a Netflix true-crime-style documentary binge, the reality of summer heat and storms, climate change, family milestones, and the challenges of planning for the future. It’s a conversational episode with plenty of personality, a little nostalgia, and a lot of U2-adjacent charm.

  2. Jul 22

    Love Rescue Me: U2’s Prayer, Redemption, and the Bob Dylan Connection

    In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts, we dig into U2’s “Love Rescue Me” from Rattle and Hum — a song of redemption, faith, and emotional release. We discuss Bob Dylan’s role, Bono’s harmonica, live performances at Smile Jamaica and Sphere, listener reactions, and why this U2 deep cut means so much to fans. U2’s “Love Rescue Me” from Rattle and Hum.Bob Dylan’s collaboration and vocal contribution.Bono’s harmonica and the song’s studio credits.Why the live version can feel more powerful than the album version.Fan stories about grief, healing, and personal meaning.Smile Jamaica, Lovetown, New Year’s Dublin, and Sphere performances.Why Rattle and Hum remains an underrated U2 album.U2, Love Rescue Me, Rattle and Hum, Bob Dylan, Bono harmonica, U2 podcast, The Garden Tarts, U2 deep cuts, U2 live performances, Sphere U2, Smile Jamaica, Lovetown tour, U2 lyrics, U2 fandom, U2 show notes, U2 music podcast.

  3. Jul 15

    Live Aid, Street of Dreams and the U2 Fan Schism

    In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts, we kick off with a celebration of Live Aid and the unforgettable U2 performance that changed everything, from “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “Bad” to the moment Bono became, well, Bono. Then we turn to “Street of Dreams,” the new U2 single that’s sparked a full-on fandom debate online. We talk about why the song is hitting some listeners as a joyful, radio-ready earworm while leaving others cold, and why that reaction says as much about fandom as it does about the track itself. We also get into the bigger question behind the release: who is U2 making music for now, and does every album need to aim for the next generation when the current fanbase is already all in? Along the way, we discuss: Why U2’s Live Aid set still looms so large in rock history.How Bono turned “Bad” into a once-in-a-lifetime moment.Why “Street of Dreams” feels built for big rooms, big singalongs, and big opinions.How the U2 fanbase reacts when the band changes direction.Why music can be divisive without needing to become personal. FIND MORE AT www.thegardentarts.com

  4. Jul 8

    U2’s Street of Dreams: First Listen, Big Reactions

    The Garden Tarts react to U2’s new single “Street of Dreams” in this special mini-episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts. They break down the song’s upbeat sound, talk through the video’s playful details, and share their first impressions of what feels like a joyful new chapter for U2. If you want a fun, lively first listen with plenty of fan commentary, this episode is for you.

  5. Jul 1

    Please: U2’s Political Anthem, Listener Reactions, and Why It Still Hits Hard

    The Garden Tarts revisit U2’s “Please” from Pop, share listener reactions, and unpack the song’s political urgency, lyrical power, and unforgettable live performances. In this mini episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts, the hosts return to U2’s “Please,” the standout track from Pop that continues to inspire strong reactions from fans. They revisit their earlier discussion of the song, then read listener comments that praise its soaring vocals, Larry Mullen Jr.’s drum beat, and its powerful live arrangements. The conversation explores “Please” as a song about conflict, pleading, faith, and political urgency, with references to Northern Ireland and the emotional force of the lyrics. The hosts also discuss why the song feels bigger than the album it appears on and why it remains one of U2’s most memorable performances live. Listener feedback highlights versions like PopHeart, PopMart, and the MTV Video Music Awards performance, while also calling the song a sleeper favorite, a grower, and one of U2’s finest moments. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️ Topics CoveredU2’s “Please” from Pop.Why the song feels politically charged and emotionally intense.Listener responses to the track’s lyrics, bass line, and drum pattern.Live versions including PopHeart, PopMart, and MTV performance references.Whether the song belongs on Pop or stands apart from it.Fan picks for long-retired U2 songs to bring back.Listener Highlights“Please is one of my all-time favorites.”“This is a sleeper, a grower.”“It is ethereal and ambient and that bassline just carries the whole song.”“Old U2 sneaks a song on a new U2 album.”Call to ActionJoin the conversation on social media at @thegardentarts and sign up for the newsletter at thegardentarts.com. Support the show on Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee, and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts.

  6. Jun 24

    U2 Songs of Innocence Tour Stories: Toronto, Boston, Chicago, and MSG with the Garden Tarts

    In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, the Garden Tarts wrap up their Songs of Innocence era with tour memories from Toronto, Boston, Chicago, and Madison Square Garden, plus a look back at the Innocence and Experience tour and the unforgettable ways U2 made each show feel personal. They also share standout moments involving Bono, Edge, surprise guests, rail stories, and the fan-community energy that made this tour so special. What They CoverToronto show memories, including “Every Breaking Wave,” “Shine Like Stars,” and the now-legendary Bono-in-traffic moment.Chicago and Madison Square Garden highlights, including surprise guest moments, “Gloria,” “Lucifer’s Hands,” and the band’s evolving stage presence.Reflections on how U2’s performance style shifted across eras and why the Innocence and Experience shows felt so different.Featured MomentsBono telling “dad jokes” while Edge fixed a guitar hiccup.A fan being brought up to play guitar on “All I Want Is You.”Surprise guest energy at MSG, including Jimmy Fallon’s “Singer with a broken finger” moment.The hosts’ reflection that this tour felt more intimate and emotionally direct than earlier eras.Listen and ShareListen to the full episode, then share it with your U2 friends and subscribe for more Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts coverage from the Garden Tarts. Keyword TargetsU2 Songs of Innocence tourGarden Tarts podcastMadison Square Garden U2Bono live storiesBoston U2 concert recapToronto U2 concert recapU2 fan podcast

  7. Jun 17

    Bono in New York: Bruce Springsteen, Guggi & Tribeca

    Bono was in New York for a weekend packed with U2-adjacent moments, from presenting Bruce Springsteen with the Harry Belafonte Social Justice Award to attending the premiere screening of Guggi’s documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival. The Garden Tarts break down the big moments, the fan frenzy around Bono, and the reminder that keeping artists safe matters. Plus, we hear firsthand voice memos from PJ of Achtoon Baby and Kristen, who were both there and share vivid details from the room. This mini-episode also celebrates the ongoing friendship between Bono and Guggi, Ali Hewson’s impeccable style, and the emotional impact of seeing Bruce, Bono and Patti Smith together onstage. If you love U2 history, music moments, and candid fan perspective, this one is for you. Subscribe for more U2 content from The Garden Tarts, and follow us on social media at @thegardentarts.

  8. Jun 10

    U2 Songs of Innocence, Digging Into the Deluxe Edition

    U2 nerds unite: the Garden Tarts dig into the deluxe edition of Songs of Innocence, praise Bono’s vocal surprises, argue about punk cred, reveal listener poll winners, and deliver acoustic hot takes with fireworks-level enthusiasm. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️ This episode, the Garden Tarts review the deluxe edition of U2’s Songs of Innocence — deep dives on Lucifer’s Hands, Crystal Ballroom, and Invisible, plus a Side B rundown of the acoustic mixes and alternate versions. We read listener poll results (Every Breaking Wave wins!), trade live-show anecdotes, and serve affectionate, goofy U2 analysis for superfans and casual listeners alike. Show notes — what we cover: Lucifer’s Hands deep dive: origins, 1984 Unforgettable Fire roots, punk energy, and lyric questions about “Lucifer” Crystal Ballroom obsession: the building backstory, dancing beats, family memories, and why this track shoulda been a main-album favorite (four thumbs up, fireworks). Invisible origin story: 2014 Super Bowl debut, iTunes fundraiser tie-in (Bank of America + (RED)), hidden-track status on the deluxe edition, and touring stats (played 82 times). Intermission listener poll: top picks — Every Breaking Wave (winner), Iris and Raised by Wolves tied for second; every album track received at least one vote (fan engagement!). Side B acoustic & alternate takes: Every Breaking Wave (stunning acoustic vocal), California (album vs acoustic tie), Raised by Wolves & Cedarwood Road takeaways, Song for Someone acoustic, The Miracle of Joey Ramone (Busker vs album), and The Troubles alternate mix (female vocal lift). Live show thoughts: why mistakes are charming, why live ≠ studio, and how Bono’s voice surprised us on acoustic versions. Listener love: funniest poll replies, emotional fan stories, and weird office anecdotes (U2 cameo video scoop). U2 Songs of Innocence deluxe, Lucifer’s Hands analysis, Crystal Ballroom meaning, Invisible U2 hidden track, U2 acoustic versions, Every Breaking Wave winner, Garden Tarts U2 podcast, Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, U2 fan poll results, Bono vocal review. Quotes to highlight: “I can change the world, but I can’t change the world in me” — lyric moment we can’t stop thinking about. “This song made my grandparents look cool — old people are secretly legendary dancers” — Crystal Ballroom reaction. “Invisible: punk-city arrival anthem — sleeping in the station, screaming to be seen” — origin take. “Every Breaking Wave acoustic: Bono’s voice, naked and refined” — Side B mic drop moment WHERE TO FIND US: ➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com ➡️ wearethegardentarts@gmail.com ➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts ➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts ➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts.  Production by: Jenny Steadman Graphic design by: Hillary Frank All music is by December

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If you love U2's music but want a fun, irreverent take beyond the stats and collectables, this podcast is for you. A podcast for U2 fans, casual and die-hard alike, we are two best friends discussing what we love the most: U2 and the ridiculous adventures we've had together over three decades of friendship. In a fan world full of collectibles, statistics and academia, Jenny and Hillary bring irreverence to the otherwise serious fandom. Come hang out with the cheeky but astute Garden Tarts. Subscribe now and join Hillary and Jenny every Wednesday for your dose of U2 news, stories and laughs. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER.

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