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. Sep 9

    Zoo Station: The Sound of Dreaming It All Up Again | 50 Years of U2

    U2 turns 50 this year, and we're celebrating with one pivotal moment from every decade of the band's career — from Larry's message board note to the Sphere. Then: a live report from a U2 tribute band show, a full "Zoo Station" deep-dive with your comments, and an EXCLUSIVE US first listen to "Alison Stewart," December's new charity remix single, before its official release. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly U2 deep-dives, live show recaps, and superfan chaos. 🌐 thegardentarts.com — sign up for the newsletter 💬 Leave a comment: what's YOUR pivotal U2 moment? TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome + housekeeping 01:05 What's in this episode 03:27 50 Years of U2: a pivotal moment per decade 14:36 Intermission: U2 tribute band show recap (Cleveland) 19:57 Side B: "Zoo Station" deep-dive + your comments 44:00 Exclusive: "Alison Stewart" (December remix) first US listen 46:00 Next episode's song pick + goodbyes

  2. Sep 2

    Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah: U2 and The Yeahs, “Beautiful Day” Memories & U2topia

    U2 have released a joyful new cover of the Pogues’ “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah”—or, as we are now calling it, The Yays—and the Garden Tarts have thoughts. In this episode, Hillary and Jenny talk about U2’s light, playful take on the Shane MacGowan song for the upcoming 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowan tribute album. They discuss the connection to producer Steve Lillywhite, why the cover’s childlike keyboard sound works for them, and why not every U2 cover needs to be heavy or “important.” They also take a friendly but firm detour into the importance of checking sources before sharing U2 rumors, tour dates, album art, and supposed announcements. If it is not coming from U2 directly—or from a dependable source clearly labeling speculation as speculation—proceed with caution. At intermission, listeners share moving, joyful, nostalgic, and occasionally spicy feelings about last week’s Cigar Box selection: “Beautiful Day.” From weddings, first homes, fatherhood, recovery, and graduation to questions about singles, setlists, and “Vertigo,” this conversation proves once again that U2 songs become part of people’s life stories. Then Hillary reports back from a weekend with U2topia and Coldplay tribute act Back to the Start. There were thoughtful setlists, “Do You Hear Me Coming, Lord?” in “One,” “Shine Like Stars” woven into “With or Without You,” a brilliant Back to the Future-inspired opening, and a joint finale of David Bowie’s “Heroes.” And finally: the Cigar Box has spoken. Next week’s song is “Zoo Station.” In this episodeU2’s cover of the Pogues’ “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah”The upcoming Shane MacGowan tribute album, 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowanWhy the Garden Tarts find U2’s version “adorable,” light, and funSteve Lillywhite’s connection to the Pogues’ original recordingU2 covers we love, covers we do not, and why that is okayHow to separate confirmed U2 news from rumors and misinformationListener memories and reactions to “Beautiful Day”Why All That You Can’t Leave Behind remains emotionally tied to the era around September 11 for many fansA lively “Beautiful Day” versus “Vertigo” discussionJenny’s U2topia concert recapColdplay tribute band Back to the Start and their Back to the Future entranceA shared performance of David Bowie’s “Heroes”The next Cigar Box pick: “Zoo Station”Listener voicesThank you to everyone who shared a “Beautiful Day” memory or opinion. Your stories—from weddings and parenthood to recovery, new homes, and hard-won graduation days—made this week’s conversation especially meaningful. Links and calls to actionFollow the Garden Tarts on social media: @the_gardentartsVisit: thegardentarts.comSubscribe to the Garden Tarts YouTube channelSign up for the newsletterSupport the podcast on Patreon or Buy Me a CoffeeShare this episode with your U2 friendsLeave a five-star review on Apple PodcastsKissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, a U2 podcast with the Garden Tarts, is created, produced, and edited by the Garden Tarts. Intro and outro music by December.

  3. Aug 26

    God Part II: The Deep Cut That Basically Predicted Achtung Baby

    Side A brings the U2 news roundup, including reports of Bono’s involvement in the upcoming Free Nelson Mandela documentary, a Windmill Lane book in the works, U2’s participation in a Shane MacGowan tribute project, and Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno’s guest-producer roles on the next U2 album. Then it’s show-and-tell time: a promo copy of War, a new U2.com hoodie, record-store dreams, and the challenge of finding Rattle and Hum on vinyl “organically.” On Side B, the random-song cigar box delivers “God Part II.” We dig into why this compact, punchy, contradictory track may be less a Rattle and Hum outlier than an early signpost toward Achtung Baby. Plus, we share listener thoughts, from “brilliant song” to the gloriously concise “Belter,” and pick next week’s song: “Beautiful Day.” In this episodeU2 news: tribute projects, producers, documentaries, Windmill Lane, and Bono’s message for VenezuelaWhy Howie B., Jacknife Lee, Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno all belong in the same conversationA gold-stamped promotional pressing of WarWhy “God Part II” feels like a bridge to Achtung BabyListener takes on one of Rattle and Hum’s most overlooked tracksNext week’s cigar-box selection: “Beautiful Day” Follow the Garden Tarts on social media at @the_gardentarts, subscribe to the newsletter at thegardentarts.com, and support the show through Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee.

  4. Aug 19

    How Many People Have Seen U2? Attendance Records, 360, PopMart & More

    How big is big when it comes to U2? This week, we dig into the astonishing attendance and box-office numbers behind U2’s touring legacy—from the 7+ million tickets sold during the 360° Tour to the nearly 150,000 people reportedly gathered for PopMart in Reggio Emilia. We talk Rose Bowl records, Wembley crowds, why some PopMart shows felt oddly empty despite the tour’s major grosses, and how ticket prices and inflation complicate comparisons across eras. We also wonder: what is it really like for Bono to play for 20,000 people versus 150,000? And, if he could travel anywhere next, what might still be on his bucket list? In this mini episode: U2’s biggest tours by attendance and gross The Rose Bowl, Wembley, JFK Stadium, and Reggio Emilia crowds Why 360° became a touring phenomenon Comparing U2’s live scale with the Eras Tour A Bono Over Whiskey and Cake question about performing for massive crowds Follow us at @the_gardentarts, sign up for the newsletter at thegardentarts.com, and please leave us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

  5. Aug 12

    How Punk Rock (and U2) Save Lives: Music as Community Action

    Can music help save lives? This week, The Garden Tarts talk about discovering Punk Rock Saves Lives at a local record show—and the inspiring work they do to make harm-reduction resources, mental-health advocacy, and blood stem-cell registry signups more accessible at concerts, festivals, and in communities. We also discuss Love Hope Strength Foundation, the music-driven nonprofit co-founded by The Alarm’s Mike Peters. Their mission: saving and changing lives one concert, one step, and one helping hand at a time. If music has ever made you feel less alone, this conversation is for you. Learn more, get involved, or donate: Punk Rock Saves Lives: https://punkrocksaveslives.org Love Hope Strength Foundation: https://lovehopestrength.org If you enjoyed this mini episode, please like, subscribe, share it with a music-loving friend, and leave us a comment: What music community or nonprofit inspires you? #PunkRockSavesLives #LoveHopeStrength #TheGardenTarts #MusicSavesLives #TheAlarm #MusicCommunity #HarmReduction #Podcast

  6. Aug 5

    U2 x Martin Garrix 'Fireflies' Review | Plus: Remembering Glen Hansard (Side A / Side B)

    Welcome back to Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts! In this episode, Jenny and Hillary return after a short break to talk about two big music stories: the loss of Irish legend Glen Hansard (The Frames, Once) and U2’s new collaboration with Martin Garrix, “Fireflies.” We dive deep into: Glen Hansard’s legacy, from The Frames and Swell Season to Once and The CommitmentsU2 x Martin Garrix “Fireflies” – first reactions, lyrics, production, and how it fits into U2’s soundFan theories: “Electrical Storm” vibes, “City of Blinding Lights” connections, and what this means for the next U2 albumWhy some listeners say it “doesn’t sound like classic U2” (and why we disagree)Our favorite moments in the track, including Edge’s guitar work and Bono’s vocals If you love U2, Martin Garrix, or just great music conversation, this one’s for you. Help us grow: If you enjoy this episode, please send it to two YouTube friends who don’t know about the podcast yet. Your shares help more fans find us every week. Subscribe for weekly U2 talk, deep dives, and fan perspectives: www.youtube.com/@thegardentarts #U2 #MartinGarrix #Fireflies #TheGardenTarts #KissingLipsAndBreakingHearts #U2Podcast #MusicPodcast #GlennHansard #TheFrames #OnceMovie #NewMusic2026

  7. Jul 29

    The Time U2 Rescheduled the Entire 360° Tour (Here's What Really Happened)

    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.

  8. 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.

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About

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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