U2 gig to be streamed on YouTube

U2 are to become the first stadium-packing stars to allow a huge live show to be streamed for free on YouTube.

The band's penultimate show of the year - a concert at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California - will be shown as it happens on the video-sharing website.

U2 manager Paul McGuinness said: "The band has wanted to do something like this for a long time - as we're filming the LA show, it's the perfect opportunity to extend the party beyond the stadium."

He continued: "Fans often travel long distances to come to see U2 - this time U2 can go to them, globally."

U2 have been touring for months with their groundbreaking 360-Degrees Tour, which allows them to play in-the-round to give fans better views.

The show will go out on the site on October 25. The gig will begin at 3.30am GMT, 8.30pm LA time and 12.30pm in Tokyo.

YouTube is confident the site can handle the millions of fans expected to log on, while those who miss it can watch two replays of the full concert immediately afterwards.

Fans will also have access to instant messaging network Twitter while watching the show.

Chris Maxcy director of YouTube partner development said: "We are always looking for new ways to connect fans around the world with their favourite artists, and this is the perfect opportunity to do just that."