Synopsis

U2 perform "Angel of Harlem" in a mix of staged band footage, New York imagery, and behind-the-scenes material connected to the Rattle and Hum project. The video moves through city landmarks, nighttime streets, the Apollo Theater, and black-and-white images of Billie Holiday, whose legacy inspires the song. Footage from U2's appearances at the New York and Los Angeles premieres of Rattle and Hum is also woven into the performance, giving the clip a documentary-like connection to the band's American roots period.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Angel of Harlem" was released as the second single from Rattle and Hum on December 5, 1988.

• The video was assembled while U2 were in the United States for the premieres of Rattle and Hum. It includes footage from the New York premiere at the Astor Theatre on November 1, 1988, and the Los Angeles premiere at Mann's Chinese Theatre on November 3.

• Some of the studio material comes from U2's recording sessions at Sun Studio in Memphis, where "Angel of Harlem" was recorded with the Memphis Horns. The same sessions also produced "Love Rescue Me" and "When Love Comes to Town."

• The song is a tribute to Billie Holiday, referenced in the lyric by her nickname, "Lady Day." The video's use of Holiday imagery reinforces that connection rather than presenting the song as a conventional romance.

• The video was later included on U2's The Best of 1980-1990 home-video compilation.

• U2 first performed the song live at the Smile Jamaica benefit concert in London on October 16, 1988, before its single release.