Bono, U2, pay tribute to B.B. King; Blues legend’s family plans funeral

It was the second night of their world tour and the devastating news, for U2, was that the man the band helped get new and deserved recognition for, their friend, B.B. King, was dead.

For frontman Bono, there really was nothing else to do.

That’s when love came to town. Or in this case, Vancouver.

“This is a very special occasion for anyone who loves the blues,” Bono said, as the lights dimmed Friday night.

“For this is the day that the world got to say goodbye to the great B.B. King. That is a special occasion indeed.”

Then, for the first time in 23 years, U2 launched into, “When Loves Come To Town.”

It’s the song that a bunch of Irish men wrote in the late 1980s when Bono was exploring U.S. music and originals, like Bluesman B.B. King.

RELATED: Metro’s coverage of B.B. King’s death .

King, 89, died late Thursday of complications tied to his long battle with diabetes. His doctor said he had suffered a series of strokes, NME reports .

Rolling Stone writes : “Hearing the tune with Bono covering all of King’s lines was a sad reminder that B.B. truly is gone.”

A fact that didn’t seem lost on Bono.

“Wow,” Bono said as the song ended.

He then used a twist on another King classic to express his emotions.

“The thrill will never be gone.”

Indeed.

B.B. King will be remembered this Saturday, May 23, his daughter, Claudette King, said over the weekend.

“Thank you everyone for your well wishes. My dad's service is next Saturday, May 23rd in Las Vegas. Lying in state Friday, May 22, 2015. More later,” she wrote.

U2’s work with King help bring the King new, worldwide recognition.

“When Love Comes to Town” was featured on 1988’s album 'Rattle And Hum'.

King said of the song :

"I asked Bono if he would write a song for me and he said yes. About a year later, the group was touring in the US and asked if I would open the show, and I said gladly. Bono said, 'I have this song for you.' He brought it out and I thought it was a very deep song for him, being such a young man.

“But I liked it very much. The lyrics were very heavy... Blues is not prejudiced. You can be any color to play the blues. Most people say it's a simple music, I won't argue that. I say everybody can play it, but that doesn't mean everybody's gonna like it. I think U2 did a very good job. I thought it was great and I still do."

LYRICS - When Love Comes To Town

Don't you know love is the greatest thing that the world has ever known
Love is what everybody loves
We all need just a little love

But I did what I did when love came to town
I was a sailor, I was lost at sea
I was under the waves before love rescued me
I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread
But I stand accused of the things I've said

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

I used to make love under a red sunset
I was making promises I was soon to forget
She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown
But I left her standing before love came to town
I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream
The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream
As the music played I saw my life turn around
That was the day before love came to town

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town
When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

I did what I did
I did what I did

I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when the pierced his side
But I've seen love conquer the great divide

When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town