In the swirl of ballroom lights and big‑band swing on stage in 2010, Celtic Thunder offered a surprising twist during their It’s Entertainment! show: a heartfelt cover of U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. Between medleys of surf-rock classics and Irish folk standards, this gospel‑tinged ballad found a place that resonated deeply with audiences.
Fans are rediscovering this poignant moment over a decade later. The performance—captured in the It’s Entertainment! DVD—showcases a powerful collective delivery. It begins with gentle piano and harmonies before bursting into a soaring ensemble arrangement, each singer weaving emotion into the lyrics about longing and faith
Though not originally their song, Celtic Thunder’s rendition drew praise and curiosity. Lyrically faithful to the U2 anthem, the verses—“I have climbed highest mountains… but I still haven’t found what I’m looking for”—resounded through a fresh musical lens. Their theatrical rendition elevated it from rock confession to Celtic‑infused spiritual journey.
The cover is included in their 2015 Very Best of Celtic Thunder compilation—an indication of its lasting significance. The selection spans their early shows through later evolutions, including emblematic solo work and group harmonies. Its inclusion underscores how this cover became part of their defining repertoire.
While the original U2 version topped charts worldwide—reaching No. 1 in the U.S. in August 1987 and cementing its place among rock’s most influential songs—it’s Celtic Thunder’s 2010 take that introduced the piece to theater audience in a new context .
As Celtic Thunder continues touring and releasing new work—most recently Odyssey in late 2023—the collective revisiting their past performances shows that this rendition left a lasting impact. Though not their original, the cover stands as a testament to the group’s ability to adapt and honor deeply meaningful music traditions.
