" One Tree Hill " was received favourably by critics , who variously described it as " a soft , haunting benediction " , " a remarkable musical centrepiece " , and a celebration of life . U2 delayed performing the song on the Joshua Tree Tour in 1987 because of Bono 's fears over his emotional state . After its live debut on the tour 's third leg and an enthusiastic reaction from audiences , the song was played occasionally for the rest of the tour and semi-regularly during the Lovetown Tour of 1989 – 1990 . It has appeared only sporadically since then , and most renditions were performed in New Zealand . Performances in November 2010 on the U2 360 ° Tour were dedicated to the miners who died in the Pike River Mine disaster . During the Joshua Tree Tour 2017 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the album , " One Tree Hill " was performed at each show
Pike River Mine disaster
Pike River Mine disaster
One Tree Hill (song)