U2 announces The Joshua Tree world tour

U2 have announced a stadium tour playing the entirety of their classic album The Joshua Tree to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its release.

"It seems like we have come full circle from when The Joshua Tree songs were originally written, with global upheaval, extreme right wing politics and some fundamental human rights at risk," band member The Edge said in a statement.

"To celebrate the album - as these songs seem so relevant and prescient of these times too - we decided to do these shows, it feels right for now. We're looking forward to it."

The hit 1987 record has sold 25 million copies worldwide, and contains the hit singles 'With or Without You', 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For', and 'Where the Streets Have No Name'.

The tour will kick off in the US in May 2017 and will be the first time the album has ever been performed in full.

No dates have yet been announced for a Southern Hemisphere leg of the tour.

Newshub.