U2 performs from London roof

London -- The rock band U2, in a Beatles redux, performed several of its hits from the roof of the BBC's Broadcasting House in London, witnesses say.

Witnesses said the band played a surprise concert Friday seven stories up from the streets of London, offering those gathered below hits such as "Vertigo" and "Beautiful Day," The Daily Telegraph reported.

The performance only included four songs, but the appearance of U2 lead singer Bono on the broadcasting house's roof temporarily stopped traffic down below, the British newspaper said.

Immediately following Friday's short concert, Bono and his U2 band mates headed to a London airport to continue their promotional tour. The band is promoting the release of its 12th album, "No Line on the Horizon."

The Telegraph said the rooftop U2 concert was reminiscent of a 1969 rooftop performance by the Beatles, which took place when the band performed several songs atop the London headquarters of Apple Records.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.