On the eve of their new album's release, U2 [ tickets ] has unveiled plans for an intimate club performance in Boston.

Scheduled for March 11, this rare opportunity to see the Irish icons up close and personal will follow tomorrow's (3/3) arrival in stores of "No Line On The Horizon," U2's 12th studio effort.

The surprise show was announced this morning on several Boston radio stations--including WBCN, WLZX and WBOS---all of whom will be giving away tickets for the show via on-air contests. No other ticketing information has been announced, and the venue for the gig has not been revealed.

News of the Boston performance follows in the footsteps of other recent surprises from the group. As previously reported, U2 tonight will begin an unprecedented run as the musical guest for five consecutive nights on "The Late Show with David Letterman," and last Friday (2/27) the band played an unexpected gig on the rooftop of London's BBC office.

U2 is also set to perform at New York's Fordham University this Friday (3/6) for Good Morning America. Access to that performance is reportedly limited to students enrolled at the university.

A formal tour announcement is expected March 9.