This time it's Berlin calling.

The MTV European Music Awards are coming to the German capital with an international cast, featuring performances by U2, the Foo Fighters, Shakira and Leona Lewis.

Berlin is the only city to host the awards show twice, in 1994 and on Thursday - a decision MTV said it made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9.

"This year's EMAs is unique in having the theme of unity in addition to what we normally do - celebrating and playing the music," said MTV International's CEO Bill Roedy.

Legendary Irish band U2 will play a short set in front of the Brandenburg Gate before the awards show is held at the O2 World stadium. Tickets to U2's performance were given away free online and were snapped up within hours.

U2's concert is not only a historical nod to the significance to the Brandenburg Gate - which lies on the line that formerly divided East and West Berlin - but also a reflection of the band's history. Their seventh album, "Achtung Baby" was recorded in Berlin in 1990 and their single "One" was inspired by the fall of the wall and written on the eve of German reunification.

The EMAs feature 13 award categories with nominees from Europe, North and South America.

Last year's EMAs were held in Liverpool, with Britney Spears, Kanye West and Pink all taking home awards.