U2
There is something special that happens when U2 fans get together. The band plays and the audience responds like no other I’ve seen.
Saturday 12 September 2009
My group of friends and I arrived the night before but decided to get in line at 5:30 am the next day. We arrived to total chaos of some having wristbands, some not and generally everyone not knowing what was going on with the general admission line. Things were finally settled after a bit and we claimed our spot under the bridge on the side of the line. That gave us shade and easy access out of the line, unlike many of the fans that waited with us.
Debbie, Phil and I decided to take a walk after a bit. It was still early morning so the sun coming up over Lake Michigan was a beautiful sight. As was our first sight of the tip of the U2 stage peaking out from the stadium. Somehow we found a Dunkin Doughnuts on Michigan Ave. and bought doughnuts and coffee for our group. We made our way back and chatted the afternoon away.
From time to time we tried to take naps, I don’t think any of us accomplished it though. So we mostly talked and watched others walk by the line. Laura showed up later in the afternoon to say hello and join the back of the line. And soon after that we were packing our stuff up in the car to be ready for the concert.
The line condensed at 4 p.m. but the doors weren’t due to open until 5 p.m. Somewhere in there, the line moved inside the stadium to total chaos. The tickets were scanned, but they forgot to give us wristbands as well as punch a hole in our tickets. So they held us up again and tried to do it. Somehow Maria got near the front and was one of the first ones through. I followed but the rest of our group ran into a snag and had to wait until security got another box of wristbands open and had their tickets punched.
Once in the stadium, Maria and I tried to hold our spot along the inside area’s back rail for what seemed like many anxious hours. Our group finally showed up and we were secured in our spot. Our only problem, we found out later, was five guys over 6 ft. right in front of us. Not to the side, not just one or two, but five of them blocking our view of the stage by being there as well as taking pictures all night long! Plus, it appeared that there was too many people let inside our area and there wasn’t much room to move, let alone jump. But we delt with it the best way we knew how by jumping around and singing really loud for all to hear.
Snow Patrol opened the show. It brought back many memories of seeing them open for U2 in Dublin back in 2005. The band was big over there then, but hardly known over here. Now, with some success, it seemed more people knew who they were. Gary came on wearing a Bears shirt and proudly proclaimed his love for Chicago many times. They played a typical 45 minute opening slot and were off leaving the crowd excited for U2.
Of course it seemed like an eternity waiting for U2 to come on. I had waited on watching videos or listening to recordings of the show, so I really didn’t know what to expect. For once, it was all unknown to me. I knew there were bridges that the band could walk on to get out to the ramp that surrounded us, but that was it.
The show finally started with Larry playing the opening drums to “Breathe” and he was quickly joined by the Edge and Adam. Soon Bono appeared and the U2 show was off and running. As I watched, I soaked it all in and sang every line along with Bono. It was purely delightful!
We had photographers behind us and the tall guys in front of us. Making it nearly impossible not to feel closed in. My only savior was listening to U2 and watching what I could of the show. The photographers finally left after three songs and things got a little better.
The first four songs were off the new album. But it was the performance of “Get on Your Boots” that really got me. Mid-song the two bridges started moving toward us on each side. It was pure excitement when they finally stopped above us and gave us an usual view of the Edge from below. Magnificent!
From there it was the usual U2 show of just trying to get back on course with the tour opener and showing us what they could do with their stage show. And I have to say, what they can do is impressive. Especially from the back of the stadium.
For the first time ever, I heard “The Unforgettable Fire” live. I’ve never been a fan of the song, but it was still great to hear, live. However, one of the best live songs of the night turned out to be “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don‘t Go Crazy Tonight” remixed into a total dance party in the middle of the U2 show. I’m not a huge fan of remixes, but this one hits the spot. The band takes to the b-stage ramp as Bono conducts from the stage. All of that added with the video of the boys bopping their heads add for one crazy time!
The other best live song is always “Where the Streets Have No Name.” No matter how the show is going or what I’m feeling, “Streets” live can always make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. There’s nothing like thousands of people all jumping around and singing along to the song as the lights go up. Everyone seems together and well into the show.
From there it was an encore and I finally heard “Ultraviolet” live for the first time. Despite the fact that Bono was freakishly swinging from the microphone that was hanging down. It was great to hear that song live.
Overall, opening night in Chicago was a good U2 show. Was it the best they could do? No. That was to come. Once they got opening night jitters out of the way.
After the show, my friends and I headed back to the hotel for some much needed sleep. After all, we only had a few hours of sleep the night before and needed to catch up to rock out the next night.
Sunday 13th September 2009
We woke up mid-morning and decided to go for some breakfast. After that Maria went back to the hotel room as Debbie, Renee and I did some sightseeing of Chicago. Mid-afternoon we met up with Phil and Lies and headed over to the stadium. We had decided we were going to try to hang back for this show. To get a different view and not hopefully not have a ton of tall people in front of us.
We waited outside and watched the crowd go inside. We noted how the security seemed to have cleared up the flaws from the night before in the line. Making it smoother to get inside instead of trying to do everything all at once.
Once inside, we got to our spot in front of the main soundboard and hung there for the rest of the night. It was definitely a different view, but I didn’t feel all that far away from the band with the huge stage they have.
Snow Patrol was again superb. Not missing a chance to show Chicago some love as Gary once again wore a Bears shirt. You could tell they were really enjoying opening for U2 and getting their music heard. They didn’t play much off the new album, but the crowd didn’t care. They wanted the songs they knew for the 45 minutes Snow Patrol was on stage and the band delivered.
Once again U2 started the show with the same new songs. It wasn’t until the inclusion of “Your Blue Room” that the setlist were changed. But it was the world premiere of “Your Blue Room”! Although they had rehearsed it many times before, this was the first time they decided to play it live! It was just too bad most of the crowd had no clue what the b-side was.
“I’ll Go Crazy If I Don‘t Go Crazy Tonight” and “Where the Streets Have No Name” were the highlight live songs again. Putting the crowd into a frenzy and loving every minute of it. Only this time the crowd seemed more into it as did the band.
Overall, Chicago night two seemed to have more energy from everyone, band and crowd. And the band played tight, even if Bono messed up his usual lyrics here and there. Therefore, it was a better show. Definitely up to the standards that U2 is capable of producing.
After the show we again made our way back to the hotel. Only this time there was no show to go to for a week for some of us. While the others don’t have a show until next year when the tour resumes.
Sunday 20th September 2009
After meeting up with Debbie, Maria and Erin D. at the Boston airport on the 19th, we headed for Big Papi’s Grill before heading to our hotel in Norwood. We ate the food, drank the wine…… Then we got as much sleep as possible.
Sunday morning we drove back to Boston to take Debbie to work for a few hours and for the rest of us do to some sightseeing. Thanks to Debbie I had an awesome walking tour of historic Boston. Unfortunately, it was many miles of walking and our legs were giving out before we were even half done.
We finally made our way back to Debbie as she got off of work and drove straight to the stadium in Foxborough. We were told we couldn’t park until 3pm, even though it was slightly after 2pm. Disgusted with being told we couldn’t park when people obviously were, we choose an off-sight parking area for $10 more.
We joined the GA line that wasn’t too long, but turned into chaos a few hours later. After people were told to put chairs away, the line condensed for two hours as we waited to get in. The sad part was, people thought we were actually going to get in when you could clearly see the band sound checking on stage.
We were finally let in and even though we could have gotten a side rail spot, we choose to go to the soundboard once again. I figured opening night in a new city would be an off night, plus we were tired and needed to rest a bit for the next show.
Just as in Chicago, the show started with four new songs. However, they included “Mysterious Ways” for the first time on the U.S. leg and got the crowd really grooving.
Once again, the band was performing good, just not great. It seemed as if they were playing for us, but not all that into it.
“Unknown Caller” came midway through the show. The crowd singing along when Bono sang, “……you know your name, Chic………” It was clearly evident he thought he was playing for Chicago when he corrected himself and next time said Massachusetts!
The show ended and we still had the bad taste of Bono’s city slip in our mouth. Even after going crazy for “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don‘t Go Crazy Tonight” and “Where the Streets Have No Name” it was clear the band wasn’t all with it. And neither was some of the crowd. During the show, it was made known that Cameron Diaz as well as some other celebrities were at the show. More people turned to see what stars they could spot at the sound board than watching the U2 show.
After the show we walked back to the car, exhausted and wanting to sleep forever. The only problem was the traffic. Over two hours after the show, we finally made it back to our hotel that was only 10 miles away for some much needed sleep.
Monday 21st September 2009
We woke up mid-morning and decided to get in line as soon as we could. After getting ready and stopping for breakfast, we headed for the stadium. This time we told them we were shopping and got right into the parking lot. Although, we were going for the line mostly, we did plan on doing some shopping at Patriot Place.
After parking, we found a nice spot near the front of the line. We placed our things to save our spot and Debbie and I ran off to get some Patriots stuff. Inside we decided to be dorks by getting a Patriots ticket holder that hangs around our necks. And for kicks we bought one for Maria, the Dolphins fan. Debbie was also practical and bought a blanket for us to spread out on while in the line.
As we sat there for a bit, the sun really started to beat down. It was decided if Debbie and I did the leg work, Maria would buy us umbrellas. So Debbie and I took off again to find some relief for us. We ended up walking a bit to get to the Christmas Tree Shop, but we did find umbrellas there. On our way back, we found the shuttle and were delighted to have a ride back to our spot in line!
The rest of the day went as normal as any line could. We chatted with other fans, anticipated what the show would be like, ate some food, drank some soda and generally tried to make the day go by as fast as possible.
At 3pm we were told we had to put chairs away. Unlike the day before, we held on to our space so there was no crowding. Soon after that we were told to put everything else away that we couldn’t bring inside. We brought stuff back to the car but left the umbrellas so we could stay out of the sun as much as possible.
We were finally let in and we went for the outside rail along the b-stage ramp. Despite the rather grumpy looking lady behind me with her arms folded, the atmosphere was really good for the show. And we hoped the band would know where they were and be on for the show.
Snow Patrol was opening for the last time. They said many thanks to U2 and their crew as well as us fans. During “Shut Your Eyes” U2’s crew came on stage led by Rocco to sing/clap along with the song. Singer Gary was overwhelmed with emotions and the crew ended up giving him a feather boa to wear for the rest of the song. They really got the crowd into it and left us pumped for U2!
As the crew set the stage for U2, some of them doing walks around the ramp to check sound and generally make sure all is well out there. Rocco walked by checking things when he saw us cheering. He leaned down to tell us he heard us singing all the way on the main stage. We laughed and were happy to just be recognized for having some fun at the show.
U2 took the stage by playing “Magnificent” rather than “Breathe” for the first time on the tour. It was strange not to have Larry start out but instead we got the whole band opening the show together. You could already tell this was going to be a special night.
After three of the new songs, the band was playing the hits and really getting the crowd going. There were many mentions of Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Boston to let everyone know Bono knew where he was this time. Plus, the presence of Tom Brady brought a huge roar from the crowd. Well, it did from Debbie at least since her excited yell for “Tommy” was louder than anyone else around us.
The band seemed to be spending more time on the ramp and in front of us than any other show I had seen before. In fact, we got lots of face time during “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don‘t Go Crazy Tonight” for sure. That feeling of Bono there in front of you jumping as you’re jumping is a feeling like not other. For those few moments you feel a part of the show as you’re jumping with him and the show is going off.
The rest of the show continued as normal, yet there was an atmosphere in the crowd that I’ve only seen at U2 shows. Everyone was into it and everyone was singing along. That alone makes for a enjoyable night, but when the band is into it as well it makes it even more memorable.
After the show we hurried back to the car to hear the end of the Dolphins game. Unfortunately they lost and we got stuck in traffic again. Definitely the biggest let down of all the shows I went to. Being stuck in traffic for over two hours after the show when all you want to do is sleep.
Wednesday 23rd September
My first time in Giants Stadium and they are tearing it down soon. Good thing two, it really is a dump. But, getting to there and back from Manhattan really is a breeze. From the stadium to Penn Station took us less than 60 minutes after the show ended. Both nights we were back in the city just after midnight.
Debbie and I had GA for the night and decided to go by one of the VIP areas instead of trying to get up front. We got to the stadium well after the line went in anyway and hung out with Javy and his friend for a bit before going inside. Maria was there as well, but in seats with her cousin. So even though we were all at the same show, we were all in different areas.
Muse was opening for the first time on the tour. I’m a fan of them and like their stuff, but they definitely need to tone down their live show. For one, they are an opening band and most of the crowd isn’t there for them. And for another, the sound doesn’t need to be so loud you can’t understand the lyrics. Maybe because they were in a stadium they thought they had to be loud when they didn’t. But despite the loudness of their set, they still put on a good show with the hits. Although not as much crowd participation like Snow Patrol, there was still some.
Since Muse came on late, U2 came on late. Although tonight was nothing compared with the delay for the next show. At least this one was late by 10 minutes or so. The second show was late by at least 30 minutes or more.
When U2 finally hit the stage, they knew they were in New Jersey playing for New York too. This time they hit where they were, but they looked to be showing off a bit for the celebrities in the crowd. We saw Matt Damon and John McEnroe but I heard there was more there for the show.
The crowd was into it, singing along with nearly every song from the beginning. But the band tried to overpower and it came out as a not so good performance. However, the spur of the moment inclusion cover of Springsteen’s “She’s the One” was purely delightful to me as they then went into “Desire” for the first time on the U.S. leg.
It started to rain briefly. I thought we may have been in for a downpour, but luckily it held off. Of all the outdoor shows we went to, it never rained on us once. Somehow we lucked out even if it did get cold for a few shows, it never full down poured on us.
As the encore started, more and more people started leaving. So Debbie and I started moving up toward the stage. By the start of the last song, we were maybe 10 rows back from the b-stage ramp.
The show ended as usual with “Moment of Surrender” and everyone rushed out. Overall the show was a good one. But I didn’t feel the vibe from everyone that I felt from the second Chicago and Foxborough shows.
On our way back to the hotel, Debbie and I stopped for a few moments by Times Square. It really is a waste of electricity, but it’s such an overpowering sight at night. After that we went back to the hotel to catch up on some much needed sleep and rest for our legs!
Thursday 24th September
My 40th U2 show overall, 6th one of the tour and we had seats. Not a big deal when the crowd around you is into it (they were). But if they aren’t into it and feel like sitting most of the show, it’s annoying!
Muse was again way too loud for an opening act. But they still put on a good show full of hit songs that the crowd knew and they had a bit more stage presence compared with the night before.
U2 came on in front of even more celebrities and tried even more to impress for this show. Although, as usual with them, the second show was better than the first show. But that’s always been for them. If there are two U2 shows in one city and you can only make it to one, always go to the second show. Don’t even try for the first. The second show is always better 99% of the time.
From the start, U2 tried to mix up the show to make it more exciting. Two new songs, then two old songs. Followed by two new ones and two old ones. It was a nice mix to bring everything together. And for the most part it worked. Just as the crowd was having just about enough of the new stuff, they got excited for a song they knew.
Bono ended up messing up many lyrics throughout the night. Most memorable was “Where the Streets Have No Name”. Of all the songs to mess up, you just don’t mess that one up! Everyone knows the lyrics and everyone sings along with it. I’m sure his mind was somewhere else, but you still don’t mess that up!
Toward the end of the show Bono announced how U2 broke a record for most people in Giants Stadium. Even more people than when the Pope visited. So that was pretty cool even if the shows weren’t all that.
As Debbie and I made our way back to our hotel one last time, we realized our tour was over until next year. And I realized just how much I really love seeing this band live. I wasn’t a fan of the album until I was able to hear it live. Now, I just love it. There’s so much this band can do live and when they are in full flight, it really is amazing. I can’t wait to see what next year has in store for my U2 tour!