Backstage at U2 Mexico

After last September 21, 2010 were confirmed that U2 was coming to Mexico with his “U2 360 ° Tour”, the expectation of his followers has increased, as one of its attractions is “The Claw” (the claw ) which has been innovating in the production of live shows and which has come to the Azteca Stadium pitch.


“From the Friday, April 29 began to bring campers and some units to be used as dressing rooms for both production and for the band. Also reached a fairly large contingent of trailers, in total will be 90. Three times more than any other concert we have ever had, told El Economista Héctor Raúl Barrios, Director of Operations of the Estadio Azteca in charge of logistics for mounting the production.

Interviewee says that the group had brought more trucks’ N Sync with 52, and in 2001 was the world’s largest production. Now U2 sets record. The 90 trailers loaded everything from “the irons, especially the floor which will build the structure that is shaped like a spider, audio, video, special effects and the need for the event,” said Barrios.

Mounting the stage started after the court was delivered on Sunday 1 May. Be used approximately 5,500 square feet to mount it. “We know that the grass will no longer so ready now 6.500 meters of grass in the nursery. Once we deliver the field on May 17 evening, we will begin restoration work to be ready by July 10 when the final of the FIFA U-17 “details.

In terms of time everything is in order - says-“The American people work from 8 am on Monday, May 2 in the placement of the base of the stage. Then begin to mount the iron bars and then comes what is production: audio and video. Everything will be ready for the soundcheck of 9 and 10 of this month. “

“We have information that the band will be at the Azteca Stadium on 9 and May 10 for testing. But when it comes to Mexico, yes I know, “says the manager of logistics for mounting the production.

TIME OF INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF “THE CLAW”

The assembly kicked off on Monday, May 2, “and must be completed on the 8th. Ready to go 9. The disassembly starts after the event ends on 15 and give us the pitch on day 17 between 9 and 10 pm, ahead of The Economist.

About 250 people are working for the assembly, telling the Mexican staff ICE, the U.S. production and the Estadio Azteca.

Barrios talks for the moment the four parking lots generally used are saturated. In each are being carried out various maneuvers and operations for the event. “As the empty trucks are to leave three to get the space you normally require. General parking has not been touched, nor the shed. “

It has been speculated that members of the group could get to their concerts by helicopter, “that I have not confirmed yet, but we are seeing the area normally used as a heliport, but confirmation of how the band will not yet have 100 % sure “he says.

WHAT IS REQUIRED?

“What we provide at the Azteca are the spaces. Only the band asked us 2,500 square meters. There is parking on the south side which is preparing for a hospital, catering for the group and rest areas. Besides there is the whole backstage area, production, et cetera. “

The Director of Operations ensures that Azteca Stadium holding the event is a great challenge in the history of the stadium had not faced. “We’ve never had such a big event, so heavy and so important as to show respect by removing the part of football. Just as the Azteca stadium can afford them. “

SPACE

Around 18,000 people with tickets to court will be the first to enter the stadium - he explains - and then open the doors for all other people who attend.

“We will have a record entry of 110,000 people in each of the three concerts. No longer be possible to regain this amount of public concerts because we normally do in the stadium are not 360 °. In fact we Luis Miguel, Gloria Estefan, Elton John, Michael Jackson did not address all the back stage. This is unique in that the scenario is almost in the center of the court and you can see around, “says the interviewee.

He noted that some places have set aside in the corners because the spider-shaped stage and each of the legs is not complete visibility. “These places do not take up and people can be assured that if you purchased a ticket is because it will 100% see the show.”

- How long have you been involved in this project?
- “We’ve seen things with people in production since 2009 because we must remember that we have this event since last year but Bono health issues and problems that brought the band was canceled and rescheduled for this year. So it’s almost two years that we are with this project. We hope everything goes well and that May 11 is closed throughout this stage of preparations, “he says.

Héctor Raúl Barrios confirms the existence of which U2 has three stages around the world: “What I’ve heard is that it is. You can not have a single scenario that walks throughout the tour. There are three spiders. Three huge bugs are being assembled in different parts so that when the band gets is all perfectly prepared and able, without any problems, give their concerts. “


ENVIRONMENT FOR CONCERTS


The Azteca official confessed by the pressure is great, but it is a different emotion to make something that has to do with football. “It’s the biggest show in the world. Is equaled to prepare the World Cup or the Pope’s visit. Of that size is for us this emotion. “

But he also says that implies a big commitment as a total for the three nights telling the staff, vendors and employees for the event will be 350.000 spectators, “to which we must give public security, lighting and sanitation. We believe we have the preparation and infrastructure to pull it off. “

“We work shoulder to shoulder with the production and take into account all the recommendations we make and try to resolve it as quickly, professionalism and quality they require. Is the best show in the world today and hopefully I can enjoy, it’s worth coming because it does not come to Mexico every day, “he adds.


IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND


The recommendations are the same as attending a soccer game: you can not enter with weapons, umbrellas, large buckles or packaging. It will give more details on the website and through its www.estadioazteca.com.mx twitter.

“You must come as comfortable as possible because the doors will be open from 3:30 to 4 pm and the show starts until almost 10 pm. Many hours which will run until the end of the event expected to conclude at 12:30 pm, “concludes Héctor Raúl Barrios, Director of Operations of the Estadio Azteca.


THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TOUR OF THE STORY

The “360 ° Tour” which kicked off in Barcelona on June 30, 2009, managed to dethrone The Rolling Stones’s number one who had won four years ago with their “Bigger Bang Tour.”
The most ambitious tour of all time still has 26 shows pending and completed in Canada on July 30, 2011, when estimated to be collected about $ 700 million and will have been seen by more than 7 million people in 30 countries , as announced on 12 April, the concert promoter Live Nation with the Irish band who has a 12-year contract.

The “Bigger Bang Tour” to The Rolling Stones took place from 2005 to 2007 raised $ 554 million in ticket sales.

Madonna, the Queen of Pop, he could not stay without a crown and her “Sticky & Sweet Tour” which took place from August 23, 2008 to September 2, 2009 grossed $ 408 million, becoming an artist’s tour soloist with major gains of all time, surpassing the record that she had established in 2006 with “Confessions Tour,” which grossed $ 194 million.

Mexico Calls it U2 Week !

U2 has three concerts scheduled in the Azteca Stadium from May 11, just one day after the Bono’s birthday. We will be updating the site with tons of great Bono photos and look for you to send your Bono birthday wishes in.

But the high demand for their fans not only reflected in the sale of tickets, but they themselves have become subject to sale items.

The quartet has, on the official website, a section of unique sales for Latin America. But do not just sell shirts, mugs and pins in collection, but also any kind of merchandise related to the activities of the group, and in particular of his vocals. Such is the case of Bono carries rosary in several concerts, sometimes hanging from the microphone.

A copy of this rosary is sold through a website which states that this item is brought directly from Italy. The seller claims it is the same as the singer has revealed itself in four different models including one gold and one of wood.

Or the ticket collection “One Bonodollar” limited edition. This article served to promote the movie The Million Dollar Hotel (2000), which Bono made the music and participated in developing the script. Appears on the ticket face interpreter.

A close relationship

In the past there were many rumors that the band stopped coming to Mexico because of an altercation with the family of a politician. The truth is that despite all, Paul Hewson, Larry Mullen Jr., David Evans (The Edge) and Adam Clayton cherish each one of the visits they make to our country, and in return, among U2 fans have several celebrities.

Matando Cabos producer and Saving Private Perez, Billy Rovzar, says that it is eager to see them again, because it is a staunch fan of the band for several years.

“This week we are naming as U2 week, is sacred! We will be in the three dates and we are excited. I believe that we will see is the most spectacular show from Pop Mart (the tour). I saw them five times already, I was in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, is an amazing concert that neither commanded to do for the Azteca Stadium, “said excited the artist, who is declared ready for a whole week dedicated to the Irish.

Many people speak of the innocence and human quality of Bono, but the producer recalled how he was the last time I lived with Bono. “We were in an incredible living Jaime Camil, we had lunch at his ranch. And to see Bond on TV, listen to your music, it totally changes when you know, human quality blinds you: when you see someone as big as he talk about the weather, the grass, how it behaves when no cameras, is something that leaves you with good taste, “says Rovzar.

Rovzar currently lies within the line producer of the Broadway musical, Spider-Man: Turn off the dark, stage where The Edge and Bono played music history.

“We are partners in Spiderman, he is personally rewriting the music, is also co-producer. Work for things I have not been on the boards has had with others, but hopefully soon be. “

Artist contributions

No doubt fans of the quartet would do anything to see the band because when U2 announced he would attend Monterrey in 2006, some fans traveled by bus for 15 hours to address the technological stage.

A follower of the band spent three thousand dollars in pure marketing, between her sweatshirts, pictures, shirts, mugs and claimed that Bono was all for it.

One night the band arrived at a prestigious hotel on Reforma Avenue in Mexico City and dismounting from the truck carrying them, Bono approached the fans who were outside the building.

The singer told to keep quiet and be with them, but some began to scream and try to get close and then the security team took to the band.

The incident was almost a scandal. The next day Bono took a few pictures with fans who stayed there.

Mothers,U2 and Spirituality

The spiritual journey starts at home, home is where these boys had started their musical journey that has taken them around the world and moved many to look beyond their square space. Today we honor those mothers that have given us Paul, Larry, Dave and Adam ( yes we used their christian names) The world is a much better place with their music and voice.  Reglion always sparks some interesting conversations.

Given the opportunity to explore U2 from Theological, Spiritual view we have watched many books, sites and interesting side notes appear. However the classic general introduction to U2 from a spiritual perspective comes from Steve Stockman’s well organized Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2; “Stocki” an Irishman who has been writing on the band since the early 80s and knows their milieu intimately. Also consider the works of Vagacs and Scharen as well as Garrett to complete your collection,  However, most of the best theologically informed writers on U2 are working in journals, magazines, and online. U2-and-God pieces are those by Steven Harmon and Mark Meynell

Since U2 lyrics reflect a thorough immersion in Biblical thought and language, it’s often useful to turn to Drawing Their Fish in the Sand, an online archive of scripture allusions in the band’s work.

Moving from reflection on U2 to material directly by the band, one option that will spark thought is Bono’s National Prayer Breakfast sermon in 2006, which can be viewed here (a 22-minute clip via CNN and YouTube) or purchased as the book On The Move (including photos from his service in Ethiopia with World Vision as a young man).  An often-reprinted excerpt from Bono in Conversation, displays the singer at ease in the role of apologist for faith.

And then there’s listening!  Novices should certainly explore a best-of album, or a classic like The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby; however, U2 are above all a live band whose vision cannot be fully grasped from their studio material, which is in essence a preliminary sketch for what they eventually achieve in performance.

Their slogan: “Live is where we live.”

We would recommend a trip to YouTube. Either look up performances of your own favorite songs, or observe a few characteristic U2-plus-their-audience moments: Where The Streets Have No Name (2001),  Sunday Bloody Sunday (1988), Mothers of The Disappeared (1998—in Santiago with the real mothers brought onstage), the love song to the Holy Spirit Mysterious Ways (2009) and the ZooTV iteration of The Fly (1993) with Bono in character and disorientation on the agenda.

It’s a cliché to point out that the band’s name is a pun: You, too, can be part of this. With that outlook, it’s no surprise that I need to tell you that this guide just skims the surface of ways spiritually-minded listeners can interact with U2’s material. Come on in and mix it up; there’s room for everyone

There are big questions about some of the things they do and say. There are the financial decisions that U2 Inc. have made, there are other concerns of lifestyle and rock star egos, there are concerns about their theology and ethics. For example Christians some have cited their Coexist campaign (which calls on all the ‘Sons of Abraham - Jews, Christians and Muslims - to live together in peace) as evidence of universalism. Well, it may well be! Yet it is hard to deny the moral goodness of the objective.

If one needs labels (and how one wishes one didn’t), perhaps we should see U2 as ‘post-evangelical’ (in the sense of what Dave Tomlinson was getting at in his 1995 book of that name) more than anything else. That will leave many things to be desired for the regular evangelical, of course.

But it is interesting how often themes of historic Christian orthodoxy permeate and inform their creativity. It is of course easy for Christian observers to judge and condemn them - yet who of us can honestly claim to understand the choices, dilemmas and conflicts that arise from having such wealth and influence?

Nevertheless, they offer a profound challenge to Christians with their passionate and committed engagement with the world around us at the social, political and personal levels. U2 is one model of Christian artistic engagement at the highest and most exposed level.

You might not agree with everything they do; you may totally detest their music! But it is foolish to ignore their attempts – for in recent times, no another performers have brought a Christian worldview and set of values into the public square more wholeheartedly and globally than U2. “U2: The Stadium Psalmists & Prophets Mark Meynell

Closing Thoughts. Most of us listen to music as background, something to fill the void. I challenge you to listen to music, really listen. Listen not only to U2 songs, but all songs. You find that references to God and man are vast and written deep within songs that you never thought would have any reference at all.

2011 has been another defining year for the boys, and we of course will continued be along for the ride “Will You?”

Suggested Reading

1. Achtung Baby (33 1/3 album guide) Catanzarite, Stephen Continuum New York 2007
2. Bono on Bono: Conversations Assayas, Michka Hodder London 2005
3. Get Up Off Your Knees: Preaching the U2 Catalog Whiteley & Maynard (eds) Cowley Cambridge 2003
4. Into The Heart: The Stories Behind Every U2 Song Stokes, Niall Carlton London 2005
5. One Step Closer – Why U2 matters to those seeking God Scharen, Christian Brazos Gr. Rapids 2006
6. Religious Nuts, Political Fanatics: U2 in Theological Perspective Vagacs, Robert Cascade Eugene, OR 2005
7. The U2 Reader: a Quarter Century of Commentary Bordowitz, Hank (ed) Hal Leonard New York 2003
8. U2 by U2 McCormick, Neil (ed) HarperCollins London 2006
9. U2: An Irish Phenomenon Cogan, Visnja Collins Press London 2006
10. U2: Into the Heart (the stories behind every song) Stokes, Niall Thunder’s Mouth London 2005
11. U2: The Complete Guide to their Music Graham / Oosten de Boer Omnibus London 2004
12. Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2 Stockman, Steve Relevant Orlando, FL 2005

Where was U2 this week?

Well the boys where in Berlin earlier in the week. If you follow The Edge on twitter you got a chance to see the image of the ceiling at the Hansa Ballroom. German news sources said the band was in town to film.

Bono was spotted driving a gren Trabant from the cathedal to Hana studios. This could be part of the release package for Achtung Baby, anniversary edition. So far no official news from the band as to what they where doing in town. Some fans said they heard play back music and other fans said they did not sign autographs and moved pretty quickly thru town. You can still get U2 Concerts Tickets today for all shows.

Azteca Stadium prepared to host U2

Construction work began on the mega stage for the concert series that will give the Irish band U2 at the Estadio Azteca.

Hundreds of workers preparing the assembly of all the sets, lights, and what will comprise the show will be held next on 11, 14 and 15 May at the Coloso de Santa Ursula.

Despite missing a week the first U2 concert in Mexico City, workers already working at top speed on the field and on the outskirts of the northern end to build the structures of the stage.

In the guided tours that take place within the enclosure, the access tunnel 4, called Alfredo Tena, is closed and the marathon tunnel, which connects to the press room, locker rooms and the way they undertake the players to access the court.

“Since yesterday being installed gradually, the elements needed to operate the revolving stage of U2. We can not take the complete tour of the stadium and the locker room and press room will be offices for the staff, “said the guide.

U2 Stage Setup File Photo U2mania. Although officials at the Estadio Azteca announced they would leave camp to U2 fans until 9 May, already the early followers of the Irish band in the vicinity of the site, as they have tickets for the first show of the group.

The Irish band will perform at the Estadio Azteca 11, 14 and 15 May.

That is why the Club was affected America will hold its second leg in the Copa Santander Libertadores against Santos FC of Brazil on Tuesday, and the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Clausura 2011 Morelia facing the stage Corregidora.

Soweto Choir and U2 share award

ESPN’s 2010 FIFA World Cup Music Presentation: U2 and the Soweto Gospel Choir receive a Sports Emmy Award.

The award was in the Outstanding Music Composition / Direction / Lyrics category at the Annual Sports Emmy Awards presented for the 32nd year by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in New York on Monday night.

ESPN’s unprecedented commitment of resources to an event, for the month-long FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa, was rewarded with three Sports Emmy Awards, including recognition of the outstanding Soweto Gospel Choir and U2 collaboration. “We are proud to be associated with ESPN and U2 for their magnificent 2010 FIFA World Cup television campaign,” says Beverly Bryer, the Choir’s Executive Producer/Director.

Since Soweto Gospel Choir’s introduction to the world eight years ago, this amazing choir has amassed a growing local and international fan-base and received many local and international awards. “It’s really exciting to add an Emmy to the Choir’s three SAMA Awards, two Grammy Awards, three associated Grammy Awards and an Oscar nomination,” adds Beverly Bryer.

Wherever Soweto Gospel Choir has performed, be it at home in South Africa or Europe, Asia, Australia, the UK and the USA, the Choir has dazzled audiences and received critical acclaim. Created in late 2002, the Choir has achieved an almost unbelievable array of accomplishments: the first South African group to perform at the Academy Awards; two #1 Billboard World Music Chart albums, collaborations with Peter Gabriel, Robert Palmer, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Akon and U2. The choir is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world. Long may they fly the South African flag.

Bono Demands

Click To View the Fullsize Image/s

Pixies could be set to work on new material after their current ‘Doolittle’ tour comes to an end.

The ongoing Pixies re-union has been the source of some dis-quiet amongst fans. Sure, it’s nice to watch albums such as ‘Doolittle’ being brought to life, but new material would be a welcome surprise.

An infamous interview with The Quietus last year saw Black Francis appear to rule out new material. However since then various band members have hinted at the possibility of heading back into the studio.

Speaking to Spinner, Pixies guitarist Joey Santiago and drummer David Lovering refused to discount the possibility of new material.

“In the back of our minds I think we’re afraid that it might cause friction. Right? Don’t you think? It might, and that ‘might’ is gonna be an ‘Uh oh, what the f—- are we doing now?’” Santiago said.

It’s been almost two decades since Pixies released new material, with their final recordings not featuring bass player Kim Deal. Continuing, Lovering explained that any new tracks would have to fit in with their legacy.

“The thing is, we want to protect the legacy. If we do something, it better be good” the drummer explained. “And as we go along - it’s been seven years now - it gets more difficult to make that decision.”

“That talk about making a record will be in the forefront next because it’ll be time, you know. It’ll be time” he explained. “We’ve definitely gelled as a unit and hopefully when we can all bury the hatchet - and we have - maybe we’ll go in there and hope for the best.”

Bizarrely, it seems that U2 singer Bono is amongst those calling for new material by the group. “He’s like, ‘Please make a record!’ Goddamn, we can’t leave that unturned. That would frustrate me. It would.”

Release Posted by Robin Murray

Is This The End ?

Is this the last big tour for the boys? The question always comes up at the end of a tour. This time fans seem to believe that we may have seen the last of U2. Bono has been telling fans “Don’t forget us” as if they may have already. What has concerned fans most was the comment during last months shows in Brazil where he said.

‘Tonight is our last night in South America and we wanted to remember this,’ said Bono after Until The End of the World. ‘So we’re going out live on radio and online across the whole of your mesmerising continent as an excuse so we can have the record of this show. This show will last for ever.’

To a capacity crowd on the third and final night in Sao Paulo and to fans around the world listening it the comment did not go unnoticed rather most fans just listened as their band played and praying that they will see greatness again.

Sao Paulo was special for so many reasons. Steve Lillywhite came in from NY to hear the tracks he produced and claimed it sounds just as good as it did 30 years ago.

U2 will go down as the greatness band in history not because we believe it, because the facts are clear, they have produced, provided and continue to create music that moves people beyond the space and time that they live in.

Sao Paulo was special, so special that many believe greatness is hard to repeat however Mexico fans await their arrival to push the boys beyond greatness and make their shows the best.  North America is right around the corner and the time has come for those fans to finally see Bono and the rest of the band.  

Tickets for all shows are still available can be found online