U2 opened the show with four songs on the b stage: “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “New Year’s Day,” “Bad” and “Pride.” Then I realized what they were doing. Two songs of War and two songs off The Unforgettable Fire leading into The Joshua Tree.
U2 went to the main stage and played the complete The Joshua Tree album in order. I missed the original Joshua Tree Tour in 1987 when my mom wouldn’t let me go because I was 14. The Joshua Tree got me into U2 and is still my favorite album 30 years later, so hearing this album live in its entirety in order was a dream come true – and something I thought would never happen.
I was blubbering throughout “Red Hill Mining Town” (even though I prefer the original). I was obsessed with this song in 1987 and is still one of my faves, and I truly thought I would never ever hear it live. Edge and Larry were on fire during “Exit,” which took right back to Rattle and Hum. It was great to hear “Trip Through Your Wites” complete with Bono on harmonica.
The concert could have ended here, and I would have been happy. But U2 left the stage long enough for Larry to change from his black tee into a white capped sleeve tee (very 1950s!) and played six more songs starting with “Beautiful Day.” Then into “Elevation” where Bono said “Larry Mullen we believe in you!” Just as on the 360 Tour, “Miss Sarajevo” does not fit in this set list at all – really brings the crowd down.
“Ultra Violet” was a tribute to women complete with famous women and the feminist movement on the video screens. I am pretty sure Bono is more of a feminist than most women, and I love him for that! “One” included the extra ‘do you us coming Lord…’ verse, and U2 returned to the b stage to conclude the show with their first single “I Will Follow.”