U2 Spaceship Lands In Foxboro

Editor Note: This is a repost with permission. We read a ton of reviews and listen to a ton of interviews. We found this one to be refreshing. Please post your comments below I am sure Nikki would like to get your thoughts.

Now U2TOURFANS Presents:

Nikki Vanasse 

https://seagirlx.wordpress.com

I tend to pride myself on being one of the diehard U2 fans that have seen the band since they landed in America back in the early 80s.  I’ve seen 28 shows, mostly in Boston and Hartford because I’m not the kind of fan who can really up and leave and follow them around the world.   I’m not a music critic, although I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot about the “scene” through my radio jobs and the current company I keep who all hail from New Jersey.  I’ve dabbled in band management and seen many shows; I’ve seen shows from artists who I’ve not cared for, artists who had been unknown to me, and of course the heavy hitters of the world, because I LOVE music. I can be objective.  I’m not blinded by my love for U2 to the point where I think they do no wrong.  Quite the contrary; In fact, of the last few tours I’ve had many disappointing moments.

Many people hated this show.  This is something I don’t understand.  Maybe it was the horrendous traffic conditions that pissed people off.  Perhaps fans have just come to expect 200% from this band and when they come with 150%, it just disappoints these people.  Maybe the younger fans don’t understand what U2 is about and in this world of excesses, maybe it fell short for them.  I think they were expecting the stage to actually lift off at the end of the show (which hasn’t been done YET).  For me, it was everything U2 stands for.

My opinion of this show is not popular.  Many felt the set list was flat, the stage was too expansive, the sound stunk, and the intimacy gone.  On the contrary, I thought it was probably one of the best flowing set lists they’ve ever created. Sure there were flat spots, but remember:  you can’t please everyone. We all have different favorites that we like to hear but the reality is, it just can’t be done.  Some loved the stage; some thought it was annoying. I thought it was perfect.  The jumbo screen and images projected on it, the color it projected was a beautiful aesthetic.  I also made the remark that night to my boyfriend, who hadn’t seen U2 since The Joshua Tree tour in 1987, that I felt that even with all this fanfare, Bono can STILL make it feel intimate. I still felt connected to the entire band, which I thought was amazing. For a guy in the music business to look at me with this look of wonder and remark, “This is AMAZING”, confirmed that I wasn’t crazy.

Fans claiming that they’ve had a love affair with the band since the 80s and have seen 100+ U2 shows are really bitter about it.  They report that they simply cannot stomach the political rants, the wild stage, the terrible songs, the bad new album.  If they were in love with U2 from the beginning, those political rants are an element that defined the band and it’s one major reason why I became so smitten.  I never tire of it.  But many apparently, have.  What I don’t understand about this point, is that Bono and the band pretty much kept a lid on the rants and decided that re-purposing “Sunday, Bloody Sunday” for the freedom fighters in Iran, and spreading “love to all” messages was the appropriate thing to do.  Nobody complained about the 9/11 political rants, but they really took offense to the Iran dedication and the message of love to all.  I guess people are just happy being miserable and feel that we don’t need more love in the world.  I could not disagree more on this point.

I thought the show was the best show U2 ever performed. I would write about The Edge more, but I’m not a music writer and wouldn’t do him justice.  Simply put, he’s a genius.  I’m sure since this is the second leg, that they’ll work more things out and change up some elements and be back for another go. That’s how it is with U2.  They keep tweaking until they dial in.  I can agree with certain points the “nay-sayers” make about how bored they’ve become of certain songs (which I’ve addressed already), and the sound from the upper 300s sections.  Some things just are the way they are.  There’s no sense in getting so angry about it.   I can understand a bit of animosity being felt on some of these points considering how hard it was to get tickets and the ridiculous PRICE of the tickets (lower level seating was either $100 or $250 which is ludicrous in this current state of economic distress).  The one aspect of the show that really rubbed me the wrong way was the nod to corporate giants Live Nation and Blackberry, who I think have thrown a wrench in the U2 machine.  It was obvious that the remarks Bono made at the conclusion of the show were scripted, written into the show’s agenda and really not something he’s used to.  In fact, he appeared downright uncomfortable with that situation.  Bono was never one to gush over corporate giants or sponsors and to witness that made me cringe.  The other downer to the whole show had nothing to do with U2; it was the insanity of getting in and out of that ridiculous traffic pattern which caused people to be late for the show, and prevented people from getting a good night’s sleep before rising for work the next day. We’re not teenagers and 20-somethings anymore!  We’re approaching 50, just like the band!  I’ve heard that some people who live not even an hour from the venue didn’t get home until 4am.  That is unacceptable. But I’ll take that up with Gillette Stadium.

I’m still excited and looking forward to seeing them again on another leg which is sure to come back to Boston next summer!  I enjoy seeing where the experience takes the band, and how they develop the show over time.  It’s part of why I dig them so much.

Bono screams "Shake your big ass"

The Record & Herald News, September 24, 2009
By: Mike Kerwick

Sixteen minutes after the lights went dark, three songs into his set, Bono made his way to the front of the most colossal — and we’re guessing the most expensive — stage that Giants Stadium has ever seen.

“Try this,” he told the crowd.

He plucked the fourth song from Achtung Baby, an album U2 released 18 years ago. Eighteen years did little to numb the effect of this particular song. “Mysterious Ways” still connects, aging as comfortably as the band members who perform it. It took a polite-but-expectant crowd and turned it into a yes-we’re-on-board-now crowd during Wednesday night’s show at Giants Stadium.

The show kicked off at 8:59 p.m., with steady plumes of smoke spewing from the center of the giant space needle that was perched atop the roof of the stage. The smoke drifted sideways, floating toward Section 303.

By 9:02 p.m., it was U2’s turn to show that this elaborate stage was more than smoke and mirrors. Larry Mullen Jr. walked out first, waving to the crowd and taking a seat behind the drums. The Edge and Adam Clayton, the band’s two guitarists, followed Mullen’s lead.

Then came Bono, wearing his signature black jacket and inimitable pair of shades. The crowd came ready to scream.

U2 opened with three straight songs from No Line on the Horizon, an album that sold a bunch of copies but earned only mixed reviews from critics and fans. Bono kicked off the show with “Breathe,” then played “Magnificent” and “Get On Your Boots.”

Done with the obligatory new material, Bono launched into “Mysterious Ways.” Could he top that? He didn’t even need to sing the fifth song — “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” Bono moved the microphone away from his lips and let the crowd handle this one, tapping his heart in appreciation while the crowd filled in on lead vocals.

There were other sweet moments. He paid homage to The Boss, referencing Bruce Springsteen’s 60th birthday and then playing a cover of “She’s the One.”

“Excuse us, Bruce,” Bono joked afterward.

No song from the first half of the set was as touching as “Stuck in a Moment.” For all the stage’s bells and whistles, this song took a more minimalist approach. A few spotlights, a few microphones, and touching music.

No song from the second half of the set was as touching as the band’s 30-second cover of “Amazing Grace.”

“The second half of the show featured some of the band’s heart-pounding anthems and ballads, including “One,” “Where the Streets Have No Name,” “With or Without You” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” At the end of “Sunday,” Bono told the crowd, “We send a message of love from New Jersey” and called for freedom of speech in Iran.

Was the gigantic stage — with its cream-colored claw and orange buttons, with its radio tower-esque spire that stretched higher than the cheap seats — really necessary? Maybe not. But the band tried to at least take advantage of the elaborate set. Bono sat on a rotating bridge during the start of “Beautiful Day.” Clayton and The Edge took turns circling the outer ring of the 360-degree stage.

Its biggest drawback: Stadium shows make even the best performers look like ants. The size of the stage made these rockers appear even smaller.

Muse opened for the Irishmen on Wednesday night, playing a 47-minute set as most of the crowd filtered into the stadium.

© The Record & Herald, 2009.

Mayor Bloomberg landing at Meadowlands U2 concert

Helicopter flown by Mayor Bloomberg pilot makes unexpected landing at Meadowlands U2 concert

By James Queally

September 24, 2009, 11:18PM

EAST RUTHERFORD -Famed Irish rock band U2 certainly expected to draw a large crowd for its highly anticipated performance tonight at Giants Stadium, but the show had nothing to do with a helicopter that landed outside before Bono and crew took the stage.

Toby Wilson, a pilot who works for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, landed a chopper in the stadium’s parking lot around 7 p.m., according to State Police Sgt. Stephen Jones.

A New York City official familiar with the situation who requested anonymity said Wilson flew Bloomberg into New Jersey and the mayor was driven to the concert. The pilot, who had never flown to the Meadowlands before, was conducting a test landing, the official said, who added that the helicopter is privately owned by Bloomberg.

Wilson touched down in a shuttle bus parking lot at the sports and entertainment complex, Jones said. After Wilson was approached by several state troopers who were on the scene for the rock concert, he confirmed he was employed by Bloomberg.

No one was injured during the chopper landing, and Bloomberg was not on board.

Air traffic controllers from nearby Teterboro Airport monitored the chopper’s flight path, according to Jones.

Wilson soon left in his helicopter after telling troopers he would not return to the area last night.

The helicopter’s Meadowlands landing was the second unusual aircraft incident in the state this week. On Monday, a pair of F-15 fighter jets escorted a pilot away from Middlesex County airspace when the plane inadvertently entered restricted airspace. The F-15s were patrolling the skies for President Obama, who was making a guest appearance on “Late Show with David Letterman.”

U2 larger than life at Giants Stadium

By Jay Lustig/The Star-Ledger

September 24, 2009, 1:57AM

Editor Note: We removed the set list from this orginal story because we have it posted.

Fall officially began on Tuesday. But U2 kept the summer vibe going on Wednesday, with a stellar Giants Stadium concert on an unseasonably warm night.

It was the biggest concert in the stadium’s history. More than 82,000 tickets were sold, and though an attendance figure was not immediately available, it didn’t look like there were many empty seats.

It also had, probably, the tallest stage set: a towering structure with lights and video screens suspended over the band. The stage could be seen from all sides, which made it possible for tickets to be sold in every seated section of the venue, as well as much of the floor.

A second Giants Stadium show is scheduled for Thursday.

Wednesday’s setlist mixed classics like “New Year’s Day,” “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “With Or Without You” and “One” with newer hits, tracks from the band’s March album “No Line On the Horizon,” and occasional surprises.

In honor of Bruce Springsteen’s 60th birthday, which the Boss celebrated on Wednesday, the band performed a loose version of his “She’s the One” — with frontman Bono changing the title phrase to “he’s the one” — and segued from it to “Desire,” which has the same Bo Diddley beat. Bono also urged the crowd to sing along, during “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” by saying, “Sing it for the Boss.”

In honor of Quincy Jones, who was in attendance, Bono sang a portion of the Michael Jackson hit “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” (which Jones produced) during “Beautiful Day.”

While the stage was daunting and some of the special effects on the video screens were dazzling, musically it was a no-nonsense show — one great song after another, played with precision and power by four rock masters.

The always outspoken Bono occasionally spoke about political issues, and “Walk On” became a tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma, who was elected prime minister in 1990, but was prevented from taking power by a military junta, and is currently living under house arrest. At the end of the song, approximately 70 volunteers walked onto the stage, holding photos of her over their faces.

U2 360° Tour: EUROPE 2010

Straight from U2.com

Following the success of the 2009 tour, U2 have confirmed that their acclaimed 360° Tour will continue in 2010. European fans who missed out in 2009 will have a new opportunity to experience the U2 360° Tour extravaganza with stops confirmed in Germany, Denmark, Finland, Russia, Austria, Greece, Turkey, France, Brussels, Spain and Portugal. Having just introduced the U2 Mobile Album, ‘No Line On The Horizon’, the band’s 12th studio album, the 2010 tour will once again be sponsored by BlackBerry.

Additional dates and cities to be confirmed. 

Lots of fan sites have been posting rumors of 3rd leg and possible 4th legs. While this could be possible its just to early to tell. We wil keep you posted. Also check out our tour list for details about the current tour.

Date:                                     Location

10 August 2010:                Commerzbank Arena, Frankfurt, Germany

12 August 2010:                AWD Arena, Hannover, Germany

15 August 2010:                CASA Arena Horsens, Horsens, Denmark

20 August 2010:                Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland

25 August 2010:                Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia

30 August 2010:                Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna, Austria

3 September 2010:          Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece

6 September 2010:          Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey

15 September 2010:        Olympic Stadium, Munich, Germany

18 September 2010:        Stade de France, Paris, France

29 September 2010:        Olympic Stadium, Seville, Spain

2 October 2010:                Estádio Cidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

U2 Giant Show

U2’2 360 Tour pulled into New Jersey tonight (Wednesday) for a two night show with its massive stage, trucks, crew and sound.

U2TOURFANS FILE PHOTO U2 played a refreshingly casual set (see euro set list) taking a 60,000 seat venue and reducing it to a “one love” melting pot of people. It’s hard to view this massive show as intimate until you have attended. Which if you have not had a chance and you’re in the tri state area Thursday night is your last chance to see them this year rumors say expect to see them again 2010 – However that’s rumor right now.

Bono played host, introduced his mates, Adam, Larry and of course The Edge, it seem as if to say he did you know these guys.

The venue considered to be “Bruce’s” home was paid some respect as Bruce Springsteen celebrated his 60^th birthday. Amazing in that Bruce turned 60, I guess we are all getting older. The boys covered “She’s the One’ then moved right into their own classic “Desire.” There was a dedication to Quincy Jones who we are told was in the crowd by blending Michael Jackson’s song “Don’t Stop “Till You Get Enough. This could be considered part of the show. It was mixed into the euro sets often.

Bono has never been to shy for words. Spoke out to the UN which happens to be in town by mixing in “Not right now” into their new song “Get on Your Boots” Comment was “I don’t wanna talk about wars between nations.”

As expected most of the songs came from their 12^th studio album, word is that we can expect lucky 13 to arrive shortly (2010) Most of the fans agreed that the favorites such as “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” on which Bono gladly let the crowd take lead vocals, and “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” which he bookended with salutes to political dissidents in Iran seem to keep the crowd engaged.

The vague space them was centered around some astronauts appearing on the giant wrap around screen.  The boys did make fun of that as Bono cracked a joke “One step for a small man.”

Over all most fans will agree……………………… Well we will let you fill in the blank. Thursday is here

Calling all Giants Stadium Fans

U2 fans going to the concert tonight. We have a special request. We want you to sharpie, pen, or crayon our U2TOURFANS name on anything inside the stadium. Send it to us soon as possible. Your image could be our front page story when we do the morning review. Remember to send it to us via email u2tourfans@gmail.com  Your name and thats all will be needed. The best shot will be posted the rest will make our wall of fame.  Be creative ! Remember you have to be inside the stadium ! Have fun with it. Thanks from The Crew

Tonights show follow on twitter for those you that are not lucky to attend.

We will have the videos posted later, and for those of you that want to send us photos and videos you can use our drop box service.  

Giants Stadium Meets Giants of Rock

About five months and three weeks shy of St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish rock band U2 is set to perform two concerts at Giants Stadium, with a massive stage and blizzard of lights complementing a raw sound that borders on rock ‘n’ roll religion.

U2 is scheduled to perform at the home of the Giants and Jets football teams in northern New Jersey tonight and Thursday. And Hudson Valley fans of the Dublin-based band have plenty to say about this ensemble’s new album, legacy and live performances.

U2TOURFANS File Photo “What I love about U2, besides their incredible musical talent, is the fact that they are rock stars with soul. They’re all high school friends who came together through their love of music. They’re not manufactured by a big music producer, they didn’t answer an ad in the paper, they came together as friends who enjoyed playing music and remain friends to this day.That’s what it means to have soul. They’re family men who realize family (in whatever sense you believe that to be) is more important than money or any of the luxuries that come with it.

“If all the fame and fortune went away, they’d be just as happy - that’s soul.

“They understand their fans are the ones who have gotten them where they are today, not their music. They thank their fans for blessing them with the life they’ve gotten to live - that’s soul.

“They are the only ones who can sell out stadiums across the globe, and can unite thousands of people though music. They know, in those crowds, there are friends and foes. They know if enemies can share one commonality, they could become friends - that’s soul.

Need to Know:

Weather:  Expected Rain tonight ( light )

Parking: No comments or issues on tailgating have been posted

Trains: All trains in and out are expected to be fully loaded

Tickets: Yes you can still get tickets on STUBHUB (We do not endorse)

Directions:
View Larger Map

Camera/Videos:  Remember the band has no offical comment. However you run the risk of some secuirty staffer trying to stop you. Remember if its small its good.

Twitter:  We will along with about 20 other people twitter the show.

 Photos/Videos:  We have a video drop box.