U2 - any good live these days?
Discussion
For various reasons I've missed out on a number of U2 gigs over the years. I grew up with their music and have been a big fan, at least up to Zooropa (latest stuff less so, though I almost certainly haven't given it enough chance).
A case of right time, right place is likely to come around again this year. So of any fans of their earlier/peak who have been to a recent gig, were they any good?
A case of right time, right place is likely to come around again this year. So of any fans of their earlier/peak who have been to a recent gig, were they any good?
lost in espace said:
I went to the Joshua Tree gig at Twickers, was very good never seen them before. Crowd was great. Bit preachy for 5 mins. Tickets were very expensive, didn't pay full price wouldn't have been worth it. Musical Disneyland I suppose.
One I missed. Youngest child was planned to be able to be left with grandparents. Oh no.When he's older listening to my music collection I will remind him of this.
I feel that gig was the no2 U2 gig I should have gone to. Slane Castle being no1 (work commitments).
otherman said:
I think they could play ok, but you'd have to go one of the arena's / football grounds they play in, and hand out a chunk of cash. Small venues for me every time. Smaller the better. That's where music happens.
I generally agree (one of, maybe the best, gig I've been to was Radiohead at 93 Feet East...compared to them at stadiums...well it just doesn't. It was epic). But beggars can't be choosers.What I'm concerned about is U2 being like my first taste of Radiohead at a stadium - a let down.
They were headlining at Glastonbury in 2011, I've never been a fan as such but their music is broadly the type of music that I like so I was quite up for seeing their headlining set, even though Bono is a bit of a knob.
I lasted 20 minutes tops, the wife wouldn't even attempt to see them, it was Bono's dad dancing that did it for me, I had a much better time at Fat Boy Slims set, which was playing at the same time.
I lasted 20 minutes tops, the wife wouldn't even attempt to see them, it was Bono's dad dancing that did it for me, I had a much better time at Fat Boy Slims set, which was playing at the same time.
I saw them at the O2 on the Innocence & Experience Tour.
Having seen many of the major rock bands over the past forty+ years (Wishbone, Queen, Who, Quo, Def Leppard, Lizzy, etc. etc.) I would say that U2 were possibly the best live performance I've seen; yes, better show than Queen in their heyday, but maybe not quite as talented musically.
Having seen many of the major rock bands over the past forty+ years (Wishbone, Queen, Who, Quo, Def Leppard, Lizzy, etc. etc.) I would say that U2 were possibly the best live performance I've seen; yes, better show than Queen in their heyday, but maybe not quite as talented musically.
AndStilliRise said:
stuartmmcfc said:
Pothole said:
Smiler. said:
Last I heard, they'd lost their edge.
I heard he's on a quest...he still hasn't found what he's looking for, though.I think it's fair to say that like most artists, they have a peak period of creativity and then they tend to go down one of two roads, continue to recycle the same ideas or go down the road of experimentation and reinvention which may or may not yield results comparable to their most creative years.
For me, at their best, they were great, i.e Joshua Tree, Rattle & Hum, Achtung Baby etc but much of their material of the last 10-15 years has lacked the freshness & creativity of that period in the mid-80's to mid-90's. At their best they captured something a little different with their layered, delayed, reverbed ambient guitar sounds and spare melodic vocals.
As a live act - they continue to make a big effort, even if the stadium venue is not your thing.
For me, at their best, they were great, i.e Joshua Tree, Rattle & Hum, Achtung Baby etc but much of their material of the last 10-15 years has lacked the freshness & creativity of that period in the mid-80's to mid-90's. At their best they captured something a little different with their layered, delayed, reverbed ambient guitar sounds and spare melodic vocals.
As a live act - they continue to make a big effort, even if the stadium venue is not your thing.
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