U2 360: Incredible Visuals and Sound

Fed Ex Field, October 2009

If you haven’t yet seen U2 on this tour, no friend’s story, article, or even photo can prepare you for the massive claw set. It’s almost other-worldly and it’s no doubt utterly awesome. The 90,000 or so attendees all had a great view thanks to a massive 360-degree LCD screen, so big that it reportedly weighs 54 tons! It takes some 200 trucks to carry all the staging and crew.

The last time U2 attempted a stadium show (the last several tours utilized 20,000-seat arenas) was the somewhat disastrous PopMart tour. Even worse than the cheesy set were the horrendous acoustics. But this time, Bono had a vision and it worked. Somehow this claw helps funnel the sound and the acoustics were excellent.

Was surprised not to hear “Pride,” but apparently they’ve done quite a few shows this tour without it. This tour has leaned heavily on the new album though they played five new ones here at FedEx as opposed to the seven at many other shows. Also surprised that of the new ones, they neglected to play “Stand-Up Comedy,” which I think is among the best on the album.

And what’s a U2 show without a political message? During the show, Bono called for the release of Burmese activist Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who has been under house arrest for more than 20 years. Her image appeared on the screens as Amnesty International activists lined the stage in unity. Later in the show, keeping with the human rights theme, the band played “Sunday Bloody Sunday” in honor of the brave souls protesting in Iran.

And another observation: It was a great two hours of music but these blokes have more than enough material that they should be going on sans opener and playing a solid three hours. That said, if you’re gonna have an opener, well, ya can’t do better than Muse. This rockin’ Brit band was the perfect complement to a great evening of music.

Set List:

Breathe, Magnificent, Get On Your Boots, Mysterious Ways, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / Stand By Me (snippet), Elevation, Your Blue Room, Beautiful Day / Blackbird (snippet), New Year's Day, Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of, The Unforgettable Fire, Mofo (snippet) / , City Of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, Let's Dance (snippet) / , I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight / Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (snippet), Sunday Bloody Sunday, MLK, Walk On
encores: One / Amazing Grace (snippet), Where The Streets Have No Name, Ultra Violet (Light My Way), With Or Without You, Moment of Surrender