(09-18-2005) U2 Show Designer Willie Williams Leaves Vertigo Tour - Interference.com*

[HelloAngel]

[SIMG]http://bonovox.interference.com/interview/willie_trabbie.gif[/SIMG]
U2 Show Designer Willie Williams Leaves Vertigo Tour


It's something U2 fans have whispered about over the past couple months since Williams' tour diary on U2.com fell silent.

Last night in Toronto, however, Bono finally made the announcement that longtime U2 show designer Willie Williams was in fact leaving the Vertigo Tour, and presumably, the U2 camp, for good, even though Bono "doubts it," saying that, "once you're in U2's family, there's no getting out."

The band then dedicated "Yahweh" to Williams at the close of the show.

On behalf of the Interference.com staff and our entire readership, we wish Williams all the best in his future endeavors. To read our April 2004 interview with Willie, go here.

Thanks to chyland!

 

[HelloAngel]

Bye Willie.

 

[Lara_Croft]

do you know why he left? For other jobs?

 

[HelloAngel]

do you know why he left? For other jobs?

That information is not currently known to the public.

 

[beau2ifulday]

I hope it's a platonic departure.
I'll miss his updates on u2.com - he seemed like a cool guy

 

[U2FanPeter]

He's from BC, so he might be at the Portland show. or likely not.

It's cool that his 'last' show was in Canada.

u2fp

 

[ouizy]

I am boggled by this...

 

[U2 addict]

OMG...This is the guy who designed ZOO TV, Popmart, Elevation and Vertigo...

 

[Rachel D.]

What are they going to do without him?

 

[TheBrazilianFly]

This was one of the best and most important partnerships U2 ever had. It's sad to see him go. I really hope he comes back. Bye and good luck Wille!

 

[PhoenixGNX]

This is a very sad day. Aside from the music, Willie was the backbone of the U2 tours we have all come to love.

 

[gareth brown]

That information is not currently known to the public.

Haha, you could have just said; "We don't know"

anyway, Willie Williams leaving...bugger!

 

[cypress]

This is definately not a good thing. Willie has been the driving force behind the creativity and ground-breaking innovations that have become synonymous with U2 tours. You don't replace a guy like him. I hope he comes back for their next tour.

 

[isabelle_guns]

gOOD luck with his future plans.

 

[Queen Bee]

 

[HelloAngel]

Haha, you could have just said; "We don't know"

Haha, you're right. I could have.

ok here goes -

"We don't know."

 

[Nube Gris]

not good news at all

 

[bradyvox]

It is a shame

I have nothing to base this on at all but my guess is, he was approached by Pink Floyd to work for them on their rumoured tour. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

...but who knows...it could be something on a personal level, in which case it is none of our business...

He will definitely be missed.

An interesting side note. I watched Toronto I from the soundboard and was actually watching Willie + crew work away. During Electric Co, when Edge starts his solo, they put up a ton of light blue light to illuminate the crowd. The crowd went nuts and I looked over at Willie and he was quite excited (I am assuming this is the first time they tried this lighting effect for this song as they couldn't do it outdoors and I didn't notice it on the first leg...)

Anyway, I wish him all the best and thank him for so many great concert memories...

Cheers,
Brady

 

[U2bpbear24]

 

[Bonochick]

Good luck to him in whatever he decides to do! This is quite sad though.

 

[Shade]

That sucks. But, if Willie doesn't do any future U2 tours, they should get Robert LePage, the guy who worked with Peter Gabriel on his last two tours. Secret World, in particular, was a brilliant stage show. I'd definitely rank it with Zoo TV.

 

[Val]

thanks, Willie!

 

[U2girl]

Well the Stones are touring now, so maybe he has to work with them for a while.

Did Bono say Willie is leaving this tour or leaving U2 for good?

 

[shaun vox]

he is leaving u2 for good ( read the article)

he might know something about u2 that we dont???