LoveTown TOUR what was really like ?

[Blue Room]

imo, Bono's voice hit it's peak on that tour. I listened to some shows that have just surfaced from Melbourne on u2torrents last night and there's a Streets intro with Heartland over the top! Also, the crowd just seems mental!

Hawkmoon=best opening song ever.

Why can't they do stuff like that now. Each night was different.

He was also destroying his voice in the process. They had to postpone shows twice as a result and this was obviously a short tour. Supposedly when the physician listened to the tapes of Bono singing he said he was hitting notes 4 or 5 times in a single song that people like Pavarotti would hit one time per concert. He was told if he continued he would lose his voice permenantly. Subesequently this is when he changed his vocal style somewhat and they way he sings the songs live.

Like I said before, I love this tour. Some of the best bootlegs out there as far as performance and setlist to me. I would have LOVED to have seen it. But as a band all was not well. Edge's marriage was on the rocks, Bono had the vocal trouble, Adam was coming off a marajauna possession charge and Larry was not happy with the direction the band was headed. Seems like all that personal strife fueled some intense shows though.

 

[Mauwer]

euhm....do you have audio of rotterdam?
I would really really want that....


een bandje is ook goed ))

You can find Rotterdam 01-10-90 easily on the U2 Torrent site`s.
Maybe that`s easier for you????

If not than I have to look for it dutchfan , it`s been a while since I played Love Town Rotterdam

Cheers ,

Mauwer

 

[zoopop]

He was also destroying his voice in the process. They had to postpone shows twice as a result and this was obviously a short tour. Supposedly when the physician listened to the tapes of Bono singing he said he was hitting notes 4 or 5 times in a single song that people like Pavarotti would hit one time per concert. He was told if he continued he would lose his voice permenantly. Subesequently this is when he changed his vocal style somewhat and they way he sings the songs live.

Like I said before, I love this tour. Some of the best bootlegs out there as far as performance and setlist to me. I would have LOVED to have seen it. But as a band all was not well. Edge's marriage was on the rocks, Bono had the vocal trouble, Adam was coming off a marajauna possession charge and Larry was not happy with the direction the band was headed. Seems like all that personal strife fueled some intense shows though.

Interesting insight, especially about Bono's singing style. Was he just singing like this on the LT tour or was this during JT too?

 

[Blue Room]

Interesting insight, especially about Bono's singing style. Was he just singing like this on the LT tour or was this during JT too?

I dont know for sure, but what I have heard is he began to overuse/missuse his voice during the Unforgettable Fire era and that carried through to Lovetown where it started to give out. He had vocal trouble on the Joshua Tree tour also. End of the first leg beginning of the 2nd in Europe of the JT tour he had to see a throat specialist. No shows were postponed then though.

 

[dutchfan]

and how do i get on torrent?? Untill now it was impossible for me...help

 

[zoopop]

I know this is a bit off subject, but I strongly believe Bono voice has sounded the best during the "Vertigo" tour. I was listening to some ZooTV boots the other day and he doesn't project his range much. No major cries or typical U2 screams. It was until the Elevation tour Bono began to regain form. But Veritgo has been amazing. Especially in the later legs. It was a real treat to hear and see Bono this tour.

 

[chrissybaby]

I know this is a bit off subject, but I strongly believe Bono voice has sounded the best during the "Vertigo" tour. I was listening to some ZooTV boots the other day and he doesn't project his range much. No major cries or typical U2 screams. It was until the Elevation tour Bono began to regain form. But Veritgo has been amazing. Especially in the later legs. It was a real treat to hear and see Bono this tour.

each to their own i guess but i cannot relate to this at all. Having attended a few shows on the 2nd leg of Zootv i was staggered by Bono's voice. Also, performances from Outside broadcast that same year are incredible. I refer you also to the Australian Zoo shows of which their are a few pro-shot vids where his voice sounds utterly fabulous. Beautiful falsetto...

 

[Neilz]

I know this is a bit off subject, but I strongly believe Bono voice has sounded the best during the "Vertigo" tour. I was listening to some ZooTV boots the other day and he doesn't project his range much. No major cries or typical U2 screams. It was until the Elevation tour Bono began to regain form. But Veritgo has been amazing. Especially in the later legs. It was a real treat to hear and see Bono this tour.

But Bono isn't able to hit the high notes since Zoo-TV

Of course it's a matter of opinion, but I must agree that Bono's voice was at it's best in the late 80's / earlt 90's...

 

[zoopop]

He really hasn't attempted the falsetto since ZooTV. No songs have called for it. He does it somewhat for "In A Little While" and "Sometimes...". I wish Bono would attempt "Lemon" to really see where he stands. I'm not saying Bono sounded like crap during JT or Zoo or even Popmart (though he was a bit rough), its just he has exceled my expectations big time during the "Vertigo" tour. Songs like Vertigo ( I can feel!!), Sometimes, Miss Sarajevo, Boy songs (emotion), Original of the Species, Bad (A+ this tour), and even MD, ABOY are tough songs to sing every other night.

 

[Peterrrrr]

Bono had a stronger voice on the JT tour compared to LT.

I think the only tour so far without any BIG problem with his voice is Vertigo, he realy is incredible. At the latest shows in south America he were a bit rough in his voice and had some problems to hit "feeeeeeeeeeeeeel" in Vertigo, "Amoureeeeeeeeeeeeeee" in Miss Sarajevo, and other keys in all their song. But amazing is that he also did some improvements in ISHFWILF and WOWY at the Buenos Aires II show. And thats realy incredible when you have been on the road for many months!

 

[ponkine]

Bono had a stronger voice on the JT tour compared to LT.

What?

Listen to Rotterdam 1990 ... Without a Doubt, Best Bono´s voice ever since the overlooked Amnesty International Tour 1986

 

[Peterrrrr]

What?

Listen to Rotterdam 1990 ... Without a Doubt, Best Bono´s voice ever since the overlooked Amnesty International Tour 1986

He didnt hit the high notes like he did as he did on the JT tour, he lost it a little bit of his range after the JT tour. he also were a little worn at the LT shows.

 

[bonocomet]

This thread is interesting because it shows that people have a lot of different preferences for when Bono's voice sounded best to them. That's cool. Beauty is in the ear of the beholder. The man has an amazing voice though I think no matter how you look at it.

 

[Blue Room]

Bono had a stronger voice on the JT tour compared to LT.

I think the only tour so far without any BIG problem with his voice is Vertigo, he realy is incredible. At the latest shows in south America he were a bit rough in his voice and had some problems to hit "feeeeeeeeeeeeeel" in Vertigo, "Amoureeeeeeeeeeeeeee" in Miss Sarajevo, and other keys in all their song. But amazing is that he also did some improvements in ISHFWILF and WOWY at the Buenos Aires II show. And thats realy incredible when you have been on the road for many months!

Bono didnt have any big problems with his voice for the Boy, October, War, Unf. Fire, Elevation and Vertigo tours. Sure he became raspy at times during different stages of some of those. But I wouldnt call that a BIG vocal problem. Popmart he was just raspy the whole tour. The only time it became a HUGE concern was Joshua Tree. Then it became a problem on Lovetown. Otherwise Bono's vocal status has been fairly consistant (as far as it threatening a tour or show).

 

[doctorwho]

Which was only played one time on the Lovetown tour.

Actually, the Lovetown tour was to make up for the cancelled Joshua Tree Australian/Japan dates and they tacked some Europe shows onto the end. Otherwise I dont think that tour would have happened. The next tour would have been Zoo. The band themselves appear to have not actually enjoyed this tour that much. Larry has commented before that it was one of the worst times he has had on tour. He felt like they were becoming a live jukebox of hits.

That being said its one of my favorite tours as far as the setlist and performances. So I guess it goes to show the fan perspective can be completely different from the bands on a tour or shows.

I agree with all you wrote as I read the same things. U2 did seem despondent during that tour, which led to the famous (or infamous) "we're going away for a while to dream it all up again" speech from Bono. Adam said that once Bono made that statement (and it was NOT the last day of the Lovetown Tour, despite rumors to the contrary), it liberated them.

I also think this is why the setlists bounced a bit. They weren't varied as much as people here think (again, despite the rumors). The songs were often the same, just the order would flip - with a token new one here and there. I recall reading how they would mix the order just to add some spice for them (i.e., U2) as they were bored of performing these songs.

It appears, due to the illness, that U2 will have another "Lovetown-ish" tour, when (and if) the Vertigo Tour resumes next October-December. Will U2 release an EP or quick album, ala R&H or "Zooropa", so that they can perform these songs live on this mini-tour? Will they extend their mini-tour from just those 10 dates into something longer? Whatever they do, I just hope U2 don't feel bored having to return to the Vertigo setlist and design after having a nearly 8 month break. In fact, it's because of this break that I think they might do something different in some capacity.

 

[doctorwho]

Bono had a stronger voice on the JT tour compared to LT.

See Blue Room's and Ponkine's responses. Bono was good for JT - at times outstanding (there's this spectacular version of "One Tree Hill" that Bono does in Austin, Texas on the JT tour in 1987 - it doesn't have Edge's great guitar work yet - that comes on the LoveTown tour - but Bono is outstanding), but I think vocally, Bono was at his best during the LoveTown tour.

Trouble is, he couldn't keep it up. In fact, despite the tour being short, U2 still had to cancel and reschedule dates because of Bono's failing vocals. I think this, more than anything, led to the dramatically different vocal performance we hear on AB. Gone are the wailings and operatic bursts - instead we have whispers ("The Fly"), spoken words ("Until the End...") and voice modifications ("Zoo Station"). Only recently - in fact, really with HTDAAB - did Bono try doing his operatic bursts and wails more frequently in songs (both on the album and in concert).

However, if you can get some LoveTown boots (or downloads), enjoy them. Edge and Bono really shine on that tour!

 

[Peterrrrr]

See Blue Room's and Ponkine's responses. Bono was good for JT - at times outstanding (there's this spectacular version of "One Tree Hill" that Bono does in Austin, Texas on the JT tour in 1987 - it doesn't have Edge's great guitar work yet - that comes on the LoveTown tour - but Bono is outstanding), but I think vocally, Bono was at his best during the LoveTown tour.

Trouble is, he couldn't keep it up. In fact, despite the tour being short, U2 still had to cancel and reschedule dates because of Bono's failing vocals. I think this, more than anything, led to the dramatically different vocal performance we hear on AB. Gone are the wailings and operatic bursts - instead we have whispers ("The Fly"), spoken words ("Until the End...") and voice modifications ("Zoo Station"). Only recently - in fact, really with HTDAAB - did Bono try doing his operatic bursts and wails more frequently in songs (both on the album and in concert).

However, if you can get some LoveTown boots (or downloads), enjoy them. Edge and Bono really shine on that tour!

He had a better voice on JT then LT, just listen to ISHFWILF,WTSHNN,NYD,WOWY....... he sang them a lot better on JT then on LT. He had a much more wide range in his voice on JT, he had a little hoarse sound in his voice on the LT.

 

[u2granny]

He had a better voice on JT then LT, just listen to ISHFWILF,WTSHNN,NYD,WOWY....... he sang them a lot better on JT then on LT. He had a much more wide range in his voice on JT, he had a little hoarse sound in his voice on the LT.

I think his voice was more consistant during JT but when he was "on" during Lovetown there was no topping it. IMO, of course.

 

[catlhere]

I've heard performances from TJT tours, and LT tours and they're kinda similar to me. Not too much a of glaring difference. I agree with U2granny though about during LT when Bono's sang his ass off, there was no beating him at any other era. I really think though that the jump from TJT/LT to ZooTV is huge (maybe it's just my ears) Bono's voice definitely peaked at LT. In my humble opinion. all the Zoo boots i've heard seem kinda like a tiny letdown after being spoiled by his amazing range during the previous tour. He could do a falsetto good, i.e. Lemon, Can't Help Falling in Love, but his voice just seemed... monotone. I mean I love AB, and it has incredible songs, but when I listen to the Fly I thank the lord that there are somewhat badass live versions because he just sounds... dead. That's just me though. I'm weird

 

[Blue Room]

I also think this is why the setlists bounced a bit. They weren't varied as much as people here think (again, despite the rumors). The songs were often the same, just the order would flip - with a token new one here and there. I recall reading how they would mix the order just to add some spice for them (i.e., U2) as they were bored of performing these songs.

I agree, the variation was decent on Lovetown. But they didnt play as many songs as they have on the last two tours. I think it may seemed that way because it was such a short tour they didnt have time to get into any real setlist ruts. Still though, they did make an effort to mix up the order a bit more for that tour. The show where they indicated the were getting bored with the songs was where they did the setlist almost backwards (they rotated one backwards and tweaked it from that) It was the December 1st 1989 Osaka show. There is an excellent bootleg of that show called Freedom Of The Spirits. Bono says some uncharacteristic things (for that time) about money and fame (pre cursor to the Fly?) and gets real pissed at a fan in the front row. Odd setlist order and vibe to that show. Still cool though.

 

[Blue Room]

I think his voice was more consistant during JT but when he was "on" during Lovetown there was no topping it. IMO, of course.

I agree with that assessment. I think that was part of the problem on Lovetown. When he would get his voice back to 100% or close instead of holding back a little like he probably should have he would push it even further out of the frustration he had with it.

Just listen to God Part II at the December 18, 1989 Amsterdam show. Its when his voice just gave out. He gets really frustrated and pissed off as a result at the end of the song and yells at Edge to do the end again (The "dont believe in the 60's, golden age of pop" part) and he literally screeches the lyrics as high as he can. YOUCH! It makes my throat hurt and tighten up just listening to it.

 

[david]

Keep in mind that during the LT tour his mic was heavily reverbed. So he sang through a lot of reverb because he was always a bit insecure about having a feminine voice.

 

[bono_man]

On hearing lots of different bootlegs from Lovetown, I think Bono had a certain 'richness' to his voice that he didnt have on other tours.

 

[doctorwho]

He had a better voice on JT then LT, just listen to ISHFWILF,WTSHNN,NYD,WOWY....... he sang them a lot better on JT then on LT. He had a much more wide range in his voice on JT, he had a little hoarse sound in his voice on the LT.

In your opinion - I disagree. His voice was good for the JT tour, but honestly, I think his voice is good now too. There were exceptional nights, just like there were on the Vertigo tour. And there were times when I felt he sounded rough. The famous "Rock's Hottest Ticket" boot from Chicago is an example. Bono sings most songs in a lower key and really doesn't shine that night at all.

However, on many LT shows I have, WOW! Bono is frickin' brilliant. I'm glad people recorded this so we have him at his best. I hear none of this hoarseness in the boots I have (although I wouldn't be surprised given how often his voice went out on that tour).

That's ultimately the "problem" - Bono's a good singer, not great. He's long acknowledged singing out of his range. He does it without sounding nasally (I strongly disagree with whomever wrote that earlier in this thread) or forced. But the price is some scratchiness. Over time, Bono's learned to use this scratchiness to his advantage though often giving songs a bit more of a raw edge and emotion to them.

 

[namkcuR]

The famous "Rock's Hottest Ticket" boot from Chicago is an example. Bono sings most songs in a lower key and really doesn't shine that night at all.

Wow, I couldn't disagree with this more. I think Bono was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G on the RHT boot. TUF and WOWY among others are incredible. In fact, that performance of WOWY is perhaps my favorite ever. There are only two other versions that can compete imo - the R&H version and the ZooTV Sydney version.

 

[Blue Room]

However, on many LT shows I have, WOW! Bono is frickin' brilliant. I'm glad people recorded this so we have him at his best. I hear none of this hoarseness in the boots I have (although I wouldn't be surprised given how often his voice went out on that tour).

Get a copy of the Dec. 14th 1989 Dortmund show or the Dec. 18 1989 Amsterdam show I referred to before if you want to hear him hoarse and/or almost in pain. I think he sounds a tad raspy on the Dec 27 1989 Dublin show also (not as bad as the other two I mention though). It probably is more noticeable though on that one because its a board recording and much clearer.

 

[Sken]

Here is an mp3 of God Part II from that Amsterdam gig........ouch.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N5NJ6R5M

 

[Peterrrrr]

Be he was screaming to much at LT, I think that the key he did screaming in LT, he did singing in JT. Just listen to the
1987-04-29 Chicago show. When he sing the "so to find a way, I'm wide awake" and "please to meet you" in Bad, he never had that strong force at LT. Just listen to ISHFWILF from the same show and compare to LT. He hadnt that wide operatic force in his voice on LT like he had on JT.

 

[Mauwer]

I agree with that assessment. I think that was part of the problem on Lovetown. When he would get his voice back to 100% or close instead of holding back a little like he probably should have he would push it even further out of the frustration he had with it.

Just listen to God Part II at the December 18, 1989 Amsterdam show. Its when his voice just gave out. He gets really frustrated and pissed off as a result at the end of the song and yells at Edge to do the end again (The "dont believe in the 60's, golden age of pop" part) and he literally screeches the lyrics as high as he can. YOUCH! It makes my throat hurt and tighten up just listening to it.

Yeah it was tough to see sing GP2 at Amsterdam.
I was at that show ( my first U2 show ) and it was weird to see him struggle through the whole show.
The first 3 songs ( HM269 , Desire and AATWT ) he sounded ok but after that it went down the hill.

In GP2 he even hit his mike on the floor coz he was swinging it out of frustration.
( it`s the big plock you hear on the boot )

Thankfully I had tickets to the Rotterdam 01-10-90 show.
That show was just
The last time before the big Zoo reincarnation.

Cheers ,

Mauwer

 

[phanan]

Wow, I couldn't disagree with this more. I think Bono was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G on the RHT boot. TUF and WOWY among others are incredible. In fact, that performance of WOWY is perhaps my favorite ever. There are only two other versions that can compete imo - the R&H version and the ZooTV Sydney version.

Not only that, but the version of Mothers Of The Disappeared here is awesome.