Experiences, pics, reviews here.
September 24, 2009 - Giants Stadium New York - New York
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joerags
War Child
I just got home from tonight's show (it's 12:45 a.m.)
One word
AMAZING.
From start to finish...
In fact, my voice is gone. No joke. My voice is gone. I couldn't stop cheering, singing and screaming....
At the end of the show, Bono announced that they set a Giants Stadium record for most people ever. Even more people than the Pope had when he was at Giants Stadium. He said, "Sorry Pope." He also said "sorry Boss (Bruce Springsteen), even though it's your birthday." That all was tongue-in-cheek.
But anyway. The biggest highlights for me were City of Blinding Lights, Elevation, Vertigo, Breathe, Unknown Caller. Even Walk On, I was touched...
This was one of the greatest experiences in my life. Seriously. Right up there with my teams winning championships (Yankees, UNC Heels)...
Bono kept on mentioning how he loved New Jersey...
New Jersey, my homestate.. We're more than just the turnpike and the Sopranos.
One word
AMAZING.
From start to finish...
In fact, my voice is gone. No joke. My voice is gone. I couldn't stop cheering, singing and screaming....
At the end of the show, Bono announced that they set a Giants Stadium record for most people ever. Even more people than the Pope had when he was at Giants Stadium. He said, "Sorry Pope." He also said "sorry Boss (Bruce Springsteen), even though it's your birthday." That all was tongue-in-cheek.
But anyway. The biggest highlights for me were City of Blinding Lights, Elevation, Vertigo, Breathe, Unknown Caller. Even Walk On, I was touched...
This was one of the greatest experiences in my life. Seriously. Right up there with my teams winning championships (Yankees, UNC Heels)...
Bono kept on mentioning how he loved New Jersey...
New Jersey, my homestate.. We're more than just the turnpike and the Sopranos.
JCOSTER
ONE love, blood, life
All I can say is that was effin amazing!!! YBR, UTEOTW, I was in tears when Bono sang Stay, UF, SBS great setlist.
I was first rail in the pit on Adams side. Unbelievably amazing. I will post my pix tomorrow.
I can't believe I survived the GA I as crazed and made home about 15 min ago, parking lot was a nightmare!
The remix of If I Don't Go Crazy....was incredible and got people going.
As from what I could see around the stadium it looked like everyone was standing for ONE.
Bono singing right infront of me!!! SOOOOOOOOO surreal.
I was first rail in the pit on Adams side. Unbelievably amazing. I will post my pix tomorrow.
I can't believe I survived the GA I as crazed and made home about 15 min ago, parking lot was a nightmare!
The remix of If I Don't Go Crazy....was incredible and got people going.
As from what I could see around the stadium it looked like everyone was standing for ONE.
Bono singing right infront of me!!! SOOOOOOOOO surreal.
Shawn Bonneau
New Yorker
Met Bono before the show! Got a picture of him, he even took my cell phone to talk to someone on the other end. I didn't even ask him. He looked me dead and the eye and said "who is on the phone?" Then he took it and started talking. I shook his hand too. Very awesome moment
SMB
SMB
circa1992
Rock n' Roll Doggie FOB
Yea! So happy for everyone there last night! We wish we could've been there as well (especially because I was so excited for a 2nd night set that ended up being a 1st night and same as Gillette 1). Jean, isn't it just ridiculous to just look up and see Bono right there!?
Amazing!Shawn, more details please when you're all rested up!
CosmoKramer
Rock n' Roll Doggie
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2004
- Messages
- 3,325
Here is a start to finish summary of my experience:
1-Muse sounded horrible. The music was so loud that you couldn't hear the words they were singing. It just sounded like noise, which is too bad because I think they are a pretty decent band.
2-Get on Your Boots ROCKS live. It had life like I have never seen before
3-Elevation, Vertigo, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Beautiful Day, City of Blinding Lights, With or Without you, Still Havent Found and Streets all had the crowd going nuts. For people saying they want Bloody Sunday & With or Without You dropped from the set list (me included before I saw the show), your crazy.
4-I was disappointed that they didnt use the typical opening for Beautiful Day (the extended "We love you" opening). I was really looking forward to it.
5-Bono f'ed up Stay something fierce. He started the song with the "red Light, Grey morning" verse instead of "Green Light, 7-11", so once he finished the 1st incorrect verse he kept repeating to Edge "from the top" "lets take this from the top". I cant fault him for it because when you write/sing 1000's of songs its going to happen.
6-The ride out of the stadium was HELL. Cars were not moving at all and it took us 1 hour 15 min just to get out of the parking lot, the same lot it took 5 min to get into.
In summary, this was much, much, much better than PoPMart and for such a HUGE stadium (82k+) the sound was GREAT (I was in section 115) and the crowd reaction was incredible. Did I mention how cool Streets is live
1-Muse sounded horrible. The music was so loud that you couldn't hear the words they were singing. It just sounded like noise, which is too bad because I think they are a pretty decent band.
2-Get on Your Boots ROCKS live. It had life like I have never seen before
3-Elevation, Vertigo, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Beautiful Day, City of Blinding Lights, With or Without you, Still Havent Found and Streets all had the crowd going nuts. For people saying they want Bloody Sunday & With or Without You dropped from the set list (me included before I saw the show), your crazy.
4-I was disappointed that they didnt use the typical opening for Beautiful Day (the extended "We love you" opening). I was really looking forward to it.
5-Bono f'ed up Stay something fierce. He started the song with the "red Light, Grey morning" verse instead of "Green Light, 7-11", so once he finished the 1st incorrect verse he kept repeating to Edge "from the top" "lets take this from the top". I cant fault him for it because when you write/sing 1000's of songs its going to happen.
6-The ride out of the stadium was HELL. Cars were not moving at all and it took us 1 hour 15 min just to get out of the parking lot, the same lot it took 5 min to get into.
In summary, this was much, much, much better than PoPMart and for such a HUGE stadium (82k+) the sound was GREAT (I was in section 115) and the crowd reaction was incredible. Did I mention how cool Streets is live
beegee
Neon Zebra
Haha, very cool!
Bono always forgets words here and there, but he noticeably, royally fucked up two songs last night...
Stay, as already mentioned... he started skipping verses and was all out of wack and had to walk across the bridge back to the main stage to "get his bearings" (i.e. read off the teleprompter).
ok... it happens. they don't play Stay all the time. but he also fucked up Streets. STREETS! how do you forget a verse in Streets? started coming in with the chorus waaay too early... realized his mistake and picked up the verse midflow. but come on man... Streets? ya' forget the words to Streets?
that aside, i'm nitpicking. it was another great show. loved that i got Until The End Of The World.
one thing that took away from the show at one point that i have to bring up... we were in Red Zone #2... and during Walk On, a song about and dedicated to an oppressed woman, a man started fighting with a woman. like literally... fighting. first with words... then he pushed her. a friend, i guess, got between them and moved them apart and we figured that was it. then after a minute or so he came back to her and grabbed her by the neck and smacked her, to which she turned and started punching him in the face in an effort to get free. the guy next to me tried to pull them apart while i went and got security, who called for a bunch of state troopers and security guards to come in in force and rip the guy out of the red zone. it was unbelievable...
but what was more unbelievable, sad really, is what happened next... the woman saw the man being pulled out, turned around and started pleading with the head security guard to not kick the guy out. turns out the guy was her husband. the woman follows them out, talks to the cops... and the two walk out, hand in hand, escorted by the police.
it was just an incredibly sad irony that during a song about an oppressed woman, a woman defends and walks out with her husband who was physically abusing her in public. sad sad sad.
Stay, as already mentioned... he started skipping verses and was all out of wack and had to walk across the bridge back to the main stage to "get his bearings" (i.e. read off the teleprompter).
ok... it happens. they don't play Stay all the time. but he also fucked up Streets. STREETS! how do you forget a verse in Streets? started coming in with the chorus waaay too early... realized his mistake and picked up the verse midflow. but come on man... Streets? ya' forget the words to Streets?
that aside, i'm nitpicking. it was another great show. loved that i got Until The End Of The World.
one thing that took away from the show at one point that i have to bring up... we were in Red Zone #2... and during Walk On, a song about and dedicated to an oppressed woman, a man started fighting with a woman. like literally... fighting. first with words... then he pushed her. a friend, i guess, got between them and moved them apart and we figured that was it. then after a minute or so he came back to her and grabbed her by the neck and smacked her, to which she turned and started punching him in the face in an effort to get free. the guy next to me tried to pull them apart while i went and got security, who called for a bunch of state troopers and security guards to come in in force and rip the guy out of the red zone. it was unbelievable...
but what was more unbelievable, sad really, is what happened next... the woman saw the man being pulled out, turned around and started pleading with the head security guard to not kick the guy out. turns out the guy was her husband. the woman follows them out, talks to the cops... and the two walk out, hand in hand, escorted by the police.
it was just an incredibly sad irony that during a song about an oppressed woman, a woman defends and walks out with her husband who was physically abusing her in public. sad sad sad.
Shawn Bonneau
New Yorker
I'll write a detailed review when I get back to Maine tomorrow. I'll also upload some pics. Another person took video and said he'd send it to me as well, so I'll be sure to post that as well. Hey, wasn't last night so much better than Wednesday? Crowdwise and setlist was amazing
SMB
SMB
Shawn Bonneau
New Yorker
Yeah I couldn't believe he messed up Streets! But, it was more of forgetting where he was at then messing up verses like the other song. But, I love it when they do that. Makes it more of a liver show if that makes sense
SMB
SMB
The show and the setlist were awesome...glad we got Until the End of the World, and City of Blinding Lights. The band's energy was awesome.
But...
I hate stadium shows. Sitting in the 2nd row of section 134 (behind/side stage), just never really felt the energy from the crowd. This was my 7th time seeing u2 since TUF tour in 1985...first time I didn't feel the crowd's energy, which is a shame, because to me that has always been what makes a u2 concert so amazing. The same type of energy felt at Springsteen, Pearl Jam and The Who concerts.
I wish I'd been in GA...clearly, thats the only way to see u2. Hoping for a stadium leg winter or spring...
Hoping also that they bring back the extended opening for Streets...next leg/tour...maybe do that as the encore opener??
Jonathan
But...
I hate stadium shows. Sitting in the 2nd row of section 134 (behind/side stage), just never really felt the energy from the crowd. This was my 7th time seeing u2 since TUF tour in 1985...first time I didn't feel the crowd's energy, which is a shame, because to me that has always been what makes a u2 concert so amazing. The same type of energy felt at Springsteen, Pearl Jam and The Who concerts.
I wish I'd been in GA...clearly, thats the only way to see u2. Hoping for a stadium leg winter or spring...
Hoping also that they bring back the extended opening for Streets...next leg/tour...maybe do that as the encore opener??
Jonathan
Thought night 2 blew night 1 away, and night 1 was no slouch1 The band jsut seemed on fire tonight, and the crowd was great. Also getting there later in the day and stil lgetting a great spot in the circle left me mor ephysically ready to enjoy the show! I know people say being in the back is better to get the full experience, but I can't imagine that being better than being that up close with the band--a fantastic night!
zonelistener
ONE love, blood, life
GREAT show.
Was in GA and got to see JesseU2, Ewen and Pax. It seemed like there were a lot of "VIP" types in GA that really were not there to enjoy the show, but to be seen.
Was in GA and got to see JesseU2, Ewen and Pax. It seemed like there were a lot of "VIP" types in GA that really were not there to enjoy the show, but to be seen.
diamond
ONE love, blood, life
He was mad at her cos she said she was taking him to the Guns and Roses concert, and wound up at a Bono show.
<>
*Ally*
New Yorker
LOVED the show!! so much better than NJ 1-- the crowd was so up for it tonight, and were so loud! i've seen 7 shows on this tour (Dublin 1, 2, 3, Chicago 1 & 2, and NJ 1 & 2), and thought this show was the best of all. AMAZING!! 
Hewson
Blue Crack Supplier
Reminds me of a similar though thankfully non-physical incident I witnessed some nearly 20 yrs ago...saw Paul McCartney at the old Foxboro Stadium. During "Let it Be" of all moments a couple sitting dirctly behind me gets into an argument....as Macca is singing "let it be, let it be, let it be..." this guy yells at his gf "You're a f*ckin' c**t!" very very loud. Ironic timing. The lovely young lass I was with and a few others around us were mortified.
There's a few in every crowd.
How'd you like RZ2? I thoroughly enjoyed it in Foxboro-ugh.
joerags
War Child
Holy Shit. That is fucked up.
Good for you, Headache, for getting security. That sucks that it ruined the show for you. At least, during that song..
mirrorballman12
The Fly
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2009
- Messages
- 88
The show was the best concert I have ever been to. I loved Get on your Boots into MWs. The crowd was explosive during elevation and streets. My seats were in 330 and the whole show everyone was on their feet singing and dancing. Bono's vocals were in top form; he sounded great the entire show. ISHFWIF was definately a highlight the crowd took it to another level. I did notice Bono's mess up in streets but the beginning rif and the crowd made up for it. Overall the night was one of the best nights of my life.
it was nice to be able to sit down before the show... and nice to be able to move around, use the bathrooms without having to go outside the stadium, and of course not have to wait in line and hang out in the parking lot a little longer.
i will say that the red zone was packed last night... didn't notice it being that crowded the night before when i had regular GA. and i would also say that probably about 2/3rds of the people in the red zone didn't actually bid on the tickets to get there, but rather got wristbands through connections and the such. there were a lot of casual fans and non-fans in there.
another highlight of the night for me was when some people started singing the ole "how long to sing this song" as they exited the field, and this guy behind me who was talking to his girl about how big a fan he is decides to passionately join in, singing quite loudly and proudly "how long to sing a new song" to which his girl finally tells him after a minute or so "i don't think that's what they're singing.."
well done, douchebag.
a close second was the woman in the parking lot before the show, decked out in her (red) shirt and her 360 tour hat, with her similarly dressed friend, squeeling into her cell phone that she had just met "b-oh-no"
did you see cher too, sweetheart?
i will say that the red zone was packed last night... didn't notice it being that crowded the night before when i had regular GA. and i would also say that probably about 2/3rds of the people in the red zone didn't actually bid on the tickets to get there, but rather got wristbands through connections and the such. there were a lot of casual fans and non-fans in there.
another highlight of the night for me was when some people started singing the ole "how long to sing this song" as they exited the field, and this guy behind me who was talking to his girl about how big a fan he is decides to passionately join in, singing quite loudly and proudly "how long to sing a new song" to which his girl finally tells him after a minute or so "i don't think that's what they're singing.."
well done, douchebag.
a close second was the woman in the parking lot before the show, decked out in her (red) shirt and her 360 tour hat, with her similarly dressed friend, squeeling into her cell phone that she had just met "b-oh-no"
did you see cher too, sweetheart?
I got a seat in the nosebleeds for $30 face outside - the guy wanted $50 originally. The seat was three rows from the very top and back of Giants Stadium behind the stage on Edge's side, a seat to enjoy the dazzling visual spectacle from more than watch the band play.
But there was another phenomenal atmosphere last night. People were all on their feet immediately from the very start, unlike Chicago and Toronto when they sat down for most of the show.
I really like how they're mixing up the order of songs so that you're not too sure what song will be next. Breathe into Boots suggested Magnificent and NLOTH might be dropped so when they were played I appreciated them more, especially NLOTH which is becoming one of my fav U2 songs ever.
I think the opening is better with two big hits (Mysterious Ways and Beautiful Day) after Breathe and Boots and before Magnificent and NLOTH.
Some random (Bono) observations:
- Bono did a lot of name checking and shout outs (Kanye West, Mick Jagger, Julian Lennon twice, loadsa artists and guitar players, local activists) including a long compliment to Mayor Bloomberg
- Bono's mess up of Stay was probably because he was knackered after sprinting around the outer stage at the end of UTEOTW, if messing the verses up means the song's longer then I'm all for it
- Bono's voice was in fantastic shape, especially as it was his fourth show in five nights, e.g. he nailed the high squeal at the end of WoWY, and sang passionately and beautifully throughout
- did Bono really dedicate One to people in "single sex marriages"?! Or did I mishear him? I assume he meant same-sex marriages, or maybe it really is "consummation, but no more"
- I really liked Bono's little brag about playing to the most people in Giants Stadium, more than the Boss, more than the Pope
- watching the stunning video and light display from above the Claw very nearly makes up for being so far from the real action
- met three Interferencers before and after the show: the utterly fabulous Maria, Joanne and Bonnie, thanks for feeding me and the lift back to Manhattan!
But there was another phenomenal atmosphere last night. People were all on their feet immediately from the very start, unlike Chicago and Toronto when they sat down for most of the show.
I really like how they're mixing up the order of songs so that you're not too sure what song will be next. Breathe into Boots suggested Magnificent and NLOTH might be dropped so when they were played I appreciated them more, especially NLOTH which is becoming one of my fav U2 songs ever.
I think the opening is better with two big hits (Mysterious Ways and Beautiful Day) after Breathe and Boots and before Magnificent and NLOTH.
Some random (Bono) observations:
- Bono did a lot of name checking and shout outs (Kanye West, Mick Jagger, Julian Lennon twice, loadsa artists and guitar players, local activists) including a long compliment to Mayor Bloomberg
- Bono's mess up of Stay was probably because he was knackered after sprinting around the outer stage at the end of UTEOTW, if messing the verses up means the song's longer then I'm all for it
- Bono's voice was in fantastic shape, especially as it was his fourth show in five nights, e.g. he nailed the high squeal at the end of WoWY, and sang passionately and beautifully throughout
- did Bono really dedicate One to people in "single sex marriages"?! Or did I mishear him? I assume he meant same-sex marriages, or maybe it really is "consummation, but no more"
- I really liked Bono's little brag about playing to the most people in Giants Stadium, more than the Boss, more than the Pope
- watching the stunning video and light display from above the Claw very nearly makes up for being so far from the real action
- met three Interferencers before and after the show: the utterly fabulous Maria, Joanne and Bonnie, thanks for feeding me and the lift back to Manhattan!
*Ally*
New Yorker
hey cathal! i met you very briefly before the show at the GA line-- you actually took a photo of me and brad from california, since #1 in the line didn't want their photo taken. great to meet you, and enjoy the rest of your tour!
Ah that was you was it? Nice!
I was there too with Maria, Joanne and Bonnie but we got pushed out to the back of the crowd as everyone inched their way into mobbing him.
he did do a lot of name checking... i get annoyed when he name checks guys like springsteen and jagger, 'cause i instantly expect, nay, demand that they show up on stage with them at that point... and two nights in a row it didn't happen. boo to you, boner. 
hey cathal! i met you very briefly before the show at the GA line-- you actually took a photo of me and brad from california, since #1 in the line didn't want their photo taken. great to meet you, and enjoy the rest of your tour!
Ah another Interferencer! Seems like the place was swarming with us
Lovely to meet you briefly indeed!
Who was the real number one in the queue then? I thought youse were all taking the piss! First it was Jim, then it was Brad, then it was someone else!
*Ally*
New Yorker
Ah another Interferencer! Seems like the place was swarming with us
Lovely to meet you briefly indeed!
Who was the real number one in the queue then? I thought youse were all taking the piss! First it was Jim, then it was Brad, then it was someone else!
well, the list for NJ 2 was a bit of a mess, as 2 separate lists had formed after the first show, and then they had to be combined (which was a bit of a nightmare). i think that Roman's wife was #1, though Jim was right up at the front too... who knows! anyway, brad and i were #3 and #4, so close enough.
good luck with the rest of your project! 
well, the list for NJ 2 was a bit of a mess, as 2 separate lists had formed after the first show, and then they had to be combined (which was a bit of a nightmare). i think that Roman's wife was #1, though Jim was right up at the front too... who knows! anyway, brad and i were #3 and #4, so close enough.
Thanks lovely!
So there were two number ones: "I'm number one - and so's my wife"
Numb1075
ONE love, blood, life
Overall, a very enjoyable show.
Got there just shy of 5pm...very little traffic and the event staff were very helpful with parking directions etc.
Lots of tailgaters, all having a great time. The weather was awesome.
I was in the 2nd to last row in 316. Very far away, however, I was able to "take it all in" so to speak. The claw is impressive and can do lots of wonderful things.
The setlist was good, not great. The addition of UF is pretty darn sweet, kind of like Gloria on the Vertigo tour.
I wish that ttey would play one or two more umptempo songs, but now I'm just nitpicking. I don't think Unknown Caller should be played at all. For a concert, it's too droning and odd. I thnk it would work as an intro song as they walk out, but not played midway through a show in front of 80k people.
Overall, a real fun time.
Oh, and leaving the parking lot was not terrible...I've been in a lot worse.
Hope everyone who gets to see this tour as a wonderful time, it's worth it !!
Got there just shy of 5pm...very little traffic and the event staff were very helpful with parking directions etc.
Lots of tailgaters, all having a great time. The weather was awesome.
I was in the 2nd to last row in 316. Very far away, however, I was able to "take it all in" so to speak. The claw is impressive and can do lots of wonderful things.
The setlist was good, not great. The addition of UF is pretty darn sweet, kind of like Gloria on the Vertigo tour.
I wish that ttey would play one or two more umptempo songs, but now I'm just nitpicking. I don't think Unknown Caller should be played at all. For a concert, it's too droning and odd. I thnk it would work as an intro song as they walk out, but not played midway through a show in front of 80k people.
Overall, a real fun time.
Oh, and leaving the parking lot was not terrible...I've been in a lot worse.
Hope everyone who gets to see this tour as a wonderful time, it's worth it !!
randhail
Rock n' Roll Doggie
I thoroughly enjoyed last night's show. Had a solid spot near the outer rail of the pit on Edge's side. For me the highlight of the show is the City/Vertigo/Crazy Tonight trio - I just absolutely love that combo. The energy of the pit was incredible, although some of the people around me may have not appreciated my energy. But, you're in the pit so such is life.
My one gripe about last night had to with the late arriving jackasses that had to push their way to the middle of the pit right before U2 was coming on. I understand that it's GA and what not, but don't stroll in at 8:55 and expect to get the exact spot you want cause you have douchey sunglasses and well tended to hair. A couple people over from got into a pretty heated exchange over the pushing that went on, but nothing more than words came from it...and the guy continuing to push his way to the middle.
My one gripe about last night had to with the late arriving jackasses that had to push their way to the middle of the pit right before U2 was coming on. I understand that it's GA and what not, but don't stroll in at 8:55 and expect to get the exact spot you want cause you have douchey sunglasses and well tended to hair. A couple people over from got into a pretty heated exchange over the pushing that went on, but nothing more than words came from it...and the guy continuing to push his way to the middle.
dizzy
Rock n' Roll Doggie
LOVED the show!! so much better than NJ 1-- the crowd was so up for it tonight, and were so loud! i've seen 7 shows on this tour (Dublin 1, 2, 3, Chicago 1 & 2, and NJ 1 & 2), and thought this show was the best of all. AMAZING!!
Hey *Ally*! Not sure if you remember me, but I think we met years ago. Wow, 7 shows. I'm taking it slow this year with 3 shows. LOL. I missed last night's show...had tickets, but had to give them up. Looks like it was a blast!Looking forward to next week at FedEx Field.
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