Bono, Oh Bono!

[Zoo2]

Odd Rose Bowl Gig

Now I don't want to get any angry responses for this.... I am as pro-bono (har de har har) as anyone here. But there is a line where critical fandom ends and blind worship begins, and if people think that there's nothing wrong with bono's performances in this tour, I am afraid they have crossed that line.

I'll admit that I haven't seen a lot of their shows, like for example I haven't seen a complete popmart show yet. I am a Bangladeshi living in Bangladesh, and so don't have much access to u2 performances, other than the odd dvd someone brings for me from abroad. The only time I saw them live was at Twickenham 2005 while I was studying in the U.K. But I have seen a lot of videos of their lovetown, joshua tree, r&h and zoo tv concerts.

What I am getting at here is that during all those shows Bono seemed a more sincere performer, his main aim was to get the song across. This was even as recently as Elevation, and some of the vertigo concerts. On this tour, I have seen a lot of fan videos, and was frankly horrified by his singing, but as I am a big fan, waited till I saw a proper recording. Unfortunately, after seeing the youtube webcast, none of my fears have been allayed.

What is most frustrating is that it's not that he has suddenly lost the ability to carry a tune, but sometimes he doesn't seem to care to sing it properly. This is all the more infuriating as the rest of the band seem to be playing their best music, but are undermined because their frontman is more concerned with jumping around like a juvenile delinquent than performing the beautiful songs that he and his mates have created. I think, and a lot of you may agree, that the big selling point of a lot of U2 classics is their singalong quality: that you feel like singing along everytime you hear the familiar notes and words. Bono, at least at the rose bowl, put paid to that by not delivering definitive versions on many songs such as COBL, GOYB, Breathe (which is my fav from the new album), WOWY, and many others.

But, as he showed during stuck, ISHFWILF, UC and UV (to an extent, when he was not changing the tune, because he felt like it), he can sing with the best of them. The most saddening thing is that even after 30 years on the circuit, he cannot rein himself in and balance the prancing around with proper singing. Changing small things in a vocal performance has always been part of his repertoire as a singer, dating back to their earliest days. But now, all the sincerity from him seems to have gone out, replaced by bonafide bombast. The thing that hurts me is that it's pulling u2 down.

Maybe we should petition him, or is that too optimistic. Well, I can be forgiven for being optimistic, because I am a fan of one of the more optimistic bands on the planet, and I am writing on their top fansite.

Sorry if I have rambled, and if this has been covered before, but I had to share. I'd like to know what you guys feel about this.

My first post ever here, and you have an interesting take. So let me qualify my opinion-U2 is my favorite live band ever. I have the greatest respect for them. With the exception of PopMart which I saw once, I have seen them multiple times on every tour since '85. At many of the shows I've attended over the years, the band reached a near spiritual connection with the audience and no two gigs on the same tour ever seemed contrived or planned or scripted; even when they were playing nearly the same set list. And even if Bono's voice was thrashed on the 3rd night of a 5 night stand, he could still make up for it with passion and sincerity.

Here's my take on the Rose Bowl gig having been there--- U2 was dull. They were boring. I could have watched clips from other venues on youtube, and seen virtually the same show. Black Eyed Peas, who I know very little about- blew them away with their energy, connection to the audience, and their joy at playing such a event.

U2 seemed more intent on playing to the cameras rather than the audience. Maybe I am just too old now, but u2 was unable to transcend their musical limitations via their passion and connection to the crowd. I was really bummed. A lot of that is on Bono. A lot of that is on the cue to cue nature of the oversized show.

Sadly, the show actually looks like a better show on the YouTube feed then it did live. So if you were bummed by video, imagine how it was to be there.

I am going to give them one more chance in 2010. I owe them that for all the joy they have brought to me over the years, but the Rose Bowl was depressing.

 

[tryan101]

My first post ever here, and you have an interesting take. So let me qualify my opinion-U2 is my favorite live band ever. I have the greatest respect for them. With the exception of PopMart which I saw once, I have seen them multiple times on every tour since '85. At many of the shows I've attended over the years, the band reached a near spiritual connection with the audience and no two gigs on the same tour ever seemed contrived or planned or scripted; even when they were playing nearly the same set list. And even if Bono's voice was thrashed on the 3rd night of a 5 night stand, he could still make up for it with passion and sincerity.

Here's my take on the Rose Bowl gig having been there--- U2 was dull. They were boring. I could have watched clips from other venues on youtube, and seen virtually the same show. Black Eyed Peas, who I know very little about- blew them away with their energy, connection to the audience, and their joy at playing such a event.

U2 seemed more intent on playing to the cameras rather than the audience. Maybe I am just too old now, but u2 was unable to transcend their musical limitations via their passion and connection to the crowd. I was really bummed. A lot of that is on Bono. A lot of that is on the cue to cue nature of the oversized show.

Sadly, the show actually looks like a better show on the YouTube feed then it did live. So if you were bummed by video, imagine how it was to be there.

I am going to give them one more chance in 2010. I owe them that for all the joy they have brought to me over the years, but the Rose Bowl was depressing.

Get out of my head Zoo2!!!!! I could have written this word for word. I've been to multiple shows on every tour since ZooTV, and the RB was #30 for me. The one thing I've always said about U2 is no matter where or when the show is, they are always on, they never mail it in, they never play a bad show. I'm not saying the RB was a bad show, but its at the bottom of my list. I said earlier, the BEP with Slash was the highlight of the night.

 

[mikal]

does anyone else think U2 should retire? i do.

 

[elevated_u2_fan]

YESS!

They are clearly not connecting with every single person in the stadium and at home watching youtube clips. They're finished.

 

[Rosebud]

This thread brings the lulz.

 

[mikal]

U2 should be more clever and act like the cameras aren't there when they're filming. plus, Bono looks old. they act like they're nearing 50.

 

[corianderstem]

Jeez, you guys.

Haven't there been comments regarding past filmed-for-DVD concerts that the band wasn't 100% on, or seemed to be playing to the cameras more? Or were tense, boring, insert-criticism-here?

I'm not shocked to hear that some people at the Rose Bowl gig felt the same way about this show.

 

[mikal]

Haven't there been comments regarding past filmed-for-DVD concerts that the band wasn't 100% on, or seemed to be playing to the cameras more? Or were tense, boring, insert-criticism-here?

every time cori. every time.

 

[corianderstem]

I guess I'm alone in thinking that's a valid criticism of the band or the show, then.

I know it would bug me if I found out the band were filming at one of the shows I was going to, because I'd expect to have a weird show.

Then again, going in with low expectations, maybe I'd be pleasantly surprised after all!

 

[mikal]

they definitely play a different show when they film live for a DVD. i wouldn't say it's better or worse than another show.

 

[gvox]

In a pretty awesome twist of irony, a couple of people on this page who are directing their jokes/laughter at people who have opinions based on, you know, actually being there, have a perspective on the show - get this - based on what they saw on YouTube and read from other people. Kindof funny, don't you think?

 

[Kinsa]

My first post ever here, and you have an interesting take. So let me qualify my opinion-U2 is my favorite live band ever. I have the greatest respect for them. With the exception of PopMart which I saw once, I have seen them multiple times on every tour since '85. At many of the shows I've attended over the years, the band reached a near spiritual connection with the audience and no two gigs on the same tour ever seemed contrived or planned or scripted; even when they were playing nearly the same set list. And even if Bono's voice was thrashed on the 3rd night of a 5 night stand, he could still make up for it with passion and sincerity.

Here's my take on the Rose Bowl gig having been there--- U2 was dull. They were boring. I could have watched clips from other venues on youtube, and seen virtually the same show. Black Eyed Peas, who I know very little about- blew them away with their energy, connection to the audience, and their joy at playing such a event.

U2 seemed more intent on playing to the cameras rather than the audience. Maybe I am just too old now, but u2 was unable to transcend their musical limitations via their passion and connection to the crowd. I was really bummed. A lot of that is on Bono. A lot of that is on the cue to cue nature of the oversized show.

Sadly, the show actually looks like a better show on the YouTube feed then it did live. So if you were bummed by video, imagine how it was to be there.

I am going to give them one more chance in 2010. I owe them that for all the joy they have brought to me over the years, but the Rose Bowl was depressing.

Zoo2 - was the Rose Bowl the only show you saw this tour? If so, I encourage you to give it another try. I agree, it was not one of their best performances, simply because there was no spontenaity, and that is what makes U2 a great live band - you never know what Bono is going to do or say. I think they had way too much running on this show money wise, and it was a one take show, that Bono was probably told to "stick to the script", and that is what he did.

I was there, and I thought it was a great show (then again, I was in the RedZone on the rail, so I know that taints my view), but it did lack the spontaneous nature of a "normal" show. That's why I wasn't excited when I found out it was being filmed - I was afraid Bono wouldn't let loose. Vegas 2 nights before was definitely a better show.

Rose Bowl was too "scripted" to allow the true connection with the audience that U2 normally brings to a show. That being said, I thought both show were great shows (not the best I have seen, but Vegas2 Vertigo tour is the best I have seen in this modern U2 era - the spirit was in the house, as Bono would say), and that Bono's voice sounded fantastic at both. And I hope we can see them in arenas on the next tour (doubtful, I know). Its really not the same seeing them in a huge stadium, no matter what anyone says. I'll take the smaller venue any day.

 

[elevated_u2_fan]

In a pretty awesome twist of irony, a couple of people on this page who are directing their jokes/laughter at people who have opinions based on, you know, actually being there, have a perspective on the show - get this - based on what they saw on YouTube and read from other people. Kindof funny, don't you think?

I make fun of everyone equally

 

[mikal]

I make fun of everyone equally

yeah. what he said. i'm an equal opportunity dickhead.

 

[elevated_u2_fan]

on top of that, what I said (while highly sarcastic) still holds true, U2 cannot connect with every single person every single night both in the stadium and on a youtube clip. That has never happened, that will never happen, people need to get over themselves.

 

[gvox]

I make fun of everyone equally

yeah. what he said. i'm an equal opportunity dickhead.

Not really, ya didn't tease the people who attended or watched on Youtube but said it was the best show evar, didja?

Just sayin'

 

[gvox]

on top of that, what I said (while highly sarcastic) still holds true, U2 cannot connect with every single person every single night both in the stadium and on a youtube clip. That has never happened, that will never happen, people need to get over themselves.

I don't think anyone's saying they ever will...but really, it's an opinion forum and if hardcore fan says that they attended a show and didn't feel like the band hit a home run with them that night...is that a sign of the person needing to get over themselves...or just them being honest about what they felt about the show?

I don't necessarily (or usually) agree with all the negativity either, just playing devil's advocate here. My pig psyche drawing said I could.

 

[mikal]

Not really, ya didn't tease the people who attended or watched on Youtube but said it was the best show evar, didja?

Just sayin'

i didn't see anyone who said that. if i did, i would have made fun of them.

 

[gvox]

if i did, i would have made fun of them.

Did you attend the Bono Academy of Higher Lying?

 

[mikal]

Did you attend the Bono Academy of Higher Lying?

gvox. don't make me turn this car around.

 

[gvox]

 

[tryan101]

thanks gvox.

yeah, god forbid on a message board there'd be some rational discussion about the band and the tour.

let's get back to infantile fanspeak posts:

"Isn't Bono Great?"

"Yeah"

"I mean, really, he's dreamy"

"Yeah"

"Did I say he's great, AND dreamy?"

"Yeah, but its SO true"

 

[tryan101]

Zoo2 - Vegas 2 nights before was definitely a better show.

my goodness yes. for that matter, so was PHX.

Rose Bowl was too "scripted" to allow the true connection with the audience that U2 normally brings to a show. Its really not the same seeing them in a huge stadium, no matter what anyone says. I'll take the smaller venue any day.

yes and yes again.

 

[mikal]

thanks gvox.

yeah, god forbid on a message board there'd be some rational discussion about the band and the tour.

let's get back to infantile fanspeak posts:

"Isn't Bono Great?"

"Yeah"

"I mean, really, he's dreamy"

"Yeah"

"Did I say he's great, AND dreamy?"

"Yeah, but its SO true"

you're sexy.

 

[gvox]

thanks gvox.

for what? There's one side, and then the other side. Then there's my side. And I'm alllll alone there, trust me.

 

[tryan101]

you're sexy.

now you're getting it.

 

[stagman]

He's not exactly a 30yr old anymore

 

[Yahweh_OMG]

Out of all the complains, I think the only one that really annoys me is the true lack of spontanuous moments (like in the past). It could be monologues, gestures, singing, special somethng....whatever, but this tour has NONE! Sincerity is also lacking big time. He seems not to believe what he sings during SBS, WOWY, Pride anymore. I can actually understand that time has passed and he might need to pass another message around, no problem with that. But then, please stop singing these songs!
The passion is somewhere else on this tour. The best song are the new ones.... it means that he is tired of singing the best of list (which is fine with me).

However, talking about why Bono is not climbing the stage like he used to in 83, well, I can understand that a 49 years old doesn't want to take too much risk..... I could however argue about the fact that a big U2 force used to be the "get in touch" with the audience, touch hands, get close, embrace some fans during live shows....this is also gone unfortunately.

I'm looking forward to seeing them again in small arenas. The last 2 tours make me feel like the Elevation Tour was actually a really GOOD tour!

 

[BVS]

Out of all the complains, I think the only one that really annoys me is the true lack of spontanuous moments (like in the past). It could be monologues, gestures, singing, special somethng....whatever, but this tour has NONE! Sincerity is also lacking big time. He seems not to believe what he sings during SBS, WOWY, Pride anymore. I can actually understand that time has passed and he might need to pass another message around, no problem with that. But then, please stop singing these songs!
The passion is somewhere else on this tour. The best song are the new ones.... it means that he is tired of singing the best of list (which is fine with me).

However, talking about why Bono is not climbing the stage like he used to in 83, well, I can understand that a 49 years old doesn't want to take too much risk..... I could however argue about the fact that a big U2 force used to be the "get in touch" with the audience, touch hands, get close, embrace some fans during live shows....this is also gone unfortunately.

I'm looking forward to seeing them again in small arenas. The last 2 tours make me feel like the Elevation Tour was actually a really GOOD tour!

It's interesting, because most people are now praising the Vertigo tour no(even if they bashed it then), most have said SBS sounds the best it has in 10 years, and I've asked this before and I'll probably ask it again, when was the last time you saw U2 do something spontaneous?

 

[last unicorn]

Out of all the complains, I think the only one that really annoys me is the true lack of spontanuous moments (like in the past). It could be monologues, gestures, singing, special somethng....whatever, but this tour has NONE! Sincerity is also lacking big time. He seems not to believe what he sings during SBS, WOWY, Pride anymore. I can actually understand that time has passed and he might need to pass another message around, no problem with that. But then, please stop singing these songs!
The passion is somewhere else on this tour. The best song are the new ones.... it means that he is tired of singing the best of list (which is fine with me).

However, talking about why Bono is not climbing the stage like he used to in 83, well, I can understand that a 49 years old doesn't want to take too much risk..... I could however argue about the fact that a big U2 force used to be the "get in touch" with the audience, touch hands, get close, embrace some fans during live shows....this is also gone unfortunately.

I'm looking forward to seeing them again in small arenas. The last 2 tours make me feel like the Elevation Tour was actually a really GOOD tour!

You have to look closely, really. What you're saying here is simply not true.

Actually, most here are complaining about Bono's spontaneity, because they want him to do everything in a perfect way without doing stupid things like running around the stage. So I don't see how you can complain about a lack of spontaneity and too much of it at the same time

Actually, the band isn't any more or less spontaneous on this tour than they were on previous tours. We just tend to think everything was fine in the past, but it wasn't.

And he DOES still get close to fans, closer than most other singers. And I've seen a lot of other concerts. Bono is still very much connected to the audience, making contact, getting people up on stage (well we've had our fair amount of complaints about that as well), at the show and outside the concert.

But it doesn't matter anyway. If Bono does get people up on stage, some will complain about it because it distracts him from singing a song in a perfect way, some will say it's a bad move and not spontaneous. If he doesn't, they will complain about that as well.

Sometimes I feel people here are trying too hard to find something to complain about. With U2, past always seems to be better than present.