Not sure exactly how they'd retrofit this show into stadia. Build a screen twice as long? Unlikely. Plus with no roof they have to build overhead support for the screen and sound system.
This show simply does not translate cleanly to a stadium environment. To do so would require the development of a structure from which the central screen could be suspended. After busting the budget on 360, it is highly unlikely that U2 and Live Nation would have any interest in spending cash on that scale again.
So, it is time for the U2 brain trust to get creative, with tighter fiscal controls in place. While much of this conversation has centered on the US, the need to do stadiums in Europe is a must, as the Continent lacks the widespread network of 18,000-to-20,000 seat arenas found in North America. Additionally, the demand for a stadium run exists in Europe.
So, how do they present I+E in stadiums? Here's one possibility:
* Utilize existing infrastructure whenever possible. That means dusting off an old stadium rig from the years before 360, or leasing/transferring one from another Live Nation artist. (As I have opined earlier in this thread, the Vertigo stage is a candidate.)
* Ditch the "pods" of speakers currently in use, and go with traditional speaker arrays flown from a superstructure near the A stage (or, in this case, the "I" stage). Delay arrays can be deployed downstream.
* The thrust (catwalk) and B stage ("E" stage) translate well, just make the thrust longer.
That brings us to the screen. Why does this element need to be flown from the roof? Perhaps an alternate arrangement could be developed where it could be lifted into place. This is a stretch, but imagine an inflatable screen with content projected into the sides. The band would not be able to perform within the structure as they do in arenas, but it would offer a unique sort of experience that suggests the current arrangement.
Could the stage be placed on a track or on wheels, stored offstage in pieces, and rolled into place during the show? That might be cool, too.
Bottom line: stadiums in Europe next summer, but don't expect the full current North American arena experience. Instead, expect something even better, yet fiscally responsible.
