After the late 1980s of the Joshua Tree, "Where the Streets Have No Name" had become their staple opener, opening shows, and also opening a few encores. At the time, this song was such a different song for the band, compared to "I Will Follow" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday" -- that it was probably not going to be played further than Joshua Tree / Lovetown shows. After all, "The Unforgettable Fire" disappeared after the Joshua Tree. So what was to become of "Streets?"
With "Achtung, Baby!" released, U2 embarked on a new tour, and ceased to break all traditions by playing six or seven songs, "Zoo Station" became their new opener, quickly followed by a six track punch to the face of their latest material. Would "Streets" ever see the light of day again, or had it been put on the shelf? Could the band go through an entire show without relying too heavily on the material that brought them success? Surely "With Or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" would have a secured spot somewhere in the setlist...
But towards the progression of the show, they started a trio of songs, playing, "Bullet the Blue Sky" followed by "Running to Stand Still" and as the Bono passionately sang, "Halle...Hallejuah" and the song began to wrap up, there was a long pause between songs, was it an encore break? There was something magical about the moment, it had that dream like setting, and as Bono progressed up the catwalk, a synth started gaining sound...
As the synth started it's warming up, a cymbal was struck, and then followed by a few chimed notes. Edge began to "dial in" his Strat, and we heard him pluck a few more times, until the familiar notes began to ring out. The audience's applause was overwhelming, much like they had forgotten about the song, and as Edge, Larry and Adam picked up momentum and the song spilled over as the house lights nearly blinded everyone. People were clapping, jumping and throwing their hands in the air, as if it was a release from all the tension of the set. It was at this point that "Where the Streets Have No Name" became the turning point in their setlist.
It's hard to imagine what a U2 show would be like, without "Streets." It has become a journey, it's an escape, but it's one of many songs that you know true craftsmanship has made. It's not just a simple, catchy song -- it's more complex than most people would think.
With "Achtung, Baby!" released, U2 embarked on a new tour, and ceased to break all traditions by playing six or seven songs, "Zoo Station" became their new opener, quickly followed by a six track punch to the face of their latest material. Would "Streets" ever see the light of day again, or had it been put on the shelf? Could the band go through an entire show without relying too heavily on the material that brought them success? Surely "With Or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" would have a secured spot somewhere in the setlist...
But towards the progression of the show, they started a trio of songs, playing, "Bullet the Blue Sky" followed by "Running to Stand Still" and as the Bono passionately sang, "Halle...Hallejuah" and the song began to wrap up, there was a long pause between songs, was it an encore break? There was something magical about the moment, it had that dream like setting, and as Bono progressed up the catwalk, a synth started gaining sound...
As the synth started it's warming up, a cymbal was struck, and then followed by a few chimed notes. Edge began to "dial in" his Strat, and we heard him pluck a few more times, until the familiar notes began to ring out. The audience's applause was overwhelming, much like they had forgotten about the song, and as Edge, Larry and Adam picked up momentum and the song spilled over as the house lights nearly blinded everyone. People were clapping, jumping and throwing their hands in the air, as if it was a release from all the tension of the set. It was at this point that "Where the Streets Have No Name" became the turning point in their setlist.
It's hard to imagine what a U2 show would be like, without "Streets." It has become a journey, it's an escape, but it's one of many songs that you know true craftsmanship has made. It's not just a simple, catchy song -- it's more complex than most people would think.
That RTSS transition is a classic, and I like the way you wrote it. Always wished I could've experienced it live. 
