doctorwho
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Pride is the glaring example. On Vertigo, Edge seemed to actually get the guitar right and I'd say Pride was the best it has been since the mid-eighties.
Oh, and some songs NOWADAYS are much weaker than their studio version, e.g. WOWY and SBS, but in their prime were absolute U2 live classics. Very little can top WOWY 1987-1992, or the Fuck The Revolution performance of SBS. But WOWY never should have been played since 1993. It's so lacklustre now, especially when Bono doesn't add Shine Like Stars.
I semi-agree.
WOWY often did NOT have the "Shine like Stars" bit on ZOO TV. In fact, it often ended rather abruptly as if it was the radio performance. No extended ending - just done. I was wildly disappointed in the WOWY versions I heard in person and on boots during ZOO TV. Hence, I would say the JT and Lovetown Tours of WOWY were the best. Some exceptions came with the Elevation and 360 Tours. Vocally, the 360 tour has Bono signing this song his best since the early 90's. Therefore, I'd argue the 360 version of WOWY is second best to the '87-'90 era. But on the Vertigo tour, the song sucked - it was as if they had zero desire to ever play it again.
SBS does need the passion. However, I'm actually glad there isn't quite as much reason to sing the song (at least it's original meaning) any more.
I've always been disappointed in "Pride" live. Even on R&H it lacks the power of the studio recording. I've heard UF era boots and the same is true. They captured some magic in the studio while recording it.
"Vertigo" also sounds a bit off live. U2 try so hard to make that song soar, but something is just off. Some energy isn't quite there.
Overall, though, I've enjoyed the live versions more - especially when they are new. The extra verses to songs like WOWY, "Mysterious Ways", "One", etc. often made them stand out. And sometimes Bono's vocals are even better than the studio version and the band really comes alive with the crowd.
It's for this reason that I wish U2 had a Sirius Satellite station like Springsteen and Pearl Jam. Not only do those stations play all the studio, b-sides and rarities, but a lot of live material. If U2 could just "let go" and let the oceans of recorded material they did live be played, they could fill up years worth of music. Fans can accept mistakes. It's those mistakes and impromptu speeches and whatnot that makes the performances all the more special. U2 is missing out on a cash cow, IMO, by not having a Sirius station.