The Claw 2.0

[AntonCorbijn]

Did anybody watch this year's Universiade (sort of like the Olympics for university students)? Neither did I, but I just stumbeled upon some pictures of the opening/closing ceremony held in Kazan, and SOMETHING looked strangely familiar....have a look:

 

[Galeongirl]

They sold the stages didn't they? As there were 3 stages, I think 3 frames but 1 screen. This looks like they bought one and skinned it, as the orange pillar in the middle is still visible. So this could very well be a Claw on its 2nd life.

 

[lemonfly]

I think I prefer that design to the one that was actually used. Certainly more aesthetically pleasing.

 

[cobl04]

I'm quite surprised there hasn't been any stories about what's happened to the Claws, unless I've missed them.

 

[Mrs. Garrison]

hmmmm

 

[cleazer]

Similar idea, but I think that's a different construct.

 

[Globo14]

Similar idea, but I think that's a different construct.

I think this is more than just a "similar idea".

 

[gvox]

No resemblance whatsoever

 

[Rachel D.]

It's not "the" Claw, but it's definitely a similar idea.

 

[corianderstem]

No resemblance whatsoever

That's a stretch.

 

[U2girl]

Similar idea, but I think that's a different construct.

 

[rennowba]

They didn't sell the claws in the end did they? The design has defo been influenced by the claw. The screen is similar aswell

 

[Popmartijn]

It's not "the" Claw, but it's definitely a similar idea.

I think it is one of "the" Claws. The construction looks too similar to merely be an inspired concept. For this version they did extend the legs at the top to have them come together, but that's it to my eyes.
It also would not make sense, to spend so much money in the design and construction of the materials (many millions of dollars) if there's a tried and true version readily available. What did the three Claws cost U2? Wasn't it something like $30 million? And that resulted in a large and open structure that could carry about 250,000 kilos of screen and PA, etc. Trying to reinvent this wheel again would be nuts.

Edit: Hmm, according to this article on the official Kazan 2013 site they were stubborn enough to build it from scratch. http://kazan2013.ru/en/news_items/6639

The stage of the Summer Universiade Opening Ceremony is unique – it has the shape of a pyramid which has a huge cauldron with the Flame of the World University Games at the top. The 470-tonne metal structures for the stage were produced in Nizhnekamsk. The installation work was carried out by OOO SOP&G.

 

[bono_212]

Aww, that's disappointing :-(

 

[Jim]

it's a different structure, but clearly inspired by 360

 

[pepokiss]

For a Concert that would be even better.

 

[bonocomet]

Well I imagine they didn't need all the lighting and camera crews hidden up in the Claw legs every night for this thing, so it has the open legs with more visibility. But that probably wouldn't work for a U2 show, or any concert I would guess.

 

[jeevey]

Did the old ones get scrapped or are they sitting storage with the lemon?

 

[gvox]

That's a stretch.

I forgot the obligatory -ey guy, I see..

 

[Mount Temple]

Does anybody here have the 360 book that just came out recently?

 

[rennowba]

Does anybody here have the 360 book that just came out recently?

What new book?

 

[bonocomet]

I'm guessing you mean From The Ground Up? (The U2.com membership gift that came with the Edge's Picks live CD from 360 Tour, and other goodies)

I have it. It's nice.

 

[Mount Temple]

I'm guessing you mean From The Ground Up? (The U2.com membership gift that came with the Edge's Picks live CD from 360 Tour, and other goodies)

I have it. It's nice.

Yes that's the one I meant. Is it worth buying?

 

[LadySpinHead]

Yes that's the one I meant. Is it worth buying?

I think so. I really enjoyed it.

 

[Shawn Bonneau]

I'd buy a Claw and build a house inside it. How cool would that be? I wonder how many square feet that is

 

[Popmartijn]

Yes that's the one I meant. Is it worth buying?

Yeah, I can recommend it. It has plenty of photos from the 360 Tour, though most are a bit too processed for my liking. And it also has quite a lot of text about the tour, with interviews with most of the key players. Not just the band, but also 'Willie' Williams, Paul McGuinness, etc.
And if you get the edition from U2.com, you also get a 15-track live disc from the tour. What's not to like?

 

[Mount Temple]

Yeah, I can recommend it. It has plenty of photos from the 360 Tour, though most are a bit too processed for my liking. And it also has quite a lot of text about the tour, with interviews with most of the key players. Not just the band, but also 'Willie' Williams, Paul McGuinness, etc.
And if you get the edition from U2.com, you also get a 15-track live disc from the tour. What's not to like?

Nothing! You have sold me.....thanks.

 

[The Disciple]

This is a better set-up for a concert... because it would allow an "in the round" setting for a stadium... which is AMAZING.