Joshua_Tree_Hugger
Refugee
Axver said:OK folks, here's the pattern of closers;
Pre-War tours (pre-1983): typically The Ocean. I must note this was not always the case.
War to Lovetown (1983-1990): 40. Occasionally other songs closed, but that was VERY uncommon (i.e. With Or Without You at a few Lovetown shows, such as 4 November 1989, Christchurch).
ZooTV (1992-1993): Love Is Blindness, then Can't Help Falling In Love With You.
Popmart (1997-1998): This had more variety than people think. Wake Up Dead Man was a common closer, but I don't think it even closed a majority of shows. One closed some, 40 closed four, Mothers Of The Disappeared closed the South American shows, and other songs like Unchained Melody occasionally showed up.
Elevation (2001): Walk On at every show.
So what does that tell you? Don't bet on a new song. We all know 40 will close U2's last concert ever, but besides that ... it's anyone's guess. Who would have thought Love Is Blindness would be a closer? Who would have suggested Walk On? A continuation of Walk On will not make it seem like Elevation Part II in my opinion, especially considering it is a very good closer. However, I do not think it will remain as a closer (or even in the setlist unless a catastrophe occurs in the world).
My bet? It's always safe to bet on 40. After all, it's the best concert closer ever performed by anyone.
Axver, what about One closing Elevation Manchester (I know it was due to technical problems but still), Pride closing Turin and Out of Control closing the third NYC show after 9/11?
And you semeed to have forgotten that Vertigo closed every European leg tour bar one, as well as closing a sprinkling of American dates. And with the more passionate European/South American crowds, as opposed to the more conservative U.S. crowds, I certainly would fancy Vertigo to open and close these stadium dates.