smileymbcastard
War Child
so its good to get a wrsitband then
September 12, 2009 - Soldier Field Chicago - Illinois
- Thread starter smileymbcastard
- Start date
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youtooellen
New Yorker
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2005
- Messages
- 2,580
the guy collapsed on me..
i had to help the fucking security carry him out of the pit. my brother and i had to help his girlfriend get out too.
it was so sad.
the security in the pit didn't do jackshit. i do have to say that the security outside keeping us lined up took a lot of insults. i felt pretty bad for them and actually talked to one of the guys. my brother and i ended up getting a tip from him "the quickest way into the pit", and he directed us beforehand... leading to a rail-spot.
it was a good show, but bits of it were mildly disappointing.
bonoschild2009
War Child
I think the majority of GA tickets have multiple entrances/gates listed on them (possibly for numbers/tracking purposes?)...I don't think the venues would have or give any line-up policy info until a few days before each show...I abhor how this stuff goes down in the U.S......
No spoken words
Blue Crack Supplier
Paris GA was fucked up, too, but for different reasons. Also, I had the most expensive tickets for Paris 1, and, when I got to the venue, my fucking section had no seats. That's right, the whole section was being renovated, so the seats did not exist. They were relocation people to upper levels. I stayed in my area and just stood.
Point is, these problems are not exclusive to the States.
ladywithspinninghead
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
No spoken words
Blue Crack Supplier
I'm sorry I don't mean to laugh but that really did make me laugh at loud!
It's funny now, absolutely. At the time, upsetting for me, but not the end of the world. However, we saw at least two different people crying because they had not seen U2 in ages and here they were ready to see them in great seats, and now they were being relocated (Neither person was from France). I felt bad for everyone; the ticketholders, poor security people almost getting physically assaulted (no joke); it's not like security created this problem but who else do people take their frustrations out on? Ugly scene, but, definitely some comedic elements to it, too, especially in retrospect.
If you were there, you could have translated what everyone was yelling for us!
Amazing that I had not even mentioned that on interference before today.
Wow. I'm too old for all that. I think I will be hanging in the back for my show.
I'm too old for all that. I think I will be hanging in the back for my show.
quiv
Acrobat
I'm starting to feel that the extra cash for seats was a good idea.
No spoken words
Blue Crack Supplier
Wow.
Get there at like 5pm or so and you will find yourself a great spot towards the back....even later on, you'll find something decent....and the show will be just fine from there.
No spoken words
Blue Crack Supplier
the guy collapsed on me..
i had to help the fucking security carry him out of the pit. my brother and i had to help his girlfriend get out too.
it was so sad.
the security in the pit didn't do jackshit. i do have to say that the security outside keeping us lined up took a lot of insults. i felt pretty bad for them and actually talked to one of the guys. my brother and i ended up getting a tip from him "the quickest way into the pit", and he directed us beforehand... leading to a rail-spot.
it was a good show, but bits of it were mildly disappointing.
That's unreal, and kind of scary, wow. Good on you for helping out, and, wtf is the deal with security not taking action??? A life is at stake.
ladywithspinninghead
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
Yes, I'm sure that would be disappointing but I visualized the French security seeing a bunch of 'rowdy Americans' entering the stadium, looking at their 'douchebag' tickets and deciding to escort them to a 'section that had no seats'.
No spoken words
Blue Crack Supplier
Yes, I'm sure that would be disappointing but I visualized the French security seeing a bunch of 'rowdy Americans' entering the stadium, looking at their tickets and deciding to escort them to a 'section that had no seats'.
The guy that tried to attack the security was a rowdy Parisian!
Paris was a tad messed up GA policy-wise, but, they were sure as hell ready as far as the Metro was concerned, I'll give them that.
This was my first concert in the US, I was very curious to see how it would compare to gigs in Europe. I'd had an amazing day loitering around Soldier Field but the actual concert was let down by appalling sound where I was in the nosebleeds (see, I'm learning the local lingo) and a strangely subdued atmosphere.
It was great to meet Anu and co for a lovely big brunch in the morning. I got down to Soldier Field about 1pm-ish I think. It was a scorching day and the guys in the loooong but very spaced out GA queue were baking in it for hours. The potential GA conflict seemed to have been resolved amicably enough, I think they just merged the stadium queue with the day-before queue by creating a double width line at the front.
I didn't actually have a ticket for last night's show. The ticket booths still had GAs available at about 5pm, and for $57 too i.e. with no fees at all. I thought I'd use this info as a bargaining tool to haggle with ticket touts. I saw a "U2 fan" with four GAs in his hand. I asked him how much and he said £200. I told him I only wanted one, and he said that WAS the price for one. And he'd got them for cost. Others wanted $100 for a GA. "But they're still available for $57 at the ticket booth", "Really? Ok, have a nice day". Dearie me, profiteering qunts.
I got a $30 ticket for $20 from a girl who had won four at her work and wanted to sell em to make some dosh back. But there were quite a few tickets available, many below face value.
I must say, my general impression so far is that Americans are extremely friendly and approachable. (They were giving away a free pint of Guinness to anyone in a little festival-like field, so I blagged some by cheekily asking people who didn't want one to get one for me. I'm contractually obliged as an Irish man to say it's better in Dublin, but I'm not really a connoisseur. But what is this hilarious system about having to show photo ID to the police before being allowed to buy a drink? I'm 36!)
I also gatecrashed my first ever tailgate party. That was a brilliant eye-opener for me: everyone in the car-park drinking and having barbeques. And there were a LOT of people doing it, the atmosphere was great, and the location was stunning, with the dazzling Chicago skyline and sun setting behind it.
Most of the people in the tailgate parties didn't go into the stadium till about 8:30pm, some preferred to stay outside partying and listening to Snow Patrol on their stereos instead of going in to see them play, which was a little bit daft.
And then to the concert.
Many people I'd met during the day commented that Bono had said Soldier Field had the best sound they'd had so far on the tour. Well, where I was it was by far the worst sound. There was an appalling echo which ruined any possible appreciation of the music. I don't know what people who were seeing the show for the first time thought of it but I'd be very disappointed if that was my only experience of this tour.
Also, the atmosphere all around me and elsewhere I could see was non-existent for the first hour or so. People were just standing with their arms folded or hands in pockets. No-one was clapping, singing along, or barely even moving. Mostly very stationery observing of the gig. It was very odd, especially for an opening night where I thought there'd be a lot of hardcore U2 heads in. Maybe the poor sound played a part but I'd put the atmosphere last night right down with the (comparatively) poorer atmospheres at Paris and Gothenburg. Even the GA didn't seem to be too lively.
To be fair, I thought U2 were clearly trying to play a great gig, although I was a bit disappointed there was nothing new in the setlist. The only difference was the stunning new spacey video intro for the encore which ended with a solid blue colour on the screen which bathed the whole stadium in blue and convinced me was gonna be Your Blue Room. But it was Ultraviolet again. I guess they played a "safe" set to impress all the media present for opening night.
Bono called Chicago the head and heart of America, dedicated CoBL to Obama, and played a little bit on the Irish card - not unlike myself I must say
Back again tonight, let's hope the sound is much better.
It was great to meet Anu and co for a lovely big brunch in the morning. I got down to Soldier Field about 1pm-ish I think. It was a scorching day and the guys in the loooong but very spaced out GA queue were baking in it for hours. The potential GA conflict seemed to have been resolved amicably enough, I think they just merged the stadium queue with the day-before queue by creating a double width line at the front.
I didn't actually have a ticket for last night's show. The ticket booths still had GAs available at about 5pm, and for $57 too i.e. with no fees at all. I thought I'd use this info as a bargaining tool to haggle with ticket touts. I saw a "U2 fan" with four GAs in his hand. I asked him how much and he said £200. I told him I only wanted one, and he said that WAS the price for one. And he'd got them for cost. Others wanted $100 for a GA. "But they're still available for $57 at the ticket booth", "Really? Ok, have a nice day". Dearie me, profiteering qunts.
I got a $30 ticket for $20 from a girl who had won four at her work and wanted to sell em to make some dosh back. But there were quite a few tickets available, many below face value.
I must say, my general impression so far is that Americans are extremely friendly and approachable. (They were giving away a free pint of Guinness to anyone in a little festival-like field, so I blagged some by cheekily asking people who didn't want one to get one for me. I'm contractually obliged as an Irish man to say it's better in Dublin, but I'm not really a connoisseur. But what is this hilarious system about having to show photo ID to the police before being allowed to buy a drink? I'm 36!)
I also gatecrashed my first ever tailgate party. That was a brilliant eye-opener for me: everyone in the car-park drinking and having barbeques. And there were a LOT of people doing it, the atmosphere was great, and the location was stunning, with the dazzling Chicago skyline and sun setting behind it.
Most of the people in the tailgate parties didn't go into the stadium till about 8:30pm, some preferred to stay outside partying and listening to Snow Patrol on their stereos instead of going in to see them play, which was a little bit daft.
And then to the concert.
Many people I'd met during the day commented that Bono had said Soldier Field had the best sound they'd had so far on the tour. Well, where I was it was by far the worst sound. There was an appalling echo which ruined any possible appreciation of the music. I don't know what people who were seeing the show for the first time thought of it but I'd be very disappointed if that was my only experience of this tour.
Also, the atmosphere all around me and elsewhere I could see was non-existent for the first hour or so. People were just standing with their arms folded or hands in pockets. No-one was clapping, singing along, or barely even moving. Mostly very stationery observing of the gig. It was very odd, especially for an opening night where I thought there'd be a lot of hardcore U2 heads in. Maybe the poor sound played a part but I'd put the atmosphere last night right down with the (comparatively) poorer atmospheres at Paris and Gothenburg. Even the GA didn't seem to be too lively.
To be fair, I thought U2 were clearly trying to play a great gig, although I was a bit disappointed there was nothing new in the setlist. The only difference was the stunning new spacey video intro for the encore which ended with a solid blue colour on the screen which bathed the whole stadium in blue and convinced me was gonna be Your Blue Room. But it was Ultraviolet again. I guess they played a "safe" set to impress all the media present for opening night.
Bono called Chicago the head and heart of America, dedicated CoBL to Obama, and played a little bit on the Irish card - not unlike myself I must say
Back again tonight, let's hope the sound is much better.
Wow.
I think the American football pitches must be a lot smaller than the European football stadium pitches, even at the back of the GA yesterday I think you would have had a really good view and appreciation of the show. And my host here in Chicago who was in GA last night says the sound quality was excellent down there too.
ladywithspinninghead
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
The guy that tried to attack the security was a rowdy Parisian!
Paris was a tad messed up GA policy-wise, but, they were sure as hell ready as far as the Metro was concerned, I'll give them that.
The Metro is one of my favourite subways in the world - so modern and efficient!
DRay9911
Rock n' Roll Doggie FOB
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2009
- Messages
- 8,308
If you get there at 5 and let everyone in the GA line go in, you can still get a good spot outside the rail....not 2 or 3 people deep, more like 10-15 but that is still good.
I am 6'1 so I could see over prerey much everyone, but if height is an issue I can understand wanting to go back to the soundboard
One more thing...I could hear an echo from the back speakers. Hadn't heard that since popmart. But overall I loved the sound.
I was at the stadium for an hour or so talking with friends...the line did not look as bad/long...gates open in 4 hours
-dan
We were in line at 6:30am. Very nice bathroom facility in the parking garage very close to the line. I almost didn't bring the umbrellas because it was not going to rain, but so glad I did to use as a parasol for shade. It was only the front of the line that had the shade of the tunnel. Also extra hot because the hill we were lined up next to blocked the lake breeze.
We were in the second group that was let through. They had probably 20 turnstiles, got wristbanded for the floor there. Waited probably 15 minutes in that section waiting for the ok to let us in the building. People started runningwhen we got the ok, security yelling "Don't run! You're just going to wait in another line!!" Which was true, they directed us to wait behind the first group (who apparently had not been wristbanded yet).
So we waited about 2 minutes, then Karl noticed another sign more to the east that said floor access. he ran to go check it out, and called me on my cell - COME NOW!! There was no wait, we walked right down to floor. Some people from the first group were already down there, we wanted pit front rail and spots were already claimed up to Adam's spot - but that's where we wanted to be. Thankfully too I was at the last rail spot to have the rubber matting to stand on, a little more cushion than just the metal flooring. The moving u2 cameraman was in front of us quite a few times before and during the show, we'll see if we end up on a video clip somewhere. I'm wearing a brown cami and Karl has a yellow Hawaiian shirt on.
Snow Patrol is one of my other favorite bands, so a REAL treat to hear them open. Vocally Bono was great, especially his falsettos. A few times when he was talking he sounded like he was a bit stuffy, but I didn't notice that while he was singing. Absolutely *pitch-perfect* Ultraviolet, this was a nice surprise for me as I have been avoiding the setlists. Kinda disappointed about MOS as the closer.
I camped out for 5 shows last tour, I think this Chicago one will be my only camping experience. On Vertigo, if you hit the lottery and got the front rail (as I did 4 times), you were almost guaranteed some kind of band interaction (esp Adam) - a wink, a smile, a hand grab - not feasible with this stage set up. They don't spend much time on the catwalks. We have seats in section 445 tonight and I am interested to see another perspective, but I don't see myself camping out for any more shows this tour.
Overall great experience, awesome show, very good set list, excellent vocals.
We were in the second group that was let through. They had probably 20 turnstiles, got wristbanded for the floor there. Waited probably 15 minutes in that section waiting for the ok to let us in the building. People started runningwhen we got the ok, security yelling "Don't run! You're just going to wait in another line!!" Which was true, they directed us to wait behind the first group (who apparently had not been wristbanded yet).
So we waited about 2 minutes, then Karl noticed another sign more to the east that said floor access. he ran to go check it out, and called me on my cell - COME NOW!! There was no wait, we walked right down to floor. Some people from the first group were already down there, we wanted pit front rail and spots were already claimed up to Adam's spot - but that's where we wanted to be. Thankfully too I was at the last rail spot to have the rubber matting to stand on, a little more cushion than just the metal flooring. The moving u2 cameraman was in front of us quite a few times before and during the show, we'll see if we end up on a video clip somewhere. I'm wearing a brown cami and Karl has a yellow Hawaiian shirt on.
Snow Patrol is one of my other favorite bands, so a REAL treat to hear them open. Vocally Bono was great, especially his falsettos. A few times when he was talking he sounded like he was a bit stuffy, but I didn't notice that while he was singing. Absolutely *pitch-perfect* Ultraviolet, this was a nice surprise for me as I have been avoiding the setlists. Kinda disappointed about MOS as the closer.
I camped out for 5 shows last tour, I think this Chicago one will be my only camping experience. On Vertigo, if you hit the lottery and got the front rail (as I did 4 times), you were almost guaranteed some kind of band interaction (esp Adam) - a wink, a smile, a hand grab - not feasible with this stage set up. They don't spend much time on the catwalks. We have seats in section 445 tonight and I am interested to see another perspective, but I don't see myself camping out for any more shows this tour.
Overall great experience, awesome show, very good set list, excellent vocals.
Last edited:
SethVincent
Refugee
Walked into GA/FLOOR Section right about 6p.m. we were inner circle Adam's side six rows from FOS & yes if you want to leave inner circle & get back in they give you a pink wristband we stayed in there until encore for One then went outside rail Adam's side
Much much better....although I should have listened to my wife & it was her first time ever seeing U2 LIVE when we first walked in we had a PREMO Spot Outside Rail Edge's Side & it seemed to me Bono was on that side most of the night not Adam's
Much much better....although I should have listened to my wife & it was her first time ever seeing U2 LIVE when we first walked in we had a PREMO Spot Outside Rail Edge's Side & it seemed to me Bono was on that side most of the night not Adam's
Jamescorymiko
Refugee
- Joined
- May 2, 2005
- Messages
- 1,250
This was my first concert in the US, I was very curious to see how it would compare to gigs in Europe. I'd had an amazing day loitering around Soldier Field but the actual concert was let down by appalling sound where I was in the nosebleeds (see, I'm learning the local lingo) and a strangely subdued atmosphere.
It was great to meet Anu and co for a lovely big brunch in the morning. I got down to Soldier Field about 1pm-ish I think. It was a scorching day and the guys in the loooong but very spaced out GA queue were baking in it for hours. The potential GA conflict seemed to have been resolved amicably enough, I think they just merged the stadium queue with the day-before queue by creating a double width line at the front.
I didn't actually have a ticket for last night's show. The ticket booths still had GAs available at about 5pm, and for $57 too i.e. with no fees at all. I thought I'd use this info as a bargaining tool to haggle with ticket touts. I saw a "U2 fan" with four GAs in his hand. I asked him how much and he said £200. I told him I only wanted one, and he said that WAS the price for one. And he'd got them for cost. Others wanted $100 for a GA. "But they're still available for $57 at the ticket booth", "Really? Ok, have a nice day". Dearie me, profiteering qunts.
I got a $30 ticket for $20 from a girl who had won four at her work and wanted to sell em to make some dosh back. But there were quite a few tickets available, many below face value.
I must say, my general impression so far is that Americans are extremely friendly and approachable. (They were giving away a free pint of Guinness to anyone in a little festival-like field, so I blagged some by cheekily asking people who didn't want one to get one for me. I'm contractually obliged as an Irish man to say it's better in Dublin, but I'm not really a connoisseur. But what is this hilarious system about having to show photo ID to the police before being allowed to buy a drink? I'm 36!)
I also gatecrashed my first ever tailgate party. That was a brilliant eye-opener for me: everyone in the car-park drinking and having barbeques. And there were a LOT of people doing it, the atmosphere was great, and the location was stunning, with the dazzling Chicago skyline and sun setting behind it.
Most of the people in the tailgate parties didn't go into the stadium till about 8:30pm, some preferred to stay outside partying and listening to Snow Patrol on their stereos instead of going in to see them play, which was a little bit daft.
And then to the concert.
Many people I'd met during the day commented that Bono had said Soldier Field had the best sound they'd had so far on the tour. Well, where I was it was by far the worst sound. There was an appalling echo which ruined any possible appreciation of the music. I don't know what people who were seeing the show for the first time thought of it but I'd be very disappointed if that was my only experience of this tour.
Also, the atmosphere all around me and elsewhere I could see was non-existent for the first hour or so. People were just standing with their arms folded or hands in pockets. No-one was clapping, singing along, or barely even moving. Mostly very stationery observing of the gig. It was very odd, especially for an opening night where I thought there'd be a lot of hardcore U2 heads in. Maybe the poor sound played a part but I'd put the atmosphere last night right down with the (comparatively) poorer atmospheres at Paris and Gothenburg. Even the GA didn't seem to be too lively.
To be fair, I thought U2 were clearly trying to play a great gig, although I was a bit disappointed there was nothing new in the setlist. The only difference was the stunning new spacey video intro for the encore which ended with a solid blue colour on the screen which bathed the whole stadium in blue and convinced me was gonna be Your Blue Room. But it was Ultraviolet again. I guess they played a "safe" set to impress all the media present for opening night.
Bono called Chicago the head and heart of America, dedicated CoBL to Obama, and played a little bit on the Irish card - not unlike myself I must say
Back again tonight, let's hope the sound is much better.
Spend the money for the GA ticket tonight! We had great sound and a rocking atmosphere last night.
Enjoy!
BonosBaby12
ONE love, blood, life
We got there around 6am and were about #250 something. The people we hung out with in the line all day were pretty cool. Were no issues with them at all. As for the GA line back where we were it was pretty lenient and roomy. But yeah when it came time to line up it everything went to hell! Instantly we had people cutting and getting pissed when we had them moved back. Later when we were waiting to get wristbands we saw one of the guys up near our way. So yeah he pretty much did some more of his crap. Oh and like everyone else said security was a mess with the wristbands. Was complete chaos and it was like cattle being herded as we waited.
Once we were on the field we just ran for the nearest rail outside of the circle. Ended up on Edge's side by one of the the claw leg's. Had a great view of the stage and the catwalk when they came around. Best part of all is that this area wasn't packed like the inner circle was Actually had room to sit down during U2's performance if I wanted to. Which btw even after sitting down all day my feet were KILLING me by the time U2 took the stage! The show itself was AWESOME! At first I didn't like the Crazy remix but near the middle of the song I started liking it.
Looking forward to tonight's show we have seats for this one. I am sunburned and still exhausted from the long day yesterday. No way in hell I could possibly do GA again lol.
Once we were on the field we just ran for the nearest rail outside of the circle. Ended up on Edge's side by one of the the claw leg's. Had a great view of the stage and the catwalk when they came around. Best part of all is that this area wasn't packed like the inner circle was
Actually had room to sit down during U2's performance if I wanted to. Which btw even after sitting down all day my feet were KILLING me by the time U2 took the stage! The show itself was AWESOME! At first I didn't like the Crazy remix but near the middle of the song I started liking it.Looking forward to tonight's show we have seats for this one. I am sunburned and still exhausted from the long day yesterday. No way in hell I could possibly do GA again lol.
No spoken words
Blue Crack Supplier
It was a hell of a lot better than the Barcelona metro, which more or less shut down just as the U2 shows were ending. Milan's metro was pretty good.
nat_g3RT @fansofu2: BLOG: U2 Reinvent the Stadium Show as 360 Tour Launches in Chicago ...http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/09/13/u2-reinvent-the-stadium-show-as-360-tour-launches-in-chicago/
bschwarb
The Fly
Last night was my 7th U2 show and 4th time in G.A. We got to Soldier Field about 6:30pm and we were 20 feet off the rail center stage. Looking behind us, there was plenty of room towards the back. The sound was excellent on the floor, and Bono's voice was in excellent shape.
Several highlights or notes as I watched the show...the new songs work really well live. I wonder if U2 thought about the choruses and the "sing-along" moments of the songs when they recorded the album? It's gutsy to open with four songs off the new album, but it worked. Particularly No Line and Magnificent. However, I'm not sure a lot of the crowd knew the songs.
It was great to hear TUF, MLK and especially Bad. I was hoping for Bad, but didn't think we'd get it the first show. I actually am not sure it was scheduled to be in the set. At the end of One, Bono walked over to Edge and said something, and then said something to Larry as the first notes of Bad were played.
I agree with several other reviews that the crowd seemed somewhat subdued for the first concert in America?
Two negatives:
1. Crazy Tonight remix needs to go. It's a fun party song, but just didn't do anything for me. I'm thankful that the screen had some cool effects going on during the song, but get rid of it.
2. I love the song Walk On, and I thought it was one of the big highlights during the Elevation tour, but I thought all of the hoopla surrounding Aung San Suu Kyi hurt the song. I'm totally cool with the band dedicating the song to her, and putting some of the pics up on the screen, but enough with the masks, and when the people came on stage holding the masks it was just stupid. I thought all of that junk took away from what otherwise is a great song.
Another great U2 show. Not the best I've been to, but I've never been to a bad U2 show. I'm hoping to see them in 2010 if they come back to the States. If you get the chance go not only for great music but to see the whole spectacle of the claw.
Several highlights or notes as I watched the show...the new songs work really well live. I wonder if U2 thought about the choruses and the "sing-along" moments of the songs when they recorded the album? It's gutsy to open with four songs off the new album, but it worked. Particularly No Line and Magnificent. However, I'm not sure a lot of the crowd knew the songs.
It was great to hear TUF, MLK and especially Bad. I was hoping for Bad, but didn't think we'd get it the first show. I actually am not sure it was scheduled to be in the set. At the end of One, Bono walked over to Edge and said something, and then said something to Larry as the first notes of Bad were played.
I agree with several other reviews that the crowd seemed somewhat subdued for the first concert in America?
Two negatives:
1. Crazy Tonight remix needs to go. It's a fun party song, but just didn't do anything for me. I'm thankful that the screen had some cool effects going on during the song, but get rid of it.
2. I love the song Walk On, and I thought it was one of the big highlights during the Elevation tour, but I thought all of the hoopla surrounding Aung San Suu Kyi hurt the song. I'm totally cool with the band dedicating the song to her, and putting some of the pics up on the screen, but enough with the masks, and when the people came on stage holding the masks it was just stupid. I thought all of that junk took away from what otherwise is a great song.
Another great U2 show. Not the best I've been to, but I've never been to a bad U2 show. I'm hoping to see them in 2010 if they come back to the States. If you get the chance go not only for great music but to see the whole spectacle of the claw.
YouTube - U2 360 - Chicago - Lift Off in Chicago
video of U2 leaving their hotel → arrival @ Soldier Field
I just thought this was kinda cool & I got this from http://www.u2spain.es // U2 360 Tour - Soldier Field, Chicago. // "When the lights went down, the green clocks popped up on the screen and we were counting down to U2's first appearance in Chicago since the recording of the live DVD on the Vertigo Tour. In fact the last time they played here outdoors was on PopMart and Soldier Field has been completely redeveloped since then.
Opening up with Breathe, it felt like the final European show in Cardiff was last night, not last month, like the band had never put down their instruments for a break. And when Bono talked about being 'an Irish boy in Chicago' during the opening of Beautiful Day, the reception matched any on the tour to date.
'We Irish like to think we played a part in building this majestic skyline,' mused Bono before 'Still Haven't Found'. 'We were the clouds.. the rain... in fact we are the wind in this windy city...'
'Let me introduce my colleagues, on sky scraping guitar, the man who makes Dr Spock look like Dr Ruth, The Edge. On bass guitar, the man who from an early age knew four strings are better than six, the elegant Adam Clayton. On drums, the thunder and lighting of the band, Larry Mullen Jnr - and when he smiles the sun comes out..'
Take a little trip with Edge and Adam from hotel to stadium in this great clip taking you right up to showtime. Maybe you're on camera."
Again- I didn't write this or tape this. Just thought it was kinda cool.
video of U2 leaving their hotel → arrival @ Soldier Field
I just thought this was kinda cool & I got this from http://www.u2spain.es // U2 360 Tour - Soldier Field, Chicago. // "When the lights went down, the green clocks popped up on the screen and we were counting down to U2's first appearance in Chicago since the recording of the live DVD on the Vertigo Tour. In fact the last time they played here outdoors was on PopMart and Soldier Field has been completely redeveloped since then.
Opening up with Breathe, it felt like the final European show in Cardiff was last night, not last month, like the band had never put down their instruments for a break. And when Bono talked about being 'an Irish boy in Chicago' during the opening of Beautiful Day, the reception matched any on the tour to date.
'We Irish like to think we played a part in building this majestic skyline,' mused Bono before 'Still Haven't Found'. 'We were the clouds.. the rain... in fact we are the wind in this windy city...'
'Let me introduce my colleagues, on sky scraping guitar, the man who makes Dr Spock look like Dr Ruth, The Edge. On bass guitar, the man who from an early age knew four strings are better than six, the elegant Adam Clayton. On drums, the thunder and lighting of the band, Larry Mullen Jnr - and when he smiles the sun comes out..'
Take a little trip with Edge and Adam from hotel to stadium in this great clip taking you right up to showtime. Maybe you're on camera."
Again- I didn't write this or tape this. Just thought it was kinda cool.
ladywithspinninghead
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
OMG, that crowd outside their hotel is insane. I've never seen anything like it.
Not even this week in Toronto during the Film Festival
mellow moog
War Child
The Chicago 1 show was a weird one for me.
The band were fantastic but I have to say the crowd were not exactly brilliant at least where I was which was about 9 or 10 people back outside rail slightly right of center.
I was at Cardiff in August and the crowd were electric so based on this it impacted how I enjoyed this show to some extent, not completely but did nonetheless which it shouldnt but there you go.
Almost nobody around me seemed to react to the new songs and wanted a greatest hits jukebox. Even the older songs I wouldnt say the crowd were over the top enthusiastic. This was very different to the GA crowd at United center in 05 so very strange.
The Crazy remix is absolutely BRILLIANT!!! I'm sorry but take U2 out of your rigid stereotype you put them in. They need this!!!! They need to be more challenging and that is what the crazy remix is!!! I desperately hope tonight we get them to try your Blue Room although based on last night's crowd (overall), I have my doubts it will be as appreciated as it should.
Oh by the way Wildhoneyalways, thanks for taking the time to put somehting here but make me turn up at 4:30 p.m. only to completely ignore my text messages and phone calls. Thanks there diehard!!!!Way to treat another diehard!!!!!
The band were fantastic but I have to say the crowd were not exactly brilliant at least where I was which was about 9 or 10 people back outside rail slightly right of center.
I was at Cardiff in August and the crowd were electric so based on this it impacted how I enjoyed this show to some extent, not completely but did nonetheless which it shouldnt but there you go.
Almost nobody around me seemed to react to the new songs and wanted a greatest hits jukebox. Even the older songs I wouldnt say the crowd were over the top enthusiastic. This was very different to the GA crowd at United center in 05 so very strange.
The Crazy remix is absolutely BRILLIANT!!! I'm sorry but take U2 out of your rigid stereotype you put them in. They need this!!!! They need to be more challenging and that is what the crazy remix is!!! I desperately hope tonight we get them to try your Blue Room although based on last night's crowd (overall), I have my doubts it will be as appreciated as it should.
Oh by the way Wildhoneyalways, thanks for taking the time to put somehting here but make me turn up at 4:30 p.m. only to completely ignore my text messages and phone calls. Thanks there diehard!!!!Way to treat another diehard!!!!!
Pamelakellett
Refugee
jump onto the bridge, you got to be american to try that
Not quite
I saw it happen at Croke night 3, Wembley night 1 and Sheffield............security don`t like it at all though and its a guaranteed way of getting thrown out
thankyou
Refugee
Drove out from Minneapolis for the show. Got there right at 6:45 and parked. Had to find a cash machine at the north garage first, but parking staff was helpful and got me to the right place. I was eyeing the new stage and couldn't believe it. It's just kick-ass! Was looking for my seat right when Snow Patrol started. I was pumped! They were very good! Really enjoyed them very much, they carry a good show. The lead singer was charming.
Now for U2.
Really enjoyed the set list, especially the new songs, "magnificent" live is pure ENERGY!! The bridges were nice, it gave the show it's moments. although some of the older song selections were predictable, but hey, i love them all. Maybe it wasn't the most original of setlists, but the guys put on an awesome show. Bono had so much energy, I felt bad that the audience wasn't the same energy as other shows I've been to. (I had a seat) But I noticed that people in their seats were not the same energy as other times I've been to a U2 show. A lot of them were sitting, few standing, or dancing. You could tell they were enjoying it very much,but just not getting into it as much. At least around my section. The Ga section (inside the circle) were high energy, but only during certain songs. I felt the new songs were not getting the same response as the older ones.
I actually ended up moving, because i was the end seat of a row, and more people were coming in and out of the row, that it was constant interruptions. Hey, people, aren't you here for the songs/show? or the beer? (and consequently bathroom).
Anyways, I LOVED it!! I found a place actually closer. I did end up standing on the stairs, but had a better view than before. The screen is impressive. I actually loved the remix of "I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight", especially the opening video, with the guys nodding their heads. It was way cool.
It would probably be allright if Bono didn't hang and swing from the microphone during the 3rd set, although he does a good job of swinging while singing!! It's just not necessary, imo. But then again, Bono can do just about anything, it only makes him more endearing to me. Can't get the boy out of the man, that's for sure.
Anyways, hope it gives a little insight on the show. Didn't take any pictures, because my past experience is that there are always more fantastic close up pics than what i can take, since i have a seat, the people in the GA get way better shots.
Now just hoping and wishing they'll come to minnesota during the second leg of the america tour. All in all, awesome night, the guys gave their all, Bono jumped at least as high and as many times as he ever has , high energy show, and i love how at the very end they all walked off together. It sure made the audience that were in the "back" area excited, since they walked right by them, and they sure deserved it. I kept thinking how funny it would be if they would have been able to walk off in slow motion, like in the movies. 
Now for U2.
Really enjoyed the set list, especially the new songs, "magnificent" live is pure ENERGY!! The bridges were nice, it gave the show it's moments. although some of the older song selections were predictable, but hey, i love them all. Maybe it wasn't the most original of setlists, but the guys put on an awesome show. Bono had so much energy, I felt bad that the audience wasn't the same energy as other shows I've been to. (I had a seat) But I noticed that people in their seats were not the same energy as other times I've been to a U2 show. A lot of them were sitting, few standing, or dancing. You could tell they were enjoying it very much,but just not getting into it as much. At least around my section. The Ga section (inside the circle) were high energy, but only during certain songs. I felt the new songs were not getting the same response as the older ones.I actually ended up moving, because i was the end seat of a row, and more people were coming in and out of the row, that it was constant interruptions. Hey, people, aren't you here for the songs/show? or the beer? (and consequently bathroom).
Anyways, I LOVED it!! I found a place actually closer. I did end up standing on the stairs, but had a better view than before. The screen is impressive. I actually loved the remix of "I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight", especially the opening video, with the guys nodding their heads. It was way cool.
It would probably be allright if Bono didn't hang and swing from the microphone during the 3rd set, although he does a good job of swinging while singing!! It's just not necessary, imo. But then again, Bono can do just about anything, it only makes him more endearing to me. Can't get the boy out of the man, that's for sure.
Anyways, hope it gives a little insight on the show. Didn't take any pictures, because my past experience is that there are always more fantastic close up pics than what i can take, since i have a seat, the people in the GA get way better shots.
Now just hoping and wishing they'll come to minnesota during the second leg of the america tour. All in all, awesome night, the guys gave their all, Bono jumped at least as high and as many times as he ever has
, high energy show, and i love how at the very end they all walked off together. It sure made the audience that were in the "back" area excited, since they walked right by them, and they sure deserved it. I kept thinking how funny it would be if they would have been able to walk off in slow motion, like in the movies. 
VintagePunk
Blue Crack Distributor
Okay, that is fucking insane. Why? Why would anyone line up a block down the street to catch a glimpse of a few people leaving a hotel?
Last tour I went to their hotel with friends who were trying to meet them, but since I'd already met them in Toronto, I hung back from the crowd, and just watched. And when I say "crowd," I'm talking like *maybe* 200 people. Just in front of the hotel. Not lined up down both sides of the entire block.
In short and less essay like than what I will write for the front page:
Loved the show, perhaps my best ever: a completely reborn band & a ragingly reborn fandom for this writer. Getting Bad sealed the deal on an absolutely stellar night for me & my lovely companion.
The sound depends on where you sit, which is a big challenge. We were side/rear (Edge's) stage in the 200s.
The stadium lip of the 300s hung over our seats, making our $100 tickets some of the worst in the house: muffled sound & obscured view of SpaceClaw.
But we did what we had to & formed a small standing section with some other fans & luckily schmoozed security to leave us be. We moved more rear than side and had amazing sound and view for the whole show. We had an awesome view of the band's entry.
Our little crowd were all into it. But I do have to wonder why some fans are so sedate at shows. But tonight, I know my Dad will *love* it, but he is almost 70 and very physically challenged, so he may not show it.
I'm going to have to disagree about a few things. One, I think the setlist is awesome, with Bad taking it to the top level for me. While I would have traded Elevation and Stuck for any number of other songs, they were great for what they were. Second, Walk On is incredible WITH and BECAUSE of the statement. The kids parading with masks moved me, and I think it was creatively choreographed. Hats off to the guy I saw wearing a kilt and wearing a mask. I hope he got some photo ops.
Most importantly, the crazy "Crazy" is crazy in the best sense. And "Moment of Surrender" is an epic, spiritual, perfect closer. Also, getting the "40" snippet with "Bad" is having your cake and eating it too.
All said, the band sounded phenomenal. Bono's voice is the strongest thing I've ever heard; every cosmic epic gospel-opera falsetto element for sure. I think the gravel we heard was only on Ultraviolet & WOWY & enhanced by the distortion on the steering-wheel, boxing-match mic.
Edge's playing powered its way into my body, especially on the new material on tracks like Unknown Caller and Moment, reminded me why he is the Edge and gets to be in a movie with Jack White and Jimmy Page.
Larry rocked that djembe and that drum kit with focused, pulsing desperation, like his life depended on his playing. During streets, the drums were further front to the mix than I remember, and it rattled me deep inside.
Adam is the shit as always. Calm, sexy, graceful. At some points, the bass was so thick I thought it might implode the steel and concrete with gloriously thick and creamy thumpiness.
I refuse to apologize for my love for this band, at this time, with this set, in these massive canyons of human unity and folly. Both U2 and Snow Patrol insisted on showering Chicago with prideful, hometown love. Amazing feeling here.
Loved the show, perhaps my best ever: a completely reborn band & a ragingly reborn fandom for this writer. Getting Bad sealed the deal on an absolutely stellar night for me & my lovely companion.
The sound depends on where you sit, which is a big challenge. We were side/rear (Edge's) stage in the 200s.
The stadium lip of the 300s hung over our seats, making our $100 tickets some of the worst in the house: muffled sound & obscured view of SpaceClaw.
But we did what we had to & formed a small standing section with some other fans & luckily schmoozed security to leave us be. We moved more rear than side and had amazing sound and view for the whole show. We had an awesome view of the band's entry.
Our little crowd were all into it. But I do have to wonder why some fans are so sedate at shows. But tonight, I know my Dad will *love* it, but he is almost 70 and very physically challenged, so he may not show it.
I'm going to have to disagree about a few things. One, I think the setlist is awesome, with Bad taking it to the top level for me. While I would have traded Elevation and Stuck for any number of other songs, they were great for what they were. Second, Walk On is incredible WITH and BECAUSE of the statement. The kids parading with masks moved me, and I think it was creatively choreographed. Hats off to the guy I saw wearing a kilt and wearing a mask. I hope he got some photo ops.
Most importantly, the crazy "Crazy" is crazy in the best sense. And "Moment of Surrender" is an epic, spiritual, perfect closer. Also, getting the "40" snippet with "Bad" is having your cake and eating it too.
All said, the band sounded phenomenal. Bono's voice is the strongest thing I've ever heard; every cosmic epic gospel-opera falsetto element for sure. I think the gravel we heard was only on Ultraviolet & WOWY & enhanced by the distortion on the steering-wheel, boxing-match mic.
Edge's playing powered its way into my body, especially on the new material on tracks like Unknown Caller and Moment, reminded me why he is the Edge and gets to be in a movie with Jack White and Jimmy Page.
Larry rocked that djembe and that drum kit with focused, pulsing desperation, like his life depended on his playing. During streets, the drums were further front to the mix than I remember, and it rattled me deep inside.
Adam is the shit as always. Calm, sexy, graceful. At some points, the bass was so thick I thought it might implode the steel and concrete with gloriously thick and creamy thumpiness.
I refuse to apologize for my love for this band, at this time, with this set, in these massive canyons of human unity and folly. Both U2 and Snow Patrol insisted on showering Chicago with prideful, hometown love. Amazing feeling here.
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