lovezeuser
The Fly
So, wondering if NLOTH or UC were on the original set list.....
The intermission could have been shorter to make up for time......
September 29, 2009, Fedex Field
- Thread starter ramblin rose
- Start date
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So, wondering if NLOTH or UC were on the original set list.....
The intermission could have been shorter to make up for time......
Irvine511
Blue Crack Supplier
weird -- i was in Row, like, 23 or so? everyone around me was awesome.
but i also don't notice other people that much when U2 is playing. i was proud of people for not sitting down during YBR. people did pee then, though.
someone i work with saw it as well, and she was blow away by the show.
lovezeuser
The Fly
Now you can wear that to Raleigh as well!! Oh wait, what's the weather supposed to be like on Sat?
Hmmm...let me check out Raleigh. High 77, Low 55 30% chance of showers
Definitely going to need it in Charlottesville since it's so close to the mountains.
vjacqb
New Yorker
What the venue security did sounds awesome!! Kimla was there too? Is she on this board? I can never forget her for bringing the boxes of doughnuts to the NJ1 line! What an angel!
And Amy and Julie were there? That must have been an awesome group! I'm glad you ended this year's tour with a high note.
lovezeuser
The Fly
My husband took a pee break during YBR too! But, he also bought a pair of earplugs before the show!
skjuls
Refugee
Yes, Kimla was there and she is occasionally on the boards here.
Security was great until the ticket scan. Only two ticket scanners for ten chutes and once again, not enough women!
Also, the security to check bags and to pat us down were volunteers, military volunteers. Ours was a Marine but the rest were Air Force. They were really cool.
My ticket didn't get scanned if I had then I would not have gotten a good spot.
They did enforce the no Running which was nice!
ntalwar
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
Someone else did rapid fire thoughts, so I'll do one as well:
1.) The Claw was not as huge as I imagined . It's really wide, but I thought it would be taller.
I think that's because it was at Fedex Field, the largest NFL stadium, which is very tall. It is really impressive and a great feat of engineering though.
2.) The inner circle seemed to empty a little after Muse (Muse fans leaving?). So, I got a pretty decent spot in there, after walking over from RZ1. Some of the more prime spots of the inner circle resemble a crowded Tokyo subway car. I don't see how one can enjoy the music in those conditions.
Too many distractions from people talking, walking past, tapping you to move, etc.
3.) The acoustics were so-so. There was too much reverb and echo I thought.
4.)RZ got a little crowded later on. The bridges did stop there a few times, and band members walked by. It was nice to have basically a "all-floor" access pass (i.e. RZ wristband). It is nice to have a seat in there, which I used before U2 and during One.
5.)Some people won inner circle wristbands, and some people had something called a "Day Pass" badge (in the circle). I hadn't heard of those before.
6.)Songs like Elevation and Vertigo aren't loved in the setlist parties. But they really get the crowd on their feet and singing and cheering.
7.)The band members seem to "speed walk" a lot on the circle. Slow down a bit, guys
.
8.) Not too many people seemed to be singing along in the side part of the circle. The middle part was a different story.
9.) The "no camera" policy seemed to work - only 10% of fans had point-and-shoots. I brought in mine.
10.) Fedex field has a lot of room for improvement in all areas for putting on a concert. They should stick to football.
11.) It was great to see people on their feet and with their arms in the air from the front row all the way to the furthest nosebleeds away all-around.
12.) After the show, the crew doesn't waste a single minute in starting the tear-down. They did a lot in just a few minutes.
1.) The Claw was not as huge as I imagined . It's really wide, but I thought it would be taller.
I think that's because it was at Fedex Field, the largest NFL stadium, which is very tall. It is really impressive and a great feat of engineering though.
2.) The inner circle seemed to empty a little after Muse (Muse fans leaving?). So, I got a pretty decent spot in there, after walking over from RZ1. Some of the more prime spots of the inner circle resemble a crowded Tokyo subway car. I don't see how one can enjoy the music in those conditions.
Too many distractions from people talking, walking past, tapping you to move, etc.
3.) The acoustics were so-so. There was too much reverb and echo I thought.
4.)RZ got a little crowded later on. The bridges did stop there a few times, and band members walked by. It was nice to have basically a "all-floor" access pass (i.e. RZ wristband). It is nice to have a seat in there, which I used before U2 and during One.
5.)Some people won inner circle wristbands, and some people had something called a "Day Pass" badge (in the circle). I hadn't heard of those before.
6.)Songs like Elevation and Vertigo aren't loved in the setlist parties. But they really get the crowd on their feet and singing and cheering.
7.)The band members seem to "speed walk" a lot on the circle. Slow down a bit, guys
.8.) Not too many people seemed to be singing along in the side part of the circle. The middle part was a different story.
9.) The "no camera" policy seemed to work - only 10% of fans had point-and-shoots. I brought in mine.
10.) Fedex field has a lot of room for improvement in all areas for putting on a concert. They should stick to football.
11.) It was great to see people on their feet and with their arms in the air from the front row all the way to the furthest nosebleeds away all-around.
12.) After the show, the crew doesn't waste a single minute in starting the tear-down. They did a lot in just a few minutes.
donkeytimes
The Fly
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2009
- Messages
- 150
Hello all,
I was at the show last night. I was there early and saw the U2 motorcade, 3 black SUV's and one Mercedes sedan.
They did a soundcheck on YBR, Beautiful Day, Breathe, a clip of I Still Haven't Found, MOS and a quick snip of Streets. Basically a line check.
The Show was good - not great, just missed something from the band and the crowd together. It might just be Fed Ex, most people in DC hate that place, its pretty big, pretty Vanilla. The night air was rather cool, the coldest its been here in the D.C. this early fall.
I would expect a more interesting event in on Thurs. night down in Charlottesville Va. at UVA which is a total college town, that stadium only seats 61 thousand people.
I would have liked to have heard No Line, Bad, etc. But I know the odds of hearing Bad -- where they only play one gig per city is not going to likely happen. Need a multiple night show for that (a la Toronto or something.)
Bono needs to nix bringing the kid on stage. Gets on my nerves more than the political stuff and speeches. As for politics last night, I think Bono did a pretty good job of not going on and on too much.
I also thought One sounded good. Not sure why, maybe cause it was cold outside. Made me think back to the Achtung Baby era.
I am a pretty solid U2 fan, but even I dipped out of the show when MOS started, as I knew that was my queue to get a leg up on the parking sitation. That was the right move. I have heard MOS enough times (and I did hear the soundcheck of it) so...my reward was getting home in 45 mins. I did miss seeing the show performance of it.
I will see U2 again on this tour when it rolls around again next year. Will be curious to see what stays, etc.
U2 are pro though, they do work to try and fit in songs to reward the snarky super fans like us, and the more common fan wanting to hear the hits. I know its not easy for them.
-Donkey
I was at the show last night. I was there early and saw the U2 motorcade, 3 black SUV's and one Mercedes sedan.
They did a soundcheck on YBR, Beautiful Day, Breathe, a clip of I Still Haven't Found, MOS and a quick snip of Streets. Basically a line check.
The Show was good - not great, just missed something from the band and the crowd together. It might just be Fed Ex, most people in DC hate that place, its pretty big, pretty Vanilla. The night air was rather cool, the coldest its been here in the D.C. this early fall.
I would expect a more interesting event in on Thurs. night down in Charlottesville Va. at UVA which is a total college town, that stadium only seats 61 thousand people.
I would have liked to have heard No Line, Bad, etc. But I know the odds of hearing Bad -- where they only play one gig per city is not going to likely happen. Need a multiple night show for that (a la Toronto or something.)
Bono needs to nix bringing the kid on stage. Gets on my nerves more than the political stuff and speeches. As for politics last night, I think Bono did a pretty good job of not going on and on too much.
I also thought One sounded good. Not sure why, maybe cause it was cold outside. Made me think back to the Achtung Baby era.
I am a pretty solid U2 fan, but even I dipped out of the show when MOS started, as I knew that was my queue to get a leg up on the parking sitation. That was the right move. I have heard MOS enough times (and I did hear the soundcheck of it) so...my reward was getting home in 45 mins. I did miss seeing the show performance of it.
I will see U2 again on this tour when it rolls around again next year. Will be curious to see what stays, etc.
U2 are pro though, they do work to try and fit in songs to reward the snarky super fans like us, and the more common fan wanting to hear the hits. I know its not easy for them.
-Donkey
11 Oclocktictoc
The Fly
Was it me or did Adams bass drop out in Beautiful Day for most of the song???
donkeytimes
The Fly
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2009
- Messages
- 150
Might have, I couldn't tell. Stadium sound was rather echo filled. It's a steep bowl of a stadium. The Screen cutting out in Magnificent was a "hear we go again moment."
I know a lot of people were commenting on Bono's talk singing of WOWY, kinda funny.
Also, New Years Day sounded good on a coldish night, with the smoke machine's blazing. Was fitting for that song. Look pretty cool.
I know a lot of people were commenting on Bono's talk singing of WOWY, kinda funny.
Also, New Years Day sounded good on a coldish night, with the smoke machine's blazing. Was fitting for that song. Look pretty cool.
one4u2
ONE love, blood, life
I like outer rail because you can see the entire spectacle! The Pit was just a different experience and I jumped and jumped.
Plus, I was up front for Muse!
I'm ready for you guys
PopMart2005
The Fly
I was there last night, my sixth U2 show. Probably in the top 3 in terms of how the band actually sounded. Bono's voice sounded good to me, which at this point I am always worried about.
The crowd was very late arriving. When they turned the lights on after Muse, there were still probably 30,000 empty seats, including a huge number of empty good seats. By the end of the opening song, the place was full.
I was excited for Your Blue Room, if just for the novelty. I've given up on anything from Pop being played, but if you think that out of Pop-Passengers-Zooropa we're only hearing one song and it's from Passengers... well, a bit of a bummer.
I thought the night's version of New Year's Day, dedicated to Ted Kennedy, was one of the better that I've heard, and I love the Crazy Tonight remix.
The crowd was very late arriving. When they turned the lights on after Muse, there were still probably 30,000 empty seats, including a huge number of empty good seats. By the end of the opening song, the place was full.
I was excited for Your Blue Room, if just for the novelty. I've given up on anything from Pop being played, but if you think that out of Pop-Passengers-Zooropa we're only hearing one song and it's from Passengers... well, a bit of a bummer.
I thought the night's version of New Year's Day, dedicated to Ted Kennedy, was one of the better that I've heard, and I love the Crazy Tonight remix.
vjacqb
New Yorker
That's great. I wonder if this is because there were all these VIPs there (Pelosi, and who knows who else), and there was probably a strong military presence at the stadium, including snipers. What with that terror alert that came out just a few days ago... So sudden movements and chaotic running may be the last thing those snipers needed to see...
I showed up at 3:00 for RZ, and there were only 6 people in front of me in line. At first I thought I was in the wrong place because there were so few people there. I ended up on the rail at the front of RZ 1, and I think I could have shown up almost an hour later and still been on the rail. The section didn't really fill until after Muse.
I saw several people being taken off the floor by security, presumably for medical issues. The first was a pregnant woman, then an older man and a couple of women who were with him, and then another guy I'd seen at Taco Bell earlier in the afternoon. Heh. Not sure what happened with any of them.
Predictably, the crowd went dead for UF and YBR. I fear YBR won't last long, but hopefully it will. It was really special to hear it live.
It was a good show overall, but I was disappointed that they dropped NLOTH and UC. Hopefully they'll reappear tomorrow night.
I saw several people being taken off the floor by security, presumably for medical issues. The first was a pregnant woman, then an older man and a couple of women who were with him, and then another guy I'd seen at Taco Bell earlier in the afternoon. Heh. Not sure what happened with any of them.
Predictably, the crowd went dead for UF and YBR. I fear YBR won't last long, but hopefully it will. It was really special to hear it live.
It was a good show overall, but I was disappointed that they dropped NLOTH and UC. Hopefully they'll reappear tomorrow night.
U2@NYC
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
I was there last night. Loved the show. But I need to criticize the crowd - I mean, everyone was so quiet even though Bono tried to rile them up! No wonder U2 is shooting all its DVDs and films in Latin America or Europe these days. I am sorry, but American fans are too cold.
And If tyu are a true UE fan, you cannot leave a conceret early...
And If tyu are a true UE fan, you cannot leave a conceret early...
Irvine511
Blue Crack Supplier
again, people in my section were great. 
i also think that there's the undeniable fact that U2's audience are largely made of people in their 30s and 40s. the kids jump around, adults not as much. and it was a Tuesday night, so people aren't going to get as drunk as they might on a weekend.
i also think that there's the undeniable fact that U2's audience are largely made of people in their 30s and 40s. the kids jump around, adults not as much. and it was a Tuesday night, so people aren't going to get as drunk as they might on a weekend.
donkeytimes
The Fly
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2009
- Messages
- 150
What is a UE fan?
I left early as I know Moment of Surrender was the last tune, why not beat the traffic in a less than specatcular stadium. I saw what I needed to see - and I DO like Moment of Surrender. Please though, lets not get feisty with who a true fan is and isn't. That isn't the U2 way either.
I left early as I know Moment of Surrender was the last tune, why not beat the traffic in a less than specatcular stadium. I saw what I needed to see - and I DO like Moment of Surrender. Please though, lets not get feisty with who a true fan is and isn't. That isn't the U2 way either.
donkeytimes
The Fly
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2009
- Messages
- 150
I would agree- a Tues. night in a hard to get somewhat "non" urban setting and coolish night isn't going to lead to many drunks at FedEx field for U2. This will equal tame crowd.
It might be a different story if the Redskins were playing.
It might be a different story if the Redskins were playing.
2morrow
War Child
This being my first U2 show ever, I had an amazing time! I was in the inner circle, about four back from the rail in between Edge and Bono....I didn't expect them to seem so close!
I was near the tall blond Muse fanboy and the NJ lady who was not letting anyone cut into our prime space (she was hilarious!). Great time, definitely doing GA again when they roll back around in the spring.
Highlights for me:
- Played euchre w/ some fans in the GA line
- Intro w/ Space Oddity and Kingdom
- Breathe was
- Stand By Me snippet
- Walk On was inspirational, more so for me than usual. The masks weren't a big deal where I was standing; a few people held them up, others wore them on the back of their heads and the eyeholes looked sort of creepy
- One sounded REALLY good, even though I was expecting it to be flat I mean, we got "here us coming"!!
-Wasn't bad getting out of the stadium...I parked in the Grey Lot and just took some random back road most of the lot wasn't using
I was near the tall blond Muse fanboy and the NJ lady who was not letting anyone cut into our prime space (she was hilarious!). Great time, definitely doing GA again when they roll back around in the spring.Highlights for me:
- Played euchre w/ some fans in the GA line
- Intro w/ Space Oddity and Kingdom
- Breathe was
- Stand By Me snippet
- Walk On was inspirational, more so for me than usual. The masks weren't a big deal where I was standing; a few people held them up, others wore them on the back of their heads and the eyeholes looked sort of creepy
- One sounded REALLY good, even though I was expecting it to be flat
I mean, we got "here us coming"!!-Wasn't bad getting out of the stadium...I parked in the Grey Lot and just took some random back road most of the lot wasn't using
2morrow
War Child
I know....I tried to jump around a few times, but didn't want to be rude and bump the people around me in the already-packed inner circle. I just want it to be like a moving sea of fans, like in the DVDs (coughSLANEcough). Is that too much to ask for??
last unicorn
Blue Crack Addict
Audience atmosphere has nothing to do with age or alcohol.
At most shows I've been to in Europe, there were people of all ages and only some of them seemed drunk, yet we partied like crazy.
Age and booze is a lame excuse.
At most shows I've been to in Europe, there were people of all ages and only some of them seemed drunk, yet we partied like crazy.
Age and booze is a lame excuse.
dizzy
Rock n' Roll Doggie
I have to agree with you on this one. I was a bit bothered esp. in the beginning when they were very quiet. I was jumping up and down and singing like crazy. The crowd picked up during Streets though, and during other songs, but I don't remember when anymore. I guess I just stopped paying attention and just enjoyed the show. It's funny though, most of the reviews in DC were pretty good. People (fans, casual fans, non-fans) were floored. Maybe that was part of the quietness. Maybe they were just in awe. Dunno.
Irvine511
Blue Crack Supplier
but it's also reality.
i've been to a european show, and many american shows. best crowds were in Boston and Philly, for me.
redhotswami
Blue Crack Addict
just you wait, things are gonna go crazy in OKLAHOMA!!!
speedracer
Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2001
- Messages
- 7,604
Just speaking for myself...I'm 30, my knees and lower back suck, and I barely drink. I will, however, screw up your bootleg recording by singing at maximum volume.
U2SJ
Refugee
Just curious... for the last few shows, how late have people been getting there and still been able to get into the pit?
coolian2
Blue Crack Supplier
i'm sure that what last unicorn is trying to say is that it's because the audience is american.
bgmckinney
Acrobat
I wanted to write a more comprehensive review later, but I'm going to the Charlottesville show tomorrow and I don't want my memories of the two nights to blur together.
My brother and I got in the queue around 1:00, after an hour of needless parking confusion courtesy of FedEx Field. We were 392 and 393 in line. They started letting people onto the field just before 5:00. We staked out a spot on the outside rail, then changed our minds and headed into the pit, where we found space against the ramp rail on Edge's side.
Security seemed to have no idea what was going on during the hours before the band came on. There was confusion over hand-stamping, re-admission to the field, and access to the portable toilets. After Muse's set, I left to use the bathroom and have a cigarette. None of the on-field portable toilets were open, except those in the Red Zone, despite the fact that FedEx field has notoriously unreliable facilities. I had to fight my way out of the Pit, which was overcrowded. Fighting my way back in to where my brother was holding our rail spot was nearly impossible. One woman refused to let me pass, and a man who had gotten in line after me challenged me and demanded to know what time I had arrived. By the time I got back to my brother, I had wasted over thirty minutes.
The band came on at 9:03. Muse had sounded muddy, so I was a little worried about the sound system, but it turned out to be excellent. The volume was perfect, the mix balanced, and Bono's voice clear.
The boys were in fine form. The opening salvo of new songs was shortened to three, all of which came across brilliantly (although I think the power of the music in "Boots" underscores the vacuity of the lyrics, which is the same problem I have with Elevation). Mysterious Ways still sounds massive live, even without the solo. New Year's Day provoked beautiful, primal, chilling screams from Bono - his voice was in great shape throughout, although once or twice it dropped out entirely because he wasn't holding anything back. And like several other posters, I was struck by how beautifully the acoustic version of Stuck came over. The band were smiling throughout the show, and my brother commented afterward that it was easy to see how much they enjoy playing with one another.
On a more reserved note: I've been waiting fourteen years to hear Your Blue Room live, and now that I have I think it was the low point of the set. The song is carried by Bono's falsetto, and the substitution of a taped version sucks the energy out of the song. The new bridge is lovely, though.
From where I was standing it was hard to judge the mood in the rest of the stadium. The pit seemed slightly more restrained than I would have expected, but I think that was because everyone was packed so tightly that no one had room to be exuberant. I've seen Bono pull children from the audience three times now, and it's never moved me one way or the other, but the sudden appearance of the man with the turban and the American flag on stage (I think he's been identified elsewhere here) was a welcome surprise and seemed to electrify the audience. And Sunday Bloody Sunday sounds brilliant on this tour.
Overall, it wasn't my best experience at a U2 show, but a lot of that has to do with being pressed so tightly in the back of the pit that I felt trapped. Tomorrow night we'll be arriving late and will be in the back of GA, so I'll see what kind of difference that makes.
My brother, by the way, who had only seen U2 once, was thrilled with everything and thought it was a flawless show.
My brother and I got in the queue around 1:00, after an hour of needless parking confusion courtesy of FedEx Field. We were 392 and 393 in line. They started letting people onto the field just before 5:00. We staked out a spot on the outside rail, then changed our minds and headed into the pit, where we found space against the ramp rail on Edge's side.
Security seemed to have no idea what was going on during the hours before the band came on. There was confusion over hand-stamping, re-admission to the field, and access to the portable toilets. After Muse's set, I left to use the bathroom and have a cigarette. None of the on-field portable toilets were open, except those in the Red Zone, despite the fact that FedEx field has notoriously unreliable facilities. I had to fight my way out of the Pit, which was overcrowded. Fighting my way back in to where my brother was holding our rail spot was nearly impossible. One woman refused to let me pass, and a man who had gotten in line after me challenged me and demanded to know what time I had arrived. By the time I got back to my brother, I had wasted over thirty minutes.
The band came on at 9:03. Muse had sounded muddy, so I was a little worried about the sound system, but it turned out to be excellent. The volume was perfect, the mix balanced, and Bono's voice clear.
The boys were in fine form. The opening salvo of new songs was shortened to three, all of which came across brilliantly (although I think the power of the music in "Boots" underscores the vacuity of the lyrics, which is the same problem I have with Elevation). Mysterious Ways still sounds massive live, even without the solo. New Year's Day provoked beautiful, primal, chilling screams from Bono - his voice was in great shape throughout, although once or twice it dropped out entirely because he wasn't holding anything back. And like several other posters, I was struck by how beautifully the acoustic version of Stuck came over. The band were smiling throughout the show, and my brother commented afterward that it was easy to see how much they enjoy playing with one another.
On a more reserved note: I've been waiting fourteen years to hear Your Blue Room live, and now that I have I think it was the low point of the set. The song is carried by Bono's falsetto, and the substitution of a taped version sucks the energy out of the song. The new bridge is lovely, though.
From where I was standing it was hard to judge the mood in the rest of the stadium. The pit seemed slightly more restrained than I would have expected, but I think that was because everyone was packed so tightly that no one had room to be exuberant. I've seen Bono pull children from the audience three times now, and it's never moved me one way or the other, but the sudden appearance of the man with the turban and the American flag on stage (I think he's been identified elsewhere here) was a welcome surprise and seemed to electrify the audience. And Sunday Bloody Sunday sounds brilliant on this tour.
Overall, it wasn't my best experience at a U2 show, but a lot of that has to do with being pressed so tightly in the back of the pit that I felt trapped. Tomorrow night we'll be arriving late and will be in the back of GA, so I'll see what kind of difference that makes.
My brother, by the way, who had only seen U2 once, was thrilled with everything and thought it was a flawless show.
ntalwar
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
As promised, show photos.
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