Tuesday, November 23, 2004
U2 Surprises NYC
U2 surprised New Yorker's yesterday, November 22nd by playing around the streets of Manhattan and a surprise concert in between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. In the states promoting their new CD, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,"(Available in Stores today) the band ripped through a set of incredible new songs, as well as 3 songs from the past. (The show will be broadcast on MTV on December 8th.) Here is the set list as reported on the fansite U2log.com.
Vertigo (Take one)
All Because Of You
Miracle Drug
Sometimes You Can’t…
City Of Blinding Lights
Original Of The Species
She’s A Mystery To Me
Beautiful Day
I Will Follow
(Encore)
Out Of Control
Vertigo (Take two)
The not so surprise show was all the buzz on the internet over the weekend. I was dying to tell my friends about it, but had been sworn to secrecy, as they had not officially announced it yet. Sorry for the crappy quality of the pictures, we arrived late and were not able to get our passes for the event.
In any event, the show was incredible and U2 has a special bond with NYC. After 9/11, the band provided a salve to the anger and pain that we all felt after that tragic day. It lifted our spirits and brought us together as one. The Irish contingent were in the house and were excited as all hell to see their fellow countrymen rocking their adopted home.
I have had the privilege of listening to the new album for a few weeks and I can safely say it is one of their best to date. Having been a fan since 1982, it is their most mature release yet. It combines all of the elements of what makes U2 the best band in the world today. I say that in regards to their ability to release strong, emphatic, anthemic, emotionally bonding, records that sell like hotcakes. But it is their live shows are where it all comes together. Always appealing to the spirit, the band connects to the audience on so many levels. It is also amaziing that they have in their 30-plus years together, that they have been able to avoid the ridiculousness of stardom and maintain a rock solid integrity and a engagement with the world around them that few bands ever approach, save for Fugazi and The Clash. I hope that they continue to bless us all for many more years.
Vertigo (Take one)
All Because Of You
Miracle Drug
Sometimes You Can’t…
City Of Blinding Lights
Original Of The Species
She’s A Mystery To Me
Beautiful Day
I Will Follow
(Encore)
Out Of Control
Vertigo (Take two)
The not so surprise show was all the buzz on the internet over the weekend. I was dying to tell my friends about it, but had been sworn to secrecy, as they had not officially announced it yet. Sorry for the crappy quality of the pictures, we arrived late and were not able to get our passes for the event.
In any event, the show was incredible and U2 has a special bond with NYC. After 9/11, the band provided a salve to the anger and pain that we all felt after that tragic day. It lifted our spirits and brought us together as one. The Irish contingent were in the house and were excited as all hell to see their fellow countrymen rocking their adopted home.
I have had the privilege of listening to the new album for a few weeks and I can safely say it is one of their best to date. Having been a fan since 1982, it is their most mature release yet. It combines all of the elements of what makes U2 the best band in the world today. I say that in regards to their ability to release strong, emphatic, anthemic, emotionally bonding, records that sell like hotcakes. But it is their live shows are where it all comes together. Always appealing to the spirit, the band connects to the audience on so many levels. It is also amaziing that they have in their 30-plus years together, that they have been able to avoid the ridiculousness of stardom and maintain a rock solid integrity and a engagement with the world around them that few bands ever approach, save for Fugazi and The Clash. I hope that they continue to bless us all for many more years.
