Rock News
U2 Rocket Ship Mesmorises Brisbane Post by: Bangers & Madame H 9 December, 2010 - 1:14 AM
The U2 International Space Station took over Suncorp Stadium for the night with their record-breaking 360 tour. Yes, U2 are genuine, bonefide rock stars.
And yes, U2 rocked Brisbane.
The setlist was peppered with old and new hits including "I Will Follow", "Mysterious Ways", "Vertigo", "Where The Streets Have No Name", "Elevation" and "Ultraviolet".
With a massive catalogue there was always bound to be the odd song missed out (no "Desire", "Even Better Than The Real Thing", "New Year's Day") but how much can you cram into 2 hours and 15 minutes?
Bono got the gig off to one hell of start praising his Brisbane fans. "Allow us to let us kiss your arse for one moment. Thank you for the life you've given us."
Bono strutted around the stage, his natural domain with the Edge and Adam Clayton more than happy doing the occasional lap as well.
A brief sprinkle of rain was all we got, enough though for a mechanical umbrella to deploy and cover drummer Larry Mullen Jnr. Yep, this stage has got it all.
The importance of this day 30 years ago when John Lennon was murdered was not forgotten with Bono paying tribute to the singer (watch video below).
You knew all the words, all the songs (perhaps fumbling through of the lyrics of the newer ones) and the crowd was in fine voice.
Bono appeared to have a couple of blips, at one point tearing out his ear piece and on another occasion losing his voice momentarily during "With Or Without You".
A criticism? Hmmm... It should have finished one song earlier... "With Or Without You" would have been perfect but, not unlike the monstrous stage they just had to go that one step further.
Setlist
- Return Of The Stingray Guitar
- Beautiful Day
- I Will Follow
- Get On Your Boots
- Magnificent
- Mysterious Ways
- Rain (snippet)
- Elevation
- Until The End Of The World
- I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
- Stand By Me (snippet)
- North Star
- Pride (In The Name Of Love)
- In A Little While
- Miss Sarajevo
- City Of Blinding Lights
- Vertigo
- Thunderstruck (snippet)
- I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
- Two Tribes (snippet)
- Sunday Bloody Sunday
- Scarlet
- Walk On / You'll Never Walk Alone (snippet)
- One
- Dear Prudence (snippet)
- Where The Streets Have No Name
- All You Need Is Love (snippet)
- Ultra Violet (Light My Way)
- With Or Without You
- Moment of Surrender
U2's World Rock Extravaganza
Amazing pics of what to expect from U2 whilst they're in Oz.
See the global 360 pics
Leave your comment
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Joe says
Simply the best day of my life, except getting married although quite close. Last song was not needed and what was Bono's voice - did he throw a tanty in the middle?
Posted Thursday 9 December, 2010 2:09 AM -
Lorraine says
Yeah, I was in inner circle and saw Bono rip out his ear piece. He seemed to lose his voice - hope all ok for my second viewing tonight,
Posted Thursday 9 December, 2010 2:11 AM -
Fred Hermes says
Breathtaking in every way!
Posted Thursday 9 December, 2010 4:13 AM -
Brad Holcroft says
Disappointed some good sound however and have seen them in far better form, many fans however seemed to enjoy it.
The stadium venue loses sound quality. I would rather have them without all the unrequired equipment in a smaller venue where sound and not sight is the priority.
Posted Thursday 9 December, 2010 8:05 AM -
Kerry says
I now understand why u2 are reportedly the best band in the world, last night was the absolute best concert I have ever been too. Vale John Lennon.
Posted Thursday 9 December, 2010 10:37 AM -
Jaz says
Highly disappointing night for my husband and me - it was a visual overload at the expense of good acoustics. The irony was that the blasting music drowned out Bono's voice! We spent about $500 and went to Brisbane determined to enjoy the event but could hardly hear the lyrics. Initially, I thought it was just me. But when we were leaving, a large queue near us was comparing notes and we all shared that we felt disappointed by the poor sound quality. It's a real shame as U2 is legendary for good performances but perhaps the fault lies with Suncorp stadium acoustics...I honestly feel we have been ripped off!
Posted Thursday 9 December, 2010 10:48 AM -
Lutz says
I am stunned that anyone could have been disappointed with the sound quality. I can't justify spending $500 to see any concert but I thought everything about the show was absolutely amazing. If you're not impressed by a performance like that then you are simply hard to please.
Posted Thursday 9 December, 2010 11:33 AM -
Louise Mc Donald says
A powerful experience for me personally to see them sing the songs that have been the melody for my life. I appreciated how respectful they were to their audience in expressing gratitude, and hope they somehow know grateful I am for the experience of seeing them live. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life - up there with birth of kids and wedding day. Thank you U2.
Posted Thursday 9 December, 2010 11:41 AM -
Clay Djubal says
I share Jaz's assessment. A truly disappointing concert in terms of sound. The worst I've encountered in more than 30 years. The visuals were spectacular, but U2 seemed constrained and didn't work the outer ring with any real gusto. I'm glad I didn't have seats at the rear because this area was largely overlooked by the band.
Lutz, you were either in a very privileged position or you have absolutely no understanding of acoustic production. My friends and I were situated in D section, about 15 degrees off centre and mid-way up the side. The whole night was a rumble of reverberation. Larry Mullen Jnr might as well not have bothered playing we only ever heard him in the quiet bits, and then hardly at all.
There was no separation of sound between the guitar and bass except when The Edge played the occasional lead. We could hear the lead vocals but whenever Bono, the band or others spoke (e.g. Desmond Tutu) we couldn't make out a word they were saying.
I agree that the problem was probably the fault of the Suncorp design. It's effectively an enclosed concrete venue, so the sound just bounced around all over the place. Given that the sound production team would have had access to the venue's specifications I'm disappointed that they chose to continue with their plans to play there.
ANZ or the Gabba would have most likely solved the sound bounce problems. I'll certainly never pay to see any act at Suncorp again.
Posted Thursday 9 December, 2010 12:52 PM -
Bob says
I think the concert was awesome. That is the second time I have seen U2 and for me and this was even better than the last. I was sitting in the second level at the end of the stadium (behind the band). I paid 40 bucks for the tickets and the sound was awesome. I saw everything and heard everything!
I can't understand why you had bad levels because where I was, it was clear.
The sounds was not as bad as what some disgruntled people make out either.
I am also a recording/mixing engineer and know a little about acoustics,The audio team is a fine job under the circumstances, it wouldn't be easy to mix from 4 sides. To the people who complain, why by a ticket in the first place, nothing better to do? Get a Life and stop being a whinge bucket!
Did Bono's voice give out or was there mic technical issues?
Truly a night to remember.
Well done U2, I will be seeing you when you bring your next creation to Brisbane.
Posted Thursday 9 December, 2010 2:02 PM
