I have never been to a big stadium rock show like I saw U2 do at Soldier Field last night. It was truly incredible and the gargantuan, crab-like “space ship” structure built over the circular stage – supporting lights, 12 guys with follow spots, speakers, fog machines, and an expandable/contractable cylindrical video screen -- is hard to describe, but here is a video report:

http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2009/09/exclusive-behi...

(select the “exclusive behind the scenes look at U2 at soldier field” video among the other vids there)

And here is a good still foto of the space, and some stats:
http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2009/09/u2-brings-mons...

I preface the remarks by saying that I’m a big U2 fan – one of the few bands I listened to during my “years without music.” I share many of Bono’s political and religious views and I admire how he’s used his rockstar platform to do some good in the world, even if he is a little bombastic about it sometimes for my tastes.

They did 23 songs, about 2 hours’ worth, and seven of those were from the new album. A full setlist appears here:
http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2009/09/concert-review...

Full use was made of the multimedia capabilities…. Everything but the kitchen sink… pillars of light shooting into the sky, disco ball, many wild lighting/video effects, vertically expanding/contracting the vid screen (made of thousands of lozenge-shaped panels, enabling a solid effect to a broken-pieces effect), lots of walking round the circular walkway that surrounded the main stage like the rings of Saturn. The place was full – 65K people – both the seats and the standing room below. I was about halfway up on stage right, so at least not behind the stage. (which despite the “360 degrees tour” name, was still quite oriented to a “front” perspective. But the side perspective was fine, esp combined with the big screen.) Many true believers with U2 shirts from prior tours in evidence.

The sound was the best I have ever heard at a rock concert; lyrics were audible, for a change. I went away renewed in my admiration for the quiet virtuosity of The Edge, who also has a beautiful singing voice. “Magnificent” was a highlight for me, as was the “Moment of Surrender” done for the final encore, when some of the crowd was already leaving. But all the flash sort of got in the way of the music, for me. On “UltraViolet (Light My Way),” during the 2d set of encores, Bono came out with neon lights on his jacket and was swinging from a steering-wheel-shaped mic that was also lit with neon. It was just sort of silly, for my taste, though all good fun.

And of course there was a good deal of social commentary – the guy seems to be trying to save the whole world, lol – I mean, there was stuff about oppression of women in Iran, and a long version of “Walk On” dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese leader who’s been under house arrest for 20 years (complete with One campaign volunteers marching round the stage holding masks of her face, pretty OTT for my taste), and an inspirational video by Desmond Tutu regarding aid to Africa. I think Bono would do more good by sticking to the latter cause, since the “everything but the kitchen sink” approach sort of dilutes the message, for me. But if it’s “Get on Your Boots,” I guess you throw it all out there and let people pick what moves them. (David can take note – the way he gently touched on the Walk and then went forward was the right approach for a show, I think. Because I SUPPORT Bono’s causes, esp One, and even I was put off by the prosletyzing. Those less sympatico were likely even more bugged.)

From a purely musical standpoint? My favorite moments of the night were early on, before the full flash had been deployed, when a straightforward rocking version of “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” morphed into “Stand By Me.” Entire crowd standing and singing at that point, including some a capella sections. Very moving.

Followed by a wonderful acoustic version (Edge playing a Gibson Hummingbird and singing great backup vox) of “Stuck in a Moment.” Which I loved, since it has a lot of personal relevance presently. “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy” was given a sort of “house” vibe that I liked better than the album. I am extremely impressed with the power of Clayton’s bass work and Larry Mullen Jr.’s drumming. (Mullen is also very handsome.)

The foursome were working hard and it was good, but oddly enough, my other favorite moments were actually by Snow Patrol, the Irish indie band that’s already been touring this show in Europe with U2. I liked their music but also loved their pure sincerity at being thrilled to be in the venue and make their noise for us. It was a lot more innocent, a lot less calculated, and ultimately more moving to me. (A lot less “big” and “trying so hard,” I guess. And that is a matter of taste, because some folks just love the flash.)

To pull it back to David, I just have to say – I want him to get big as he wants to be. I have to want this, for him. I support his desire for it. But from a personal standpoint, I can only hope that he never totally abandons the smaller venues. Having now seen shows in tiny bars, mid-sized halls, arenas and a stadium? My satisfaction tends to be a lot better in the smaller places.

I want to feel connected, and this is hard to do in a huge venue, though I think U2’s approach with the design of the space was an effort to make that happen. But I’m ultimately a lot more moved by experiences in places like The Vic (OLP recently) or DC/tA at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro or Schuba’s with GRO last month. Where you feel like a fully present part of the experience, and there is reciprocity. (If I’d been on the ground last night, close to the stage, I might’ve felt that there, too. I am sure the GA folks had a very different experience than me up in the clouds.)

Just IMO. Go see U2, if you can. Worth the $$. (and confidential to Dave? Get a new merch designer. U2 has cooler shirts. Just sayin.)