Ground Control to Major Tom…
That’s how the U2 360 Tour at Soldier Field started, with a recording by David Bowie.
Ground Control to Major Tom…
It took four days to build U2’s set. What is that? This is a ginormous set of space claws, expelling gasses and digital images bigger than a swimming pool. I came to the show with a healthy dose of skepticism about that monster, wondering if it would seem like a very big and empty gesture. The thing I noticed first is that U2 were brought down to size beneath this structure - they were no bigger than me or the people I came with. The set design is also about accessibility. You see, U2 are just like you and me. Our only differences are net worth and international fame. And special effects. But really, we're all the same.
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on…
The Olds (people older than me) learned lessons about social activism from Harriett Tubman and Bobby Kennedy. Not me. Back in my day, we were enlightened beneath the cascade of Bono’s mullet, as he sang about war with a beat we could dance to.
This is a picture of me dancing and taking pictures during “City of Blinding Light”.
I missed every preceding U2 tour. At 360 I ended up on the floor near the sound mixers. I could feel "Elevation" in my chest!
This is a haunted photo of my WOO WOO! during “Until the End of the World”.
After School Special Moments
You know there have to be several, right? Green lights for Iran. Singing along with “Amazing Grace”. Wearing Aung San Suu Kyi masks. A robot voice reading Stop All the Clocks by W.H. Auden.
Self-indulgence and idealism are two sides of the same coin. You can’t get to where they are without generous spending.
You will love this.
U2 on September 13, 2009
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