Thought I'd dip back in again.
People seem to be arguing now based on 'that's just who U2 are', PJ are this, U2 are this. Apples/Oranges etc...
Thing is that it is only in the last 10 years that U2 have started becoming comfortable with the phrase 'that's just who we are'.
Beautiful Day Bono to Edge "it's too U2" --> Edge to Bono "we are U2". Now BD great song. Glad they wrote it.
But the whole 'this is who U2 are', this is what we do, is a fairly recent mindset from both fans and the band. It used to be 'we are U2' there is no line on the horizon.
So when people say it will be difficult for U2 to change set, night after night, because of lighting, pre-set mixes etc... That's the point! There's the problem!
They have defined for themselves a way of doing the live show, that is now incredibly inflexible.
And until they 'sack' Willie Williams (a metaphor for those who missed it), and change their mindset for live performances.
Now in reply to Bono, Edge, Larry & Adam who so graciously wrote a note in response.
I realise you've been in the business for 30 years. And you have been doing it for a while and you know what you're doing.
BUT that's what this guy said, who still today fills stadiums and 'really knows what he is doing'.
But he fills stadiums of people who also know that he is well and truly passed it.
They go to reminisce. Remember their youth.
1970s:
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LoginPlease don't mishear me. I'm not for an obscure set of songs they can't play any more. But mixing it up a bit.
What were the regulars on previous tours that have been dumped?
Vertigo tour:
Yahweh
Love and Peace
All Because of You
Miracle Drug??
Elevation:
Kite
New York
Stuck in a moment (band)
Popmart:
Discotheque
Staring at the Sun
Gone
Last Night on earth
Mofo
Please
Velvet Dress
Wake Up Dead Man
Now that's 15 songs that worked live, and that's only the last three albums. They could do more. I'm not talking obscurities (although that would be nice).
Now all these songs were well rehearsed at the time, and for the most part, worked really well live. Sure they shouldn't be in the set every night, but that's the point. Work up a selection of songs that you know you can pull off live. And then rotate them every night.
there is no reason why they can't add a rotating selection of say 5-6 of these song. So on any night you have 5-10 hits, 5 off new album and 5 - 6 random songs, and they all work live.