U2 Minneapolis 2011 – The 360 Tour
This may have been the concert of a life time.
There is a reason why U2 has experienced such huge success and career longevity in this crazy music industry when many bands can’t sell any albums (ok cds, dvds or mp3s) and most bands cannot fill up a giant venue. That reason is showmanship and respect for the audience. U2 puts on a show that will blow your mind, and probably your ears also (my ears are still ringing).
Just coming into the incredible TCF stadium and you see the incredible space ship stage. It is awe-inspiring almost like a cathedral. Yes I know that is probably verging on sacrilege and if any of you know me you know I love incredible architecture of great cathedrals so this statement is really something. The stage was incredible. I heard a rumor that the cost to be on tour is $850,000 per day and at the look of that stage and the awareness of the crew that it takes to set that up and keep everything running smoothly I can certainly see why.
The warm up band was quite good, but they are not joyful entertainers like U2. I did not get the impression that they really loved what they were doing. But when U2 come out and the crowd goes wild, I immediately get that feeling that the U2 gang really loves what they are doing. They put all their energy into the show and exude excitement and even joy. You get the impression they really love this.
The true test of their enjoyment and commitment comes when it starts to rain. And boy does it rain. It is like Monson season had started and the skies opened up and it just poured. So you get the sinking feeling that everything is going to come to an end, the show will be over. But nothing could be further from the truth. It was like they kicked it up another notch when the rain came, like the rain almost made them love it more. Yes they were right out there getting wet with all of us. The thought in my head was how was their equipment not blowing out and how where they not getting electrocuted? Well obviously they had thought of all that also. You would see some crew people running around to make sure everything was still working and everyone was safe, but they kept jamming. I totally loved that.
So maybe it is true that I do not get out much, maybe, but I would have to say that U2 certainly puts on a world class show. There are two more shows left. If you get a chance to get your hands on some ticket, DO IT!! And bring some rain gear.
You can see more images at the fb page.
http://www.facebook.com/WayneMoranPhotography
Love this. I agree with the comparison to a cathedral…I think it fits with the many U2 lyrics relating to God and faith. There is something beautiful and awe-inspiring about their music and performance. Something that lifts your spirits to something like worship. I don’t think your comparison is sacrilegious at all. Also love your comments on U2’s joy. Yes. That’s exactly the right word. Their passion shone through all the more in the rain. Thanks for the great photos and commentary.
That is some great insight Rebbeca.
Where you there???
Where did you sit???
Yep, we were there…section 144, under the overhang, which was nice! Could enjoy the rain!
Beautifully captured in words and photos, Wayne. I wondered about all of the lucky ones at that concert and what was happening when the rains hit. SO glad the music went on.
Thanks so much Keri. You are so kind. It was an over all incredible show..
I get excited just seeing this. I can not immagine how awesome it would have been to be that.. Fantastic!! Thank you so much for posting these. Can I make them my wall paper???
Thank you so much Jim.
Amazing photos…for an amazing show. I had the same thoughts as you when it started to rain, how easy it would be for the band to call it a day… But if anything, they seemed more energized, and I think Bono was even impressed how everyone kicked it up a notch as well
Thanks for sharing!
Laura
Not so bad for a canon G10 point and shot camera eh???? 🙂
Bono and the band are incredible entertainers… Love love love them..
Where were you sitting/standing Laura??? Do you have pictures?? Can you share some links here???
We were in section 113, row 7, so pretty decent seats. This is the fourth time I’ve seen U2, and would love to see them again and again and again. My pictures are just from my cell phone, so not very good and once the rain started, nothing really turned out, that’s why I am enjoying yours so much. Thanks!
still those are some great seats
Damn, these are awesome.
I wish I could have been there.
This must have been a great show. WOW.
Thank you so much Bill.
I so enjoyed your recap of the show… probably because I share many of your thoughts and feelings. The photos bring back great memories, and goosebumps!. I commented on a photo somewhere today and used that exact word, “Joy”. Everybody asks about the rain and I’m so happy it DID rain. It was heavenly.
We were in Section 111 so it was a different view, but a good one. We were in GA inside the circle for the show in Chicago and had a similar view to some of your images. We refer to that experience as being “in the church service”!
Happy to have “met” you in the social media world today,
Jill
Jill, you make me smile and you are a huge encouragement to me..
I am serious this concert was the best time I have had in a very long time…
Yes yes.. the u2 Church Service.. that is sooo funny.
Yes it is great to “meet” you. Be well and stay in touch.
All the best.
Wayne
How fun is this, Wayne! I love it.:) I almost feel like I was there! I love the energy of a live show and the last Tim McGraw concert I went to was in the rain as well. Not a soul left and it was amazing. So much fun. Enjoyed very much, reading about your experience. Rock on, Dude! lol
A Tim McGraw fan eh?? That had to be fun..
Yes this concert was totally incredibly.. I would not trade it..
Be well Roni.
We came from Nebraska for this show and were on the field. It was the experience of a lifetime. I had been waiting to see U2 for 25 years and twice had to give up tickets due to other obligations…I didn’t even care about the rain, the band was so amazing.
These pictures are fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing them!!!
That is a fun story… Thanks for sharing.. Yes you and me both have been waiting forever and I like you are very happy that I went.
The rain made it even better I think..
Thank you so much, you are so kind.