U2’s 360 Degree Tour Stop at Chicago’s Soldier Field
Check out yesterday’s post if you’re looking for more pictures of U2’s Claw stage.
I went to the U2’s 360° Tour stop in Chicago on Sunday, September 13, 2009. Truthfully, I could really take or leave U2. I’m not a massively dedicated fan so please take what’s ahead with a grain of salt.
The main draw (because their new album is not doing that great) is the massive, weird stage. I can see how it started out as an idea to get the audience more involved with the show. The final execution, however, is a bit hit and miss.
It certainly is impressive to arrive at your seat with this strange and gigantic caterpillar-colored spider sitting in front of you. When the show starts, and the bridges start to rotate, allowing the band members to stand over the interior standing-room crowd and walk over to the outer ring, it does seem very cool.
As the show went on though, the stage seemed too big for the band and their show. There are only four of them, and Bono is the only one that runs. If you had the chance to see Garth Brooks back in the 90s, you know what I’m talking about when I say “run the stage.” And Bono does not measure up to Garth’s abilities.
Since the drummer is stationary, that leaves a lot of stage to be filled by three guys. And really, does U2 have that many arena anthems?
The stage does some very interesting things like in the picture above. But, and here I am again with the other hand, a lot of these things seem superfluous. Go ahead and click on the picture above of the expanded screen. Can you find the band mates?
Bono and U2 have so admirably positioned themselves as one of the most intelligent, caring, and conscientious stars of today. They do a lot of great work and increase the visibility for so many causes. That’s why I can’t help but think about the waste in terms of money and resources created by this stage.
I would think differently if there was a function, a reasonable exchange in terms of entertainment and artistic statement. But I don’t think the smoke, mirror balls, and flashing lights are worth it.
I’m sure there are those out there who would disagree with me though. As a non-fanatical fan, I may have missed the point. There were certainly moments when I was impressed and even very, very moved. I just expected my overall experience to be stronger than it was.