Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
U2.COM : Five Billion More Pixels...
The 5billion pixel FANCAM captured another stunning interactive image of the night.
Check out FANCAM at Cape Town Stadium:
Explore the stadium - zoom in and tag yourself or your friends.
Share the image on Facebook or Twitter - email it to your mates.
Tell us what you think in the comments box below.
(The FANCAM is flash-based and may not be available on all devices. It's in beta-mode with U2.com right now and differing conditions in venues will affect the final image captured.)
Bono’s mystery woman a busy doctor
 |
| Shahra & Bono |
A mystery woman who shared the stage with U2’s Bono during his Cape Town concert has been identified. She is a young doctor working in the field of HIV and TB and passionate about the causes that Bono promotes.
“It was an unbelievable experience. Bono got down on his knees, pointed at me – and said ‘You’. Then I was lifted onto the stage,” said Shahra Sattar this week.
The U2 singer danced with Shahra as he performed two songs.
Shahra, who works for the Stellenbosch University-affiliated Desmond Tutu TB Centre, had been waving a banner with “HIV Positive Music” written on it. She believes that may have been why she was singled out from the 72 000-strong crowd.
Shahra has always admired Bono’s work as an activist, including his Red Campaign which channels funding to fight Aids, TB and malaria in Africa.
“I’ve always loved him as a singer… but then I became a doctor… and he went from being my favourite singer to being my hero because of his activism.”
Shahra, who has recently won a scholarship to the School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, heads the Zamstar study (a Zambia and South Africa TB and Aids study) for the Desmond Tutu TB Centre.
During the concert Bono praised the work of Zachie Achmat and the Treatment Action Campaign.
A message from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, the patron of the Desmond Tutu TB Centre, was also beamed to the crowd.
source : http://www.capetimes.co.za/
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
U2.COM : U2 Will Headline Friday Night Glasto
At a ceremony in London tonight, Edge presented the 'Best Festival' award by video to Michael and Emily Eavis of The Glastonbury Festival - and confirmed that U2 would play the festival this summer.
''It's more a way of life than a festival.' he said, describing the great time he had visiting the Festival last year, guesting on stage with Muse.
'We're all looking forward to coming back to pick up where I left off, U2 will be playing June 24th...we'll see you there.'
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Killing Bono - Soundtrack release date : March 28th 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Bono on Africa: 'What excites me is thinking about its future'
The U2 singer tells the Observer's editor why the continent stands on the brink of becoming an economic powerhouse.
Africa is also rich in terms of its human resources, with such a young, vibrant population. We have this image of Africans being the poorest people on Earth, but Africa itself is so rich. That is what makes the affront of poverty all the more stark. And sometimes we do have to raise the alarm and call the fire brigade, like when Aids is ripping through parts of Africa, but it's better if we can prevent the fire in the first place and build on the positives.
Last Sunday, at the ONE symposium in Johannesburg, you said: "This feels like the future." What did you mean?
We are all aware of our ancient pasts and this continent has a rich and extraordinary tradition. But the thing that excites me more is thinking about Africa's future – as the continent of the 21st century. It's one of the richest continents on Earth in terms of natural resources. If these resources are allowed to benefit the people above the ground, then they can pay for Africa's future.Africa is also rich in terms of its human resources, with such a young, vibrant population. We have this image of Africans being the poorest people on Earth, but Africa itself is so rich. That is what makes the affront of poverty all the more stark. And sometimes we do have to raise the alarm and call the fire brigade, like when Aids is ripping through parts of Africa, but it's better if we can prevent the fire in the first place and build on the positives.
U2.COM : 'Africa's Future'
'U2 in Johannesburg - the real greatest show on earth.'
'U2 give Cape Town a concert to remember...'
A wave of great reviews pouring in following the U2360° shows in Johannesburg and Cape Town. And on our tour pages, fans who were at the show are adding their own reports and photos.
After a One Campaign symposium while in South Africa, Bono spoke to The Observer newspaper in the UK about why he believes the continent is on the brink of becoming an economic powerhouse.
'We are all aware of our ancient pasts and this continent has a rich and extraordinary tradition. But the thing that excites me more is thinking about Africa's future – as the continent of the 21st century.'
In a striking editorial the paper says that 'A fresh chapter is opening in Africa's history, a new continent is emerging...'
'U2 give Cape Town a concert to remember...'
A wave of great reviews pouring in following the U2360° shows in Johannesburg and Cape Town. And on our tour pages, fans who were at the show are adding their own reports and photos.
After a One Campaign symposium while in South Africa, Bono spoke to The Observer newspaper in the UK about why he believes the continent is on the brink of becoming an economic powerhouse.
'We are all aware of our ancient pasts and this continent has a rich and extraordinary tradition. But the thing that excites me more is thinking about Africa's future – as the continent of the 21st century.'
In a striking editorial the paper says that 'A fresh chapter is opening in Africa's history, a new continent is emerging...'
Saturday, February 19, 2011
U2.COM : 'Magical Continent'
And we went to those places and we went to others like Burma and Libya but tonight the show itself didn't stay in Cape Town. It went out live on radio stations right across the continent of Africa - and live online through U2.com to fans on every other continent. Tonight felt like a truly global event.
Don't take our word for it - here's a sample from our live text stream as people tuned in from all over.
Friday, February 18, 2011
U2's setlist : February 18, 2011 at Cape Town, South Africa
Venue: Cape Town Stadium
Opening Act(s): Amadou & Mariam, Springbok Nude Girls
Main Set: Beautiful Day, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, Mysterious Ways, Elevation, Until the End of the World - Anthem, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Stand By Me, North Star, Pride, In a Little While, Miss Sarajevo, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I'll Go Crazy (remix) - Relax - Two Tribes, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On - You'll Never Walk Alone
Encore(s): One, Amazing Grace - Where the Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Moment Of Surrender
Comments: South African singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka sings with Bono during Still Haven't Found, then stays on for what becomes a full-length version of Stand By Me. The pre-recorded intro before Blinding Lights includes a bit of Fez-Being Born with the 'What do you want?' line from Zooropa.
source : http://www.u2tours.com/
Opening Act(s): Amadou & Mariam, Springbok Nude Girls
Main Set: Beautiful Day, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, Mysterious Ways, Elevation, Until the End of the World - Anthem, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Stand By Me, North Star, Pride, In a Little While, Miss Sarajevo, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I'll Go Crazy (remix) - Relax - Two Tribes, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On - You'll Never Walk Alone
Encore(s): One, Amazing Grace - Where the Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Moment Of Surrender
Comments: South African singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka sings with Bono during Still Haven't Found, then stays on for what becomes a full-length version of Stand By Me. The pre-recorded intro before Blinding Lights includes a bit of Fez-Being Born with the 'What do you want?' line from Zooropa.
source : http://www.u2tours.com/
Rumor ?!?!?! U2 to join Coldplay and Beyonce as Glastonbury 2011 headliners
The next logical step in today’s Radiohead news bonanza is the announcement of some live performance. That could still be coming, but it won’t be in the form of a headlining appearance at this year’s Glastonbury Music Festival. Coldplay and Beyoncé have already been confirmed to close out Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Now, according to a Q Magazin, which is one of the festival’s sponsors, U2 can be marked down as Friday night’s headliner.
An official announcement is still forthcoming, but U2 have long been consider a shoe-in since being forced to cancel their Glastonbury 2010 appearance following a back injury suffered by frontman Bono. Q Magazine also reports that British alternative band Elbow will lead in to Bono and co. on Friday night.
Glastonbury, which is considered the world’s biggest music festival, generally does not reveal its lineup until weeks before the festival’s actual launch. That said, other likely acts include Fatboy Slim, Jimmy Cliff, Newton Faulkner, and The Coral.
This year’s festivities run June 22-26 in Pilton, England. Tickets have long been sold-out, but a re-sale of canceled orders is expected sometime in April.
source : http://consequenceofsound.net/ by Alex Young
An official announcement is still forthcoming, but U2 have long been consider a shoe-in since being forced to cancel their Glastonbury 2010 appearance following a back injury suffered by frontman Bono. Q Magazine also reports that British alternative band Elbow will lead in to Bono and co. on Friday night.
Glastonbury, which is considered the world’s biggest music festival, generally does not reveal its lineup until weeks before the festival’s actual launch. That said, other likely acts include Fatboy Slim, Jimmy Cliff, Newton Faulkner, and The Coral.
This year’s festivities run June 22-26 in Pilton, England. Tickets have long been sold-out, but a re-sale of canceled orders is expected sometime in April.
source : http://consequenceofsound.net/ by Alex Young
U2.COM : U2360° Cape Town: Live Audio Stream for U2.com Subscribers Tonight
Big news U2.com subscribers - tonight's going to be a bit special !
People across Africa can listen in to a live audio stream of the band's show in Cape Town - and on U2.com we'll be hosting the live audio for our subscribers across the world.
"The band had a great night in Johannesburg," says Paul McGuinness, "And I'm sure we'll deliver another big show in Cape Town".
Don't miss it!
Wherever you are on the planet, log in to the U2.com subscription site this evening (South African time) and listen in live to the show from Cape Town.
best wishes,
The U2.com Team.
People across Africa can listen in to a live audio stream of the band's show in Cape Town - and on U2.com we'll be hosting the live audio for our subscribers across the world.
"The band had a great night in Johannesburg," says Paul McGuinness, "And I'm sure we'll deliver another big show in Cape Town".
Don't miss it!
Wherever you are on the planet, log in to the U2.com subscription site this evening (South African time) and listen in live to the show from Cape Town.
best wishes,
The U2.com Team.
U2.COM : Follow The Show in Cape Town
If you want to follow the build up to tonight's show in Cape Town take a look at this thread and join the chat.
U2.com Subscribers might like to check in on this thread for live updates from fans at the shows as it all happens.
If you're tweeting from - or about - the show, use the hashtag #U2360SA - that way we can feature your updates in our rolling feed in Zootopia.
U2.com Subscribers might like to check in on this thread for live updates from fans at the shows as it all happens.
If you're tweeting from - or about - the show, use the hashtag #U2360SA - that way we can feature your updates in our rolling feed in Zootopia.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
When Bono met Zuma (video)
U2 front man Bono, paid President Jacob Zuma a courtesy call at his official residence Genadendal in Cape Town. He and the rest of his band will be performing at a sold out Cape Town Stadium on Friday night.
U2.COM : Five Billion Pixels... and You
Check out this extraordinary 360 image taken at Sunday night's show in Soccer City Jo'burg.
Sunday night's show in Jo'burg broke all records for a sporting or entertainment event in South Africa - and most of the 95,000 fans were captured on a groundbreaking 5billion pixel camera, creating an stunning interactive image of the night.
Were you at the show ? Know someone else who was?
Check out FANCAM at Soccer City Jo'burg and:
Explore every corner of the stadium - zoom in and tag yourself or your friends.
Share the image with others on Facebook or Twitter or email it to your mates - let them know you were there on an unforgettable night with 95,000 other U2 fans.
Tell us what you think in the comments box below.
And if you're coming to the Cape Town show on Friday... smile! FANCAM will be there too.
(The FANCAM, in beta-mode with U2.com right now, is flash-based and may not be available on all devices.)
Bono denies support for S. African 'shoot farmer' song
Irish rocker Bono on Wednesday said it was "barking mad" for people to think he supported an South African anti-apartheid struggle song that calls for white farmers to be shot.
The frontman for the touring band sparked a furore after a Sunday newspaper reported him saying that struggle music, like the controversial local song which urges "shoot the farmer", had a place.
The frontman for the touring band sparked a furore after a Sunday newspaper reported him saying that struggle music, like the controversial local song which urges "shoot the farmer", had a place.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
U2.COM : 'A Very Big High' - Bono's streaming interview on U2 Hellas!!!
'It was overwhelming for me and for the band. ' says Bono, of Sunday's opening U2 360 night in South Africa. 'A very big high that show...'
This morning Bono spoke at length to Redi Tlabi on Talk Radio 702 in Johannesburg.
Click the player below to hear the whole interview which covers everything from the band's first visit to South Africa since PopMart in 1998 to the ONE Campaign, from songwriting and the creative dynamics within the band to contemporary political issues.
This morning Bono spoke at length to Redi Tlabi on Talk Radio 702 in Johannesburg.
Click the player below to hear the whole interview which covers everything from the band's first visit to South Africa since PopMart in 1998 to the ONE Campaign, from songwriting and the creative dynamics within the band to contemporary political issues.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Cape Town gears up for massive U2 concert
The City of Cape Town is pulling out all the stops to prepare for the largest event ever hosted at Cape Town Stadium – a concert by Irish rock group U2, which will see at least 72 000 fans stream into the facility next Friday night.
U2 will be the first band to stage a major concert in the new stadium.
In order to manage the crowd, the City is implementing its finely-tuned and highly successful 2010 FIFA World Cup™ operational plans, which will see the Fan Walk re-opened, the same road closures implemented, and extended and free public transport offered to ticket holders.
However, this time it doesn’t look like vuvuzelas will be allowed into the stadium, if Big Concert, the organiser, has its way.
U2 will be the first band to stage a major concert in the new stadium.
In order to manage the crowd, the City is implementing its finely-tuned and highly successful 2010 FIFA World Cup™ operational plans, which will see the Fan Walk re-opened, the same road closures implemented, and extended and free public transport offered to ticket holders.
However, this time it doesn’t look like vuvuzelas will be allowed into the stadium, if Big Concert, the organiser, has its way.
U2 Cape Town Fans!!!
CAPE TOWN’S fan walk will be opened again on Friday for U2’s 360° Tour concert.
The concert is due to start at 7.30pm with gates opening at Cape Town Stadium at 4.30pm. The fan walk will be opened at 3.30pm.
City of Cape Town spokeswoman Kylie Hatton said the city saw the fan walk as an important access point for people using public transport to get to the stadium.
“It is a good way of moving people safely from Cape Town Station, where a lot of people will be getting off, to the stadium. The fans will get to walk in a cordoned-off area past murals and other attractions.”
The fan walk will feature large print murals depicting the Irish band’s history as well as iconic elements from some of their best-selling albums.
Marc Le Chat, from Celebrity Service Africa, which is in charge of organising events along the fan walk, said Cape Town band Almost Famous would perform from the roof of a building on Somerset Road in Green Point and would also perform a repertoire of U2 hits.
He said there would be an LED screen at St Andrews Square that would display the band’s music.
Le Chat said they would also place sky search beams at Exchange Place, St Andrews Square and along Main Road towards the stadium and beam through the night. Fire dancers would perform after the concert on the route. 
Monday, February 14, 2011
The exclusive performance video by Daniel Lanois - The MPG Awards 2011
For those of you who didn’t manage to get to the MPG Awards event last night (and you missed a really great night…), here’s a little treat.
Daniel Lanois, uber-producer of Neil Young, U2, Bob Dylan, Black Dub, etc, etc, was unable to attend the event to collect his award as International Producer of the Year 2011, so he recorded this exclusive video in Los Angeles, rocking out in rehearsal with legendary jazz drummer, Brian Blade and bass player, Darryl Johnson (at least, I think it’s Darryl – I haven’t able to confirm that – please leave a comment below if you have further info).
source : http://www.mpg.org.uk/
U2 rocks fans, praises Madiba
Young and old, black and white, came in numbers to witness one of the most famous rock bands in the world live on stage
ROCK band U2 paid tribute to former president Nelson Mandela, and also recited part of his famous Rivonia trial speech during their show at the FNB stadium, outside Soweto, last night.
They were performing before more than 100,000 fans who screamed and waved as the Irish rock band took to the stage.
The fans gave the band a standing ovation when they started their performance at about 9pm.
After the group rolled to the stage, they started performing their popular song Beautiful Day.
In a great atmosphere, the crowd went into a wild frenzy.
The group also featured South African great musician Hugh Masekela on the song “I have not found what I am looking for”.
The much-talked about revolving stage was unveiled at the concert. The stage boasted colourful lights, big screens and a myriad of sound speakers.
Thousands of screams from fans, stylish outfits, energetic performance and a full band all crammed in two acts of action.
The fun started earlier in the day, with deejays playing and music fans chilling just outside the stadium.
The concert was kicked off by a group from Mali, Miriam and Amadou. The acts kept the crowd in high spirits.
After the performances, South African rock band Springbok Nude Girls gave the excited audience a taste of local rock.
U2 is in the country as part of its 360° tour and their next concert will be in Cape Town on Friday.
source : http://u2ol.net/ by Patience Bambalele
ROCK band U2 paid tribute to former president Nelson Mandela, and also recited part of his famous Rivonia trial speech during their show at the FNB stadium, outside Soweto, last night.
They were performing before more than 100,000 fans who screamed and waved as the Irish rock band took to the stage.
The fans gave the band a standing ovation when they started their performance at about 9pm.
After the group rolled to the stage, they started performing their popular song Beautiful Day.
In a great atmosphere, the crowd went into a wild frenzy.
The group also featured South African great musician Hugh Masekela on the song “I have not found what I am looking for”.
The much-talked about revolving stage was unveiled at the concert. The stage boasted colourful lights, big screens and a myriad of sound speakers.
Thousands of screams from fans, stylish outfits, energetic performance and a full band all crammed in two acts of action.
The fun started earlier in the day, with deejays playing and music fans chilling just outside the stadium.
The concert was kicked off by a group from Mali, Miriam and Amadou. The acts kept the crowd in high spirits.
After the performances, South African rock band Springbok Nude Girls gave the excited audience a taste of local rock.
U2 is in the country as part of its 360° tour and their next concert will be in Cape Town on Friday.
source : http://u2ol.net/ by Patience Bambalele
A glorious night as U2 wows crowd in Joburg
With a roar that could rival the one seen last week in Tahrir square, Cairo, fans at the FNB Stadium last night gave U2 a rousing welcome.
But unlike the relief of Egyptians at President Hosni Mubarak's exit from his position, fans here were celebrating seeing their favourite band playing in their own back yard.
And as lead singer Bono led the band up a stairway to the stage milking the applause and waving to all corners of the dimly lit cauldron, you knew why they'd sold over 150 million albums worldwide.
After the deafening welcoming screams, Bono wasted no time in belting out one of their biggest hits, "Beautiful Day."
But unlike the relief of Egyptians at President Hosni Mubarak's exit from his position, fans here were celebrating seeing their favourite band playing in their own back yard.
And as lead singer Bono led the band up a stairway to the stage milking the applause and waving to all corners of the dimly lit cauldron, you knew why they'd sold over 150 million albums worldwide.
After the deafening welcoming screams, Bono wasted no time in belting out one of their biggest hits, "Beautiful Day."
Bono causes stir in S. Africa over 'shoot the farmer' song
Irish pop singer Bono caused a stir in South Africa on Sunday after expressing support for the singing of an anti-apartheid struggle song that includes the lyrics "shoot the farmer."
The song has been at the centre of a politically charged controversy in South Africa, where the firebrand leader of the ruling party's youth league is locked in a legal battle with a white lobby group over whether the song should be banned as hate speech.
The U2 frontman, who is in Johannesburg ahead of a Sunday night concert for the band's 360 Degrees Tour, said in an interview with South Africa's Sunday Times that struggle music like the "shoot the farmer" song has a place.
"I was a kid and I'd sing songs I remember my uncles singing... rebel songs about the early days of the Irish Republican Army," he said, proceeding to sing a song whose lyrics spoke of carrying guns and readying them for action.
The song has been at the centre of a politically charged controversy in South Africa, where the firebrand leader of the ruling party's youth league is locked in a legal battle with a white lobby group over whether the song should be banned as hate speech.
The U2 frontman, who is in Johannesburg ahead of a Sunday night concert for the band's 360 Degrees Tour, said in an interview with South Africa's Sunday Times that struggle music like the "shoot the farmer" song has a place.
"I was a kid and I'd sing songs I remember my uncles singing... rebel songs about the early days of the Irish Republican Army," he said, proceeding to sing a song whose lyrics spoke of carrying guns and readying them for action.
U2.COM : 'Words Ring Out In A Jo'burg sky...'
Legendary trumpter and anti-apartheid activist Hugh Masekela made a surprise appearance on stage to mark tonight's first show in South Africa - bringing a unique African jazz vibe to 'Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'.
And 21 years after Nelson Mandela gave a speech in this very stadium (the day after his release from prison) when U2 played 'Pride (In The Name of Love)' tonight, the huge screens over the stage were illuminated with Mandela's image, along with excerpts of that famous speech. Bono sang a new lyric.
'February 13 1990
Words rings out in a Jo'burg sky.
Free at last to live your life
The Lion of Africa and his pride... '
From the opening bars of Beautiful Day, this record-breaking audience - the largest crowd ever for a sporting or entertainment event in South Africa - were shaking the foundations of the FNB stadium, and the unique atmosphere barely relented all night. 'Rainbow people' was right, as Bono had christened everyone (borrowing Desmond Tutu's phrase) at the top of the show.
'We know Jo'burg has a night life,' he said, introducing 'Crazy'. We know Jo'burg needs to go a bit crazy...'
Jo'burg did go crazy, as the band mixed the set list up again for this opening night of U2360 in 2011. There were new production elements too, and a great reception for references to recent events in Egypt. The 2009 images of the popular uprising in Iran, which have accompanied Sunday Bloody Sunday on the tour so far, gave way tonight to images of people power in Egypt. 'Change of heart comes slow...' sang Bono. Prayers to for the people of Burma.
'I'm sure you know the good news of Aung San Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi is to Burma what Madiba is to this country... a beautiful spirit.'
As for South Africa, 'this place just feels like the future,' said Bono, visibly amazed at the overwhelming reception for the band's first dates here since PopMart in 1998. And judging by the torrent of online excitement from fans at the show - and following around the world - it will be a night that lives long in the memory.
'It's like nothing I've ever seen,' said UyandaM on Twitter. 'Amazing!'
'Unbelievable. I am spent.' said Starverve on the live show stream on our community page. 'Best concert of my life.'
If you were at the show tonight, add your own review and upload your images on our Tour Page. And check out the complete set list.
And 21 years after Nelson Mandela gave a speech in this very stadium (the day after his release from prison) when U2 played 'Pride (In The Name of Love)' tonight, the huge screens over the stage were illuminated with Mandela's image, along with excerpts of that famous speech. Bono sang a new lyric.
'February 13 1990
Words rings out in a Jo'burg sky.
Free at last to live your life
The Lion of Africa and his pride... '
From the opening bars of Beautiful Day, this record-breaking audience - the largest crowd ever for a sporting or entertainment event in South Africa - were shaking the foundations of the FNB stadium, and the unique atmosphere barely relented all night. 'Rainbow people' was right, as Bono had christened everyone (borrowing Desmond Tutu's phrase) at the top of the show.
'We know Jo'burg has a night life,' he said, introducing 'Crazy'. We know Jo'burg needs to go a bit crazy...'
Jo'burg did go crazy, as the band mixed the set list up again for this opening night of U2360 in 2011. There were new production elements too, and a great reception for references to recent events in Egypt. The 2009 images of the popular uprising in Iran, which have accompanied Sunday Bloody Sunday on the tour so far, gave way tonight to images of people power in Egypt. 'Change of heart comes slow...' sang Bono. Prayers to for the people of Burma.
'I'm sure you know the good news of Aung San Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi is to Burma what Madiba is to this country... a beautiful spirit.'
As for South Africa, 'this place just feels like the future,' said Bono, visibly amazed at the overwhelming reception for the band's first dates here since PopMart in 1998. And judging by the torrent of online excitement from fans at the show - and following around the world - it will be a night that lives long in the memory.
'It's like nothing I've ever seen,' said UyandaM on Twitter. 'Amazing!'
'Unbelievable. I am spent.' said Starverve on the live show stream on our community page. 'Best concert of my life.'
If you were at the show tonight, add your own review and upload your images on our Tour Page. And check out the complete set list.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
U2 setlist - February 13, 2011 at Johannesburg, South Africa
Venue: FNB Stadium
Opening Act(s): Amadou & Mariam, Springbok Nude Girls
Main Set: Beautiful Day, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, Mysterious Ways, Elevation, Until the End of the World, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, North Star, Pride, In A Little While, Miss Sarajevo, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I'll Go Crazy (remix), Sunday Bloody Sunday, Walk On - You'll Never Walk Alone
Encore(s): One, Amazing Grace - Where the Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Happy Birthday, Moment of Surrender
Comments: Instead of Space Oddity, U2 takes the stage to a Get On Your Boots remix (Soweto Gospel Choir version), then starts the show with Beautiful Day. Hugh Masekela joins the band during I Still Haven't Found. Pride includes a videotaped speech by Nelson Mandela. The video screen shows images of Egypt and Tunisia during Sunday Bloody Sunday.
source : http://www.u2tours.com/
Opening Act(s): Amadou & Mariam, Springbok Nude Girls
Main Set: Beautiful Day, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, Mysterious Ways, Elevation, Until the End of the World, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, North Star, Pride, In A Little While, Miss Sarajevo, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I'll Go Crazy (remix), Sunday Bloody Sunday, Walk On - You'll Never Walk Alone
Encore(s): One, Amazing Grace - Where the Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Happy Birthday, Moment of Surrender
Comments: Instead of Space Oddity, U2 takes the stage to a Get On Your Boots remix (Soweto Gospel Choir version), then starts the show with Beautiful Day. Hugh Masekela joins the band during I Still Haven't Found. Pride includes a videotaped speech by Nelson Mandela. The video screen shows images of Egypt and Tunisia during Sunday Bloody Sunday.
source : http://www.u2tours.com/
SPOILER ALERT : Is This The U2 Setlist for Johannesburg?
 |
| Arkadia's view outside FNB stadium during the Vertigo rehearsal |
Note that this is an unconfirmed set-list, subject to change, and possibly a complete waste of time. There’s no way to confirm that the order in which the songs were played in rehearsal will be the order in which they are perormed, or even if the band will keep the songs in the set.
The set, as it was rehearsed:
1. Return Of The Stingray Guitar
2. Beautiful Day
3. I Will Follow
4. Get On Your Boots
5. Magnificent
6. Mysterious Ways
7. Elevation
8. Until The End Of The World
9. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
10. Kite
11. Mercy
12. Miss Sarajevo
13. City Of Blinding Lights
14. Vertigo
15. Crazy Tonight
16. Sunday Bloody Sunday
17. Scarlet
18. Walk On
Encore:
19. One
20. Where The Streets Have No Name
21. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me
22. With Or Without You
23. Moment Of Surrender
And the picture at the top of this post is from our future BlaBla Contributor, Arkadia. She has been camping out at the FNB Stadium overnight with a group of family and friends to ensure that they are front-and-centre at tonights’ performance. She and her crew are putting together the ultimate Fan Video of their experience, and we’ll get to see it here on The BlaBla Blog soon!
Ark, you are a legend – Get on Your Boots girl!
source : http://www.blabla.co.za/
Saturday, February 12, 2011
It’s a beautiful day to see U2 live
Fourteen state-of-the-art cameras, 150 tons of heavy metal digital cylinder screens and a mega-revved-up sound system – this is what’s in store for the almost 95 000 U2 fans who will be dancing under the special “The Claw” stage tomorrow evening.
And if you fancy being part of history, in what has been dubbed the biggest rock tour to hit South Africa, Computicket has announced that a fresh batch of tickets is on sale. “We have gone overboard with the sound system. Nothing like this has ever been done before,” said production director Jake Berry during an interview with the Saturday Star at the FNB stadium yesterday.
He said up to five cranes were needed to create the stage’s flat surface which is 48m deep.
“The grass had to be ripped out in order to make way for the cranes. It will however be (restored) after the concert,” he said.
What many fans will be happy to know is that no power shortages or blackouts have been predicted on the day.
“Everything you see here is ours. No mention of cable theft or any event that has taken place during the last four days will affect the concert in anyway,” Berry said.
U2 comes to South Africa at historic moment
JOHANNESBURG -- It's fitting that one of the most politically plugged-in rock bands is debuting its world tour in South Africa on the anniversary of Nelson Mandela's first major rally after being released from prison, and at the same stadium where the anti-apartheid icon enthralled tens of thousands.
And it's a coincidence, U2 members told reporters Friday before a rehearsal at the historic FNB Stadium - known as Soccer City when it hosted the World Cup opening and closing games last year, for which it underwent a major renovation.
Guitarist The Edge said he only learned the day before that Sunday's concert fell on a historic day.
"It's such a beautiful, poetic day," he said.
And it's a coincidence, U2 members told reporters Friday before a rehearsal at the historic FNB Stadium - known as Soccer City when it hosted the World Cup opening and closing games last year, for which it underwent a major renovation.
Guitarist The Edge said he only learned the day before that Sunday's concert fell on a historic day.
"It's such a beautiful, poetic day," he said.
Friday, February 11, 2011
U2 denies racism charge ahead of South Africa gig
U2 MANAGER Paul McGuinness last night stepped in to try to defuse a row over racism which is threatening to overshadow the band's upcoming gigs in South Africa.
U2 are playing two gigs in the former apartheid country in the next week, the first time they've played there since 1998. But in an unwelcome throwback to the past, Sunday's show in Johannesburg is in danger of being subjected to a demonstration against discrimination.
The South African Roadies Association (SARA) plans to picket the concert at the FNB Stadium, venue of last year's World Cup final, to highlight what it says is the refusal of big acts to employ black road production crew.
However, in a statement, Mr McGuinness said that in Johannesburg, 97pc of the crew were black, and in Cape Town, 100pc of the local crew were black.
SARA, which represents around 600 mainly black sound and lighting production workers across South Africa, is hoping to bring 200 members to protest at the U2 gig.
Disadvantaged
"We object to the fact that when big acts like U2 visit this country, the shows are usually put together entirely by white-owned companies," said SARA chairman Freddie Nyathela.
The group claims that big acts do not allow workers from disadvantaged areas the chance to upskill and are normally given low-ranking jobs like stage hand.
Mr McGuinness, meanwhile, said the U2 360 tour had a travelling crew of 196 from 15 countries.
"In every venue around the world, the tour recruits local labour to build and take down the enormous 360 production," the U2 manager said.
He added that they have offered to meet with representatives of SARA to discuss their concerns.
source : http://www.independent.ie/ by Luke Byrne
U2 are playing two gigs in the former apartheid country in the next week, the first time they've played there since 1998. But in an unwelcome throwback to the past, Sunday's show in Johannesburg is in danger of being subjected to a demonstration against discrimination.
The South African Roadies Association (SARA) plans to picket the concert at the FNB Stadium, venue of last year's World Cup final, to highlight what it says is the refusal of big acts to employ black road production crew.
However, in a statement, Mr McGuinness said that in Johannesburg, 97pc of the crew were black, and in Cape Town, 100pc of the local crew were black.
SARA, which represents around 600 mainly black sound and lighting production workers across South Africa, is hoping to bring 200 members to protest at the U2 gig.
Disadvantaged
"We object to the fact that when big acts like U2 visit this country, the shows are usually put together entirely by white-owned companies," said SARA chairman Freddie Nyathela.
The group claims that big acts do not allow workers from disadvantaged areas the chance to upskill and are normally given low-ranking jobs like stage hand.
Mr McGuinness, meanwhile, said the U2 360 tour had a travelling crew of 196 from 15 countries.
"In every venue around the world, the tour recruits local labour to build and take down the enormous 360 production," the U2 manager said.
He added that they have offered to meet with representatives of SARA to discuss their concerns.
source : http://www.independent.ie/ by Luke Byrne
Thursday, February 10, 2011
U2.COM : U2 360° Tour, South Africa
U2 360° Tour Replies To Complaints by South African Roadies Association
U2 are set to play shows in Capetown and Johnannesburg, returning to South Africa for the first time since 1998.
U2 360° has a travelling crew of 196 from 15 countries. In every venue around the world, the tour recruits local labour to build and take down the enormous 360 production.
An organization called SARA (South African Roadies Association) is threatening to picket the U2 concert in Johannesburg this weekend, alleging racism. This is simply not true, in fact in Johannesburg, 97% of the crew are black, and in Cape Town, 100% of the local crew are black.
This show production is contracted to the All Access Company - the highest rated and most skilled labour crew provider in South Africa, (which has a Black Economic Empowerment Rating of Level 3).
In both Johannesburg and Cape Town 250 local positions are filled by All Access, including stagehands, skilled and technical roles.
In addition, through All Access, the tour has provided 50 Workshop Training positions for local black youths.
We have offered to meet with representatives of SARA.
U2 are set to play shows in Capetown and Johnannesburg, returning to South Africa for the first time since 1998.
U2 360° has a travelling crew of 196 from 15 countries. In every venue around the world, the tour recruits local labour to build and take down the enormous 360 production.
An organization called SARA (South African Roadies Association) is threatening to picket the U2 concert in Johannesburg this weekend, alleging racism. This is simply not true, in fact in Johannesburg, 97% of the crew are black, and in Cape Town, 100% of the local crew are black.
This show production is contracted to the All Access Company - the highest rated and most skilled labour crew provider in South Africa, (which has a Black Economic Empowerment Rating of Level 3).
In both Johannesburg and Cape Town 250 local positions are filled by All Access, including stagehands, skilled and technical roles.
In addition, through All Access, the tour has provided 50 Workshop Training positions for local black youths.
We have offered to meet with representatives of SARA.
Black technical staff to protest at U2 concert
A union representing stage crew and technicians claims that major concert promoters are turning "by default" to white-run production companies rather than giving young black talent a chance.
It has threatened to set up a picket line to raise the Irish superband's awareness of the issue at the backstage door of the FNB stadium near Soweto, which previously hosted the opening and closing matches of the World Cup.
Freddie Nyathela, chairman of the South African Roadies Association which represents more than 600 mainly-black sound and lighting production workers, said he was expecting 200 people to take part in Sunday's protest.
"It has been designed to highlight the injustice for black technical workers in our country and the fact that post-apartheid transformation of the industry has not moved forward quickly enough," he said.
"We feel that Bono would take our concerns seriously but that he has not had the chance to hear them."
Cape Town-based Big Concerts, the company producing U2's concerts in South Africa, declined to comment on the union's claims.However, Ofer Lapid, the chief executive of Gearhouse Group, which has been contracted to supply backstage and technical facilities, insisted that 50 per cent of his staff were black.
U2's concert in Johannesburg will be the first time the band has played in South Africa since 1998. The band's second concert will be in Cape Town on February 18.
source : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Now U2 could own a piece of Retford's rock history
Despite being off the beaten tour circuit for most bands, the Porterhouse nightclub in the late 1970s and early 80s, gained a reputation as a venue for bands such as AC/DC, Motorhead, The Damned and The Clash, to name but a few.
Incorporating two floors of night time entertainment, the lower floor attracted disco fans with the upper floor hosting bands and artists.
In 1980 U2 played the Porterhouse in the first leg of the "Boy" tour.
Klair Hill, of Auction House Drewery and Wheeldon ,said: "If you still haven't found what you're looking for, this may be the one.
"This building lends itself to a variety of alternative uses, subject to necessary consents."
The former nightclub will be going under the hammer on Tuesday, March 8, with a guide price of £60,000 – £90,000 for auction.
For more details call Klair Hill on 01427 616 118.
source : http://www.thisisretford.co.uk/
U2.COM : Showtime 2011
This tour started way back in June 2009 and now here we are in February 2011.
But every time the tour opens up on a new leg, the band, as Edge says, think about 'changing things up'.
Last year, hundreds of you told us of songs you'd like them to put into the European leg - an unplayed track from 'No Line' or a classic from an earlier album.
But no-one could have guessed that a handful of unreleased tracks - North Star, Return of the Stingray Guitar, Glastonbury etc - would arrive in the show nor that Love Rescue Me, which hadn't been performed for twenty years, would make a reappearance down under.
The year before no-one predicted that Ultraviolet or Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me would become 360 showstoppers.
So what would be a great surprise to hear in the show in 2011?
Let's do what we did last year: what's a songs you'd love to see in the set, that hasn't turned up on the tour to date ? One song only and why you'd love to hear it.
(Click on a city in these 2009 or 2010 dates to remind yourself what songs have been in the set in the tour so far.)
But every time the tour opens up on a new leg, the band, as Edge says, think about 'changing things up'.
Last year, hundreds of you told us of songs you'd like them to put into the European leg - an unplayed track from 'No Line' or a classic from an earlier album.
But no-one could have guessed that a handful of unreleased tracks - North Star, Return of the Stingray Guitar, Glastonbury etc - would arrive in the show nor that Love Rescue Me, which hadn't been performed for twenty years, would make a reappearance down under.
The year before no-one predicted that Ultraviolet or Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me would become 360 showstoppers.
So what would be a great surprise to hear in the show in 2011?
Let's do what we did last year: what's a songs you'd love to see in the set, that hasn't turned up on the tour to date ? One song only and why you'd love to hear it.
(Click on a city in these 2009 or 2010 dates to remind yourself what songs have been in the set in the tour so far.)
Fans warned to buy parking tickets for U2 concert
Motorists heading to the U2 concert at FNB Stadium on Sunday have been warned to buy their parking tickets first.
Several roads around the stadium will be closed and vehicles will only be allowed to park in designated areas.
Parking tickets will not be available on the day but will be available through Computicket from R50.
Tickets are also available for park and ride facilities from the Coca Cola Dome, Constitution Hill, Emperors Palace and Gold Reef City.
Gates will open at 16:30 and the show will start on time. As the transport and entry systems will be pressured with this very large crowd, fans are strongly encouraged to allow enough transport and entry time so as not to miss any of the show.
Several roads around the stadium will be closed and vehicles will only be allowed to park in designated areas.
Parking tickets will not be available on the day but will be available through Computicket from R50.
Tickets are also available for park and ride facilities from the Coca Cola Dome, Constitution Hill, Emperors Palace and Gold Reef City.
Gates will open at 16:30 and the show will start on time. As the transport and entry systems will be pressured with this very large crowd, fans are strongly encouraged to allow enough transport and entry time so as not to miss any of the show.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Chances narrow for U2 guitarist's Malibu proposal
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A coastal development agency has recommended officials reject U2 guitarist The Edge's vision for a cluster of mansions that would look like nothing more than scattered leaves on a ridgeline overlooking Malibu.
The proposal by The Edge includes five homes ranging from 7,220 to 12,785 square feet to be built on a ridgeline in the Santa Monica Mountains. In a statement, the guitarist has said the mansions will be some of the most environmentally sensitive ever designed in the world.
But the pitch has not gotten far with neighboring residents, environmental groups and even the National Park Service, which raised concerns about biological and visual impacts in such sensitive habitat.
Staff for the California Coastal Commission, the coastal development agency whose permission is critical for the project to move forward, issued a final recommendation saying the board should reject the project at its meeting this week.
source : http://www.bloomberg.com/
The proposal by The Edge includes five homes ranging from 7,220 to 12,785 square feet to be built on a ridgeline in the Santa Monica Mountains. In a statement, the guitarist has said the mansions will be some of the most environmentally sensitive ever designed in the world.
But the pitch has not gotten far with neighboring residents, environmental groups and even the National Park Service, which raised concerns about biological and visual impacts in such sensitive habitat.
Staff for the California Coastal Commission, the coastal development agency whose permission is critical for the project to move forward, issued a final recommendation saying the board should reject the project at its meeting this week.
source : http://www.bloomberg.com/
U2.COM : Follow The Shows in South Africa
If you want to follow the countdown to the opening show of 2011 in Johanesburg, take a look at this thread and join the chat.
U2.com Subscribers might like to check in on this thread, especially on showday, Sunday, for live updates from fans at the shows as it all happens.
If you're tweeting from - or about - the U2360 shows in South Africa, use the hashtag #U2360SA - that way we can feature your updates in our rolling feed in Zootopia.
U2.com Subscribers might like to check in on this thread, especially on showday, Sunday, for live updates from fans at the shows as it all happens.
If you're tweeting from - or about - the U2360 shows in South Africa, use the hashtag #U2360SA - that way we can feature your updates in our rolling feed in Zootopia.
U2 ticket sales take off
Yesterday was Carlen Kovacs' first time visiting Moncton. She was among the small crowd gathered bright and early at the Moncton Coliseum to purchase tickets to this summer's Magnetic Hill Music Festival, starring U2.
The next time Kovacs drops by, she'll be among 100,000 music fans at the July 30 U2 concert, which will also feature indie stars Arcade Fire and up-and-comers Carney.
The next time Kovacs drops by, she'll be among 100,000 music fans at the July 30 U2 concert, which will also feature indie stars Arcade Fire and up-and-comers Carney.
U2.COM : 'This Tour Is Special' (video)
Arthur Fogel, CEO Global Touring with U2360 Tour Promoters Live Nation, has worked with the band since the 1980's and first took on worldwide promotion with the PopMart Tour.
We caught up with Arthur ahead of one of the European dates and he told us what makes the band's live show so special.
'U2 has this unique ability to play a football stadium and create a connection and intimacy that is unparalleled,' he explained. 'That, more than the spectacle, provides the foundation to be able to do a stadium tour around the world.'
Back to Dublin? U2′s 360° could come full circle
U2 ARE IN “advanced discussions” about playing two gigs at the newly-opened Aviva Stadium as part of their 360° Tour before the end of the year.
The Sunday Independent says that the band are in discussions to bring their tour back to Dublin in October or November, with the band apparently keen to bring their marathon tour back to their home town if at all possible.
“They were disappointed that their schedule prohibited them from being the first band to play at the venue, but they’re determined to bring the show back to the capital,” the paper quotes a source as saying.
“There were suggestions of playing in the North but the Aviva Stadium seems to be where their hearts are set.”
The Sunday Independent says that the band are in discussions to bring their tour back to Dublin in October or November, with the band apparently keen to bring their marathon tour back to their home town if at all possible.
“They were disappointed that their schedule prohibited them from being the first band to play at the venue, but they’re determined to bring the show back to the capital,” the paper quotes a source as saying.
“There were suggestions of playing in the North but the Aviva Stadium seems to be where their hearts are set.”
Cape Town ditches pitch for U2
Cape Town Stadium's pitch has been removed to make way for one of the largest concert stages in South Africa's history ahead of U2's performance next Friday.
The grass was first cut to sand level and the stadium's operational manager, Louw Visagie, said it would take until today to remove the rest of the grass needed to accommodate the 8 000m2 stage.
"After the pitch is cleared of grass we will hand over the venue to Big Concerts who will start building the stage. The concert organisers will foot the bill for the removal of the grass and for replacing it," he said.
Visage said after the show, on February 18, the ground would be assessed for damage before a new pitch was seeded.
Visagie said the 11 479m2 pitch would be back to normal by May 28.
According to Pieter Cronje, director of communications for the City of Cape Town, the removal of the grass was necessary.
"Spectators will be standing in the pitch area and the protective covering for a long period would have caused the grass to die," Cronje said.
Lesley De Reuck, director of the stadium, said the U2 concert was a chance to establish the venue as the multi-purpose space for which it was built.
"The geographical position of the stadium is unparalleled in the world... The vibe of the restaurants, fan walk and the people shows that we can offer a spectacle and not just an event," De Reuck said.
source : http://www.capeargus.co.za/
The grass was first cut to sand level and the stadium's operational manager, Louw Visagie, said it would take until today to remove the rest of the grass needed to accommodate the 8 000m2 stage.
"After the pitch is cleared of grass we will hand over the venue to Big Concerts who will start building the stage. The concert organisers will foot the bill for the removal of the grass and for replacing it," he said.
Visage said after the show, on February 18, the ground would be assessed for damage before a new pitch was seeded.
Visagie said the 11 479m2 pitch would be back to normal by May 28.
According to Pieter Cronje, director of communications for the City of Cape Town, the removal of the grass was necessary.
"Spectators will be standing in the pitch area and the protective covering for a long period would have caused the grass to die," Cronje said.
Lesley De Reuck, director of the stadium, said the U2 concert was a chance to establish the venue as the multi-purpose space for which it was built.
"The geographical position of the stadium is unparalleled in the world... The vibe of the restaurants, fan walk and the people shows that we can offer a spectacle and not just an event," De Reuck said.
source : http://www.capeargus.co.za/
Bono and company put the edge on good health
A McMaster University professor is exploring how music by celebrity bands such as U2 plays a role in influencing health and promoting social activism.
"Some celebrities such as Bono are becoming de facto new public intellectuals, among the few people who seem able to effectively deliver messages and challenge large audiences," said Gavin Andrews, chair of the Health, Aging and Society department.
"Attempts to create healing places in and around music have always been part of musical composition and consumption, whether it be music by Mozart or by a rock band such as U2. In this sense, the music does not have to openly mention health, but well-being can result from its consumption."
"Some celebrities such as Bono are becoming de facto new public intellectuals, among the few people who seem able to effectively deliver messages and challenge large audiences," said Gavin Andrews, chair of the Health, Aging and Society department.
"Attempts to create healing places in and around music have always been part of musical composition and consumption, whether it be music by Mozart or by a rock band such as U2. In this sense, the music does not have to openly mention health, but well-being can result from its consumption."
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Moncton hopes to draw 100,000 to U2 concert
Tickets for U2's concert in Moncton went on sale Tuesday morning with city officials expecting to draw 100,000 people to the July 30 outdoor event.
The iconic Irish rock band announced in January they would host a concert at the Magnetic Hill concert site, which will be the final date on the band's North American tour.
Members of U2's online fan site were able to buy tickets early but the general public were given their first shot at concert tickets at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
Ian Fowler, Moncton's general manager of tourism, said bringing the U2 show to Magnetic Hill was a complex deal that took six months to put together.
But those efforts may end up paying off with a record crowd. Fowler said he is expecting the concert draw to far exceed the attendance of the Rolling Stones concert, which was 78,000.
"The show will be capped at 100,000 people so we will not be going beyond a 100,000 and we're quite optimistic that we'll hit that number," Fowler said.
Moncton's outdoor concert venue has also hosted major acts, such as AC/DC, Bon Jovi, the Eagles and Tim McGraw.
Beyonce and U2 'to headline Glastonbury 2011
Gossip website reports that both acts will join Coldplay at festival.
Beyonce and U2 are reportedly confirmed to join Coldplay as headliners of this year's Glastonbury festival.
U2 have long-since been rumoured to be playing this year's event, having cancelled their slot last year due to singer Bono having surgery. Organiser Michael Eavis previously said he'd asked the band to play at the 2011 festival.
Eavis had also said of another 2011 headliner: "There's an American artist that I’ve been wanting to have for years and yonks and yonks and yonks."
Now gossip website Holymoly.com has claimed that U2 and Beyonce are both booked, with Coldplay already revealed as headliners.
Beyonce visited the festival in 2008, when her husband Jay-Z headlined, but she has never performed at the event.
Glastonbury 2011 takes place at Worthy Farm, Pilton. Billed music takes place on June 24-26, with the site opening on June 22.
Last year Gorillaz replaced U2 as headliners, with Muse and Stevie Wonder also playing headline slots.
source : http://www.nme.com/
Beyonce and U2 are reportedly confirmed to join Coldplay as headliners of this year's Glastonbury festival.
U2 have long-since been rumoured to be playing this year's event, having cancelled their slot last year due to singer Bono having surgery. Organiser Michael Eavis previously said he'd asked the band to play at the 2011 festival.
Eavis had also said of another 2011 headliner: "There's an American artist that I’ve been wanting to have for years and yonks and yonks and yonks."
Now gossip website Holymoly.com has claimed that U2 and Beyonce are both booked, with Coldplay already revealed as headliners.
Beyonce visited the festival in 2008, when her husband Jay-Z headlined, but she has never performed at the event.
Glastonbury 2011 takes place at Worthy Farm, Pilton. Billed music takes place on June 24-26, with the site opening on June 22.
Last year Gorillaz replaced U2 as headliners, with Muse and Stevie Wonder also playing headline slots.
source : http://www.nme.com/
U2.COM : 'U2 Duals' - The Tracklisting
Here's the news you've been waiting for: confirmed tracks and artists on 'U2 Duals', the limited-edition CD of U2 collaborations performed and recorded over three decades.
From the Soweto Gospel Choir to Allan Ginsberg, Willie Nelson to Mary J Blige and Mick Jagger to Green Day, the band have curated a collection of 'duals' which highlight the remarkable range of artists they've worked with.
A few of the fifteen tracks have featured on studio albums, but many have had only limited previous availability and some are released here for the first time.
We think it's a pretty special collection and with the finished CD now in production, we'll be emailing qualifying subscribers with details of delivery times as soon as we have them.
U2 Duals - Tracklisting
1. WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME
U2 and Soweto Gospel Choir
2. THE WANDERER
U2 and Johnny Cash
3. FALLING AT YOUR FEET
Bono and Danny Lanois
4. MISS SARAJEVO
Passengers and Luciano Pavarotti
5. SLOW DANCING
U2 and Willie Nelson
6. THE SAINTS ARE COMING
U2 and Green Day
7. SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY (Live from Auckland)
U2 and Jay-Z
8. ONE
U2 and Mary J Blige
9. WHEN LOVE COMES TO TOWN
U2 and BB King
10. STUCK IN A MOMENT YOU CAN’T GET OUT OF (Live at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
U2 and Mick Jagger
11. THE BALLAD OF RONNIE DREW
U2, The Dubliners, KÃla, A Band of Bowsies
12. I’M NOT YOUR BABY
U2 and Sinead O’Connor
13. STRANDED (HAITI MON AMOUR) – Hybrid Mix
Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge, Rihanna
14. DRUNK CHICKEN / AMERICA
U2 and Allen Ginsberg
15. AMAZING GRACE
U2 and Soweto Gospel Choir
From the Soweto Gospel Choir to Allan Ginsberg, Willie Nelson to Mary J Blige and Mick Jagger to Green Day, the band have curated a collection of 'duals' which highlight the remarkable range of artists they've worked with.
A few of the fifteen tracks have featured on studio albums, but many have had only limited previous availability and some are released here for the first time.
We think it's a pretty special collection and with the finished CD now in production, we'll be emailing qualifying subscribers with details of delivery times as soon as we have them.
U2 Duals - Tracklisting
1. WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME
U2 and Soweto Gospel Choir
2. THE WANDERER
U2 and Johnny Cash
3. FALLING AT YOUR FEET
Bono and Danny Lanois
4. MISS SARAJEVO
Passengers and Luciano Pavarotti
5. SLOW DANCING
U2 and Willie Nelson
6. THE SAINTS ARE COMING
U2 and Green Day
7. SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY (Live from Auckland)
U2 and Jay-Z
8. ONE
U2 and Mary J Blige
9. WHEN LOVE COMES TO TOWN
U2 and BB King
10. STUCK IN A MOMENT YOU CAN’T GET OUT OF (Live at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
U2 and Mick Jagger
11. THE BALLAD OF RONNIE DREW
U2, The Dubliners, KÃla, A Band of Bowsies
12. I’M NOT YOUR BABY
U2 and Sinead O’Connor
13. STRANDED (HAITI MON AMOUR) – Hybrid Mix
Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge, Rihanna
14. DRUNK CHICKEN / AMERICA
U2 and Allen Ginsberg
15. AMAZING GRACE
U2 and Soweto Gospel Choir
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Campaign hopes to win Andersen opening slot at U2 gig in Moncton
Do you think Matt Andersen’s booming voice and monster guitar skills should earn him a spot as one of the opening acts for the U2 concert in Moncton this summer?
About 1,000 people have joined a Facebook group that’s lobbying concert promoters to add the talented singer-songwriter to the lineup for the July 30 concert.
So far, acclaimed Montreal indie-rock superstars Arcade Fire and an up-and-coming New York group called Carney are the only acts booked to support the Irish touring sensations when they take the stage at Magnetic Hill.
About 1,000 people have joined a Facebook group that’s lobbying concert promoters to add the talented singer-songwriter to the lineup for the July 30 concert.
So far, acclaimed Montreal indie-rock superstars Arcade Fire and an up-and-coming New York group called Carney are the only acts booked to support the Irish touring sensations when they take the stage at Magnetic Hill.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Possible tracklist of U2's "Songs Of Ascent"
The Sacred Heart of Malibu
Mother of Pearl
Return of the Stingray Guitar
Glastonbury
Soon
Win
North Star
If I Could Live My Life Again
Love Is All We Have
Lead Me In The Way I Should Go
You Can't Give Away Your Heart
Pilgrim's Lack of Progress - House of Abraham
Velvet Hearts
Not As Yet
Thank You For The Day
Song of Ascent
Everybody is a Star
Welcome
source : http://bootlegandco.blogspot.com/
Mother of Pearl
Return of the Stingray Guitar
Glastonbury
Soon
Win
North Star
If I Could Live My Life Again
Love Is All We Have
Lead Me In The Way I Should Go
You Can't Give Away Your Heart
Pilgrim's Lack of Progress - House of Abraham
Velvet Hearts
Not As Yet
Thank You For The Day
Song of Ascent
Everybody is a Star
Welcome
source : http://bootlegandco.blogspot.com/
Latest rumors about upcoming U2 shows!!!
August 12, Gelsenkirchen, Veltins Arena
August 16, Munich, Olympic Stadium
August 17, Munich, Olympic Stadium
August 20, Prague
August 22, Paris, Stade De France
August 25, Amsterdam, Amsterdam Arena
August 26, Amsterdam, Amsterdam Arena
September 3 Belfast, Casement Park
September 6 Edinburgh, Murrayfield
September 9 London, Wembley Stadium
September 10 London, Wembley Stadium
September 12 London, Wembley Stadium
September 13 London, Wembley Stadium
September 16 Dublin, AVIVA Stadium
September 17 Dublin, AVIVA Stadium
September 19 Dublin, AVIVA Stadium
source : http://bootlegandco.blogspot.com/
5,900 staff for U2's two concerts in SA
It may seem ridiculous for a four-man rock band to need 5, 900 staff for a two-date tour, but rock royalty U2's juggernaut is not a usual series of concerts.
On February 13, at the FNB stadium, in Soweto, Bono and his band will play in front of "probably their biggest crowd they've played to" -- 110,000 people.
Concert promoter Penny Stein said that only 2,000 tickets were still available for the Johannesburg concert, which forms part of the Irish band's 360-degree World Tour.
The 70,000 tickets for the February 18 concert at Cape Town stadium were sold out within a week in October.
The idea of a 360-degree stadium stage came from a model built with dinner forks during the band's 2006 Vertigo Tour.
The shows will have the largest concert stage structure ever assembled. It revolves, allowing the audience to surround it and get a good view from all sides.
On February 13, at the FNB stadium, in Soweto, Bono and his band will play in front of "probably their biggest crowd they've played to" -- 110,000 people.
Concert promoter Penny Stein said that only 2,000 tickets were still available for the Johannesburg concert, which forms part of the Irish band's 360-degree World Tour.
The 70,000 tickets for the February 18 concert at Cape Town stadium were sold out within a week in October.
The idea of a 360-degree stadium stage came from a model built with dinner forks during the band's 2006 Vertigo Tour.
The shows will have the largest concert stage structure ever assembled. It revolves, allowing the audience to surround it and get a good view from all sides.
U2 concert gives economic boost to P.E.I.
The economic impact of this week's announcement of a U2 concert for Moncton is already being felt on P.E.I.
Regional charter bus company Trius Tours said 18 buses are already booked for the July 30th concert on Magnetic Hill.
Not all of those buses will be crossing the Confederation Bridge from Prince Edward Island, Trius also has a large depot in Moncton, so buses will be coming from a number of directions.
Mike Cassidy, owner of Trius Tours, said the demand for the U2 concert rivals what the company saw for the Rolling Stones concert in Moncton a few years ago.
"There is no question, even when we compare it to the Rolling Stones," said Cassidy. "U2—the demand, the phone calls—certainly is exceeding the Rolling Stones announcement."
Cassidy said Trius will likely have 30 vehicles on the ground for the U2 concert.
That will include everything from large 55-seat coaches, to shuttles that will take fans from campgrounds to the concert.
Tickets for the U2 concert for the general public go on sale on Tuesday. The pre-sale for web site members is already underway.
source : http://www.cbc.ca/
Regional charter bus company Trius Tours said 18 buses are already booked for the July 30th concert on Magnetic Hill.
Not all of those buses will be crossing the Confederation Bridge from Prince Edward Island, Trius also has a large depot in Moncton, so buses will be coming from a number of directions.
Mike Cassidy, owner of Trius Tours, said the demand for the U2 concert rivals what the company saw for the Rolling Stones concert in Moncton a few years ago.
"There is no question, even when we compare it to the Rolling Stones," said Cassidy. "U2—the demand, the phone calls—certainly is exceeding the Rolling Stones announcement."
Cassidy said Trius will likely have 30 vehicles on the ground for the U2 concert.
That will include everything from large 55-seat coaches, to shuttles that will take fans from campgrounds to the concert.
Tickets for the U2 concert for the general public go on sale on Tuesday. The pre-sale for web site members is already underway.
source : http://www.cbc.ca/
Friday, February 4, 2011
"U2 fever" to hit Johannesburg as stage arrives
U2's concert in South Africa doesn't happen for another nine days, but the city of Johannesburg is already excited that the famous "360" stage has arrived.
The Claw has made its way to Johannesburg, according to "The Witness" (article via @U2's Twitter feed). This is just the beginning for anxious U2 fans.
Jacques Grobbelaar, Stadium Management SA chief executive said, "Johannesburg is about to be gripped in U2 fever in anticipation of the build-up to the concert, to be held on Sunday, February 13."
Grobbelaar said that every detail is being taken care of to prepare for the concert and that it is "set to rock the city".
For anyone going to the Johannesburg show, U2.com posted ticket pickup details here. Speaking of tickets, don't forget that the U2.com presale for Moncton ends today. General public onsale is this Tuesday.
source : http://www.examiner.com/
The Claw has made its way to Johannesburg, according to "The Witness" (article via @U2's Twitter feed). This is just the beginning for anxious U2 fans.
Jacques Grobbelaar, Stadium Management SA chief executive said, "Johannesburg is about to be gripped in U2 fever in anticipation of the build-up to the concert, to be held on Sunday, February 13."
Grobbelaar said that every detail is being taken care of to prepare for the concert and that it is "set to rock the city".
For anyone going to the Johannesburg show, U2.com posted ticket pickup details here. Speaking of tickets, don't forget that the U2.com presale for Moncton ends today. General public onsale is this Tuesday.
source : http://www.examiner.com/
Power problems in South Africa ahead of U2 concert
JOHANNESBURG — Officials blame thieves for power problems at South Africa's main World Cup stadium, but the stadium manager promised Friday the lights will be on in time for a U2 concert.The theft of power cables in the area around Johannesburg's FNB Stadium led to fluctuations in supplies that can damage generators and other equipment, stadium manager Jacques Grobbelaar said Friday. City Power spokesman Sol Masolo said his utility had asked police to investigate a case of cable theft in the matter.
Cable theft, widespread in South Africa and elsewhere, is likely to increase with recent global copper price rises.
A national soccer league game scheduled for Saturday at the stadium had to be canceled to allow for repairs before the U2 concert, Grobbelaar said.
Grobbelaar said U2 is expected to draw 98,000 fans, making the Feb. 13 concert a bigger event than the World Cup final, when the stadium hosted about 94,000 people.
source : http://www.centredaily.com/
Cable theft, widespread in South Africa and elsewhere, is likely to increase with recent global copper price rises.
A national soccer league game scheduled for Saturday at the stadium had to be canceled to allow for repairs before the U2 concert, Grobbelaar said.
Grobbelaar said U2 is expected to draw 98,000 fans, making the Feb. 13 concert a bigger event than the World Cup final, when the stadium hosted about 94,000 people.
source : http://www.centredaily.com/
U2.COM : Best Seat In The House
'I've got the best seat in the house,' explains Joe O'Herlihy, the band's veteran sound engineer. 'When the show is over people turn round and walk by front of house and you just see them smiling ear to ear. It's such a brilliant feeling.'
In the second part of our video interview, Joe talks about the 'pillars' of U2's sound, the songs they played thirty years ago and still drop in the set today and the 'uplifting' reaction of the audience.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
McGuinness Confirms May U2 Album Release, Title TBD
U2 manager Paul McGuinness has reiterated that U2 is planning to have a new album out in May, in time for the North American leg of the U2 360 tour. Speaking during the Midem music conference in Cannes, McGuinness says the new album is "largely completed" and the band is working in its southern France studio to put the "finishing touch" on the record.
McGuinness says this album will be the one that Brian Burton, AKA Danger Mouse, is producing. But he says it's "unlikely" that the album will be called "Songs Of Ascent" -- the title that Bono originally used to refer to what was expected to be an album of songs leftover from the No Line On The Horizon sessions.
Again, we get this news from our friends at U2tour.de, who point to the report on German site MediaBiz. Here's the original in German, and here's a Google translation in English.
As we reported yesterday, a new U2 album is currently listed on Amazon Germany with a May 27 release date.
source : http://www.atu2.com/ by Matt McGee
McGuinness says this album will be the one that Brian Burton, AKA Danger Mouse, is producing. But he says it's "unlikely" that the album will be called "Songs Of Ascent" -- the title that Bono originally used to refer to what was expected to be an album of songs leftover from the No Line On The Horizon sessions.
Again, we get this news from our friends at U2tour.de, who point to the report on German site MediaBiz. Here's the original in German, and here's a Google translation in English.
As we reported yesterday, a new U2 album is currently listed on Amazon Germany with a May 27 release date.
source : http://www.atu2.com/ by Matt McGee
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