U2 and Muse Sell Out Georgia Dome in Memorable Rock Concert
Note: Check out the AJC’s review here.
CHECK OUT THE ONLINE PHOTO GALLERY:
U2 fills the Georgia Dome (w/ Muse)(AJC.com)(10-6-09)
What an amazing sight to see 65,000 plus rock fans inside the Georgia Dome Tuesday night with the world’s largest concert stage and production! I’m posting 20 photos I shot during the first 3 songs U2 performed and the dynamic opening set from Muse. You guys tell the story below.
(Photo Credit: Robb D. Cohen/ www.robbsphotos.com)
For other concert photography linked to Access Atlanta, please visit for Atlanta Concert Photography Galleries. by Atlanta Photographer Robb Cohen www.RobbsPhotos.com
SO DID THIS U2 SHOW LIVE UP TO THE HYPE?
SO DID THIS U2 SHOW LIVE UP TO THE HYPE?
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188 comments Add your comment
DamnDawg
October 7th, 2009
5:25 am
U2 Rocks!
Nuchow
October 7th, 2009
5:33 am
As good as they have ever been. Legendary
HRH
October 7th, 2009
6:11 am
They did not disappoint last night!! But WHY did they not play “In The Name of Love”??? One of their biggest songs of the 80’s and about MLK! We’re in ATL…HELLO!!!! Great concert and glad to have been a part of it!!
D
October 7th, 2009
6:28 am
Makes one proud to be of Irish heritage.Party at Ri’Ra’ in Midtown & then the party of the year at the dome!!!
Swampdoctor
October 7th, 2009
6:44 am
Incredible!!!
Brian22
October 7th, 2009
6:52 am
Not nearly as good as the Vertigo tour. Had as much to do with the acoustics in the Dome as the “No Line”-heavy setlist.
Sara
October 7th, 2009
7:04 am
Absolutely loved it. Amazing performance. Love their new stuff and it went well with their classics. Truly the greatest rock band of all time.
Stephen
October 7th, 2009
7:10 am
Too heavy in recent songs and the bass was overly strong. I have been to three U2 concerts and this was more about being loud. Also, I don’t understand having the audience basically sing two songs. I didn’t pay for to hear the audience sing. This was good but could have been great. I went to hear their classics (Joshua Tree, War) and really didn’t hear any of them.
Tupper
October 7th, 2009
7:20 am
Weak. It was like listening a cover band. No musical improvisation at all.
heidi
October 7th, 2009
7:22 am
completely agree w brian. we took our kids (9 & 12) and it was good but not amazing. breathe and no line on the horizon should be pulled from the set list. the last time they played the 2 nights at philips arena was far better but the acoustics in the dome are truly BAD. still…not a bad way to spend a tuesday nite.
Brutalo
October 7th, 2009
7:36 am
Atlanta is simply not ready for the shows of this magnitude. I am not talking about the U2 or show itself, it is about traffic befor and after the show. Yes, I know, Marta rules etc, but when you live/work on 75 North there is no Marta in sight. Anyways, loved Muse, loved them since first time I saw them in Lakewood in 2004. U2 were great, but not amazing. i still believe that their PopMart tour was the best of it’s kind. On the top of that, very poor use of 360 stage on this show. saw Metallica on Sunday and these dudes utilized their 360 stage soooo much better.
Josh M
October 7th, 2009
7:41 am
I saw U2 at the Dome in 1992 and 1998 (I think), and I didn’t go back this time. That is just a horrible place for concerts, and I’m not spending those prices for those acoustics.
Steve B
October 7th, 2009
7:50 am
The production was incredible. I am still trying to understand the complexity of the large overhead screen. You really felt you were living inside of an incredible music video. Great camera work, interesting, hugh set, and U2 at its best. I will still never understand why “loud” has become more important than great sound. Vocals were often hard to understand and I think many folks were glad to get to their cars, put in the CD and once again here U2 as they love them.
Merl
October 7th, 2009
7:51 am
Muse rocked! I hope these guys come back soon and U2 were incredible. I was worried about the acoustics in the Dome because the last show I saw there was the Rolling Stones and the acoustics were horrible. Had seats on the 200 level and was surprised by how good Muse and U2 sounded. As long as these guys are touring I’m going!!!!
Jason
October 7th, 2009
7:54 am
Stephen,
Bands tour to promote their new CD. If you have been to three U2 concerts as you say you have, then I am sure you have heard plenty from the Joshua Tree and War. Also, If you have been to U2 concerts in the past, I am also sure you have heard PLENTY of crowd interaction and participation, the band has based it’s live career on that.
I agree with the others, the GA Dome is absolutely TERRIBLE as far as acoustics (no wonder the bass was poorly mixed). U2, as well as any other band should never play the GA Dome…it is a terrible acoustical experience and makes it almost not worth it to pay a premium ticket price when you are dealing with reverberation mixing with the actual signals. I think Turner Field would have been a better choice or even 2 nights at Philips, but then again, they stage is designed for stadiums, not arenas.
U2 rocks, the Dome sucks.
Ron
October 7th, 2009
7:54 am
Saw them in Charlottesville and Raleigh and doubted they’d be able to fit the stage in the Dome. Did the spaceship have its tower?
Oh, and to the guy who complained that there weren’t enough Joshua Tree and War songs: They played New Year’s Day, Sunday, Bloody Sunday, Where the Streets Have No Name, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For and With or Without You. What the hell else do you want?
Ozzy
October 7th, 2009
7:58 am
Sara
“The greatest rock band of all time”? Shirley you’re not serious.
Ron
October 7th, 2009
7:59 am
Good point Jason. The thing I respect the most about U2 is that they refuse to become a nostalgia band. They always promote new songs, and they should. That’s been my biggest disappointment with Tom Petty. He’s made a ton of great music in the last 10 years, but you’d never know it from his shows. It’s a predictable 80s and 90s greatest hits set list that every year further alienates young audiences.
People who complain about anything made after they were in high school need to look in the mirror and realize they sound like their grumpy grandfather. If you want to stay in 1988 fine, but don’t expect artists to.
Mike
October 7th, 2009
8:01 am
Disappointing. The Dome acoustics are known to be horrible however the expansive U2 crew (most of County Cork) did as good a job as possible to minimize that. Still the Art Blank special pre-sale last row under the overhang seats received nothing but reflected muddled garbage. The tour should be called 90 degrees since the majority of the “in the round” stage was completely wasted. The Irish lads could be schooled big time by Metallica on that regard. But then it appeared U2 is more into the big money to fund the big technology then respecting the fan base. Muse played a nice set. Too bad most were still looking for parking and didn’t catch them even when they started 30 minutes late. Oh well, I’ll rent the DVD next time.
HRH
October 7th, 2009
8:02 am
The Tower was there at The Dome. And I agree Ron with all you say. I’m just bummed they did not sing “In the Name of Love”…especially in ATL since it is about MLK. But remember, some people are ALWAYS going to complain in blogs. It’s their nature. I look at these blogs and shake my head sometimes. I had a GREAT night with my firends at the concert. That counts for something!!
David
October 7th, 2009
8:02 am
Couldn’t go last night, but the set list by this point in their career is filled with too many beaten to death tunes. And “Stuck In A Moment” is one of their worst songs. Would have enjoyed hearing Magnificent, Unforgettable Fire and a couple of Joshua Tree tunes, but if I drew up a set list it would be drastically different. When I saw U2 at the Dome in ‘92 I do remember how horrible it sounded from our floor seats.
Betty
October 7th, 2009
8:04 am
Loved U2; thought the much-publicized stage set was the worst I’ve ever seen. Half the time it was like seeing a gigantic light show with a U2 soundtrack–couldn’t see where any of the bandmembers were and lights were bouncing on the screens instead of video of the band.
David
October 7th, 2009
8:06 am
One comment about people not wanting U2 to play new material. I’d be fine with it if everything was as good as Magnificent. Such a great song. But a huge chunk of their songs in the past 10 years are a little boring.
Jason
October 7th, 2009
8:09 am
Completely disagree. While I am not a rabid fan of the new CD, I think ATYCLB and HTDAAB are brilliant albums.
ElectObama08
October 7th, 2009
8:13 am
Good comments by Jason, the band thrives on interaction from the crowd and the set list for the tour digs into their catalogue whilst putting their new tracks front and center and these come into their own in a live performance. I saw the tour at Gillette Stadium and if you want to hear how it sounds outside of a dome I posted the whole gig on YouTube under the same user name. I will be at Phoenix and hope they open the roof so the acoustics don’t turn into Dome II.
Nick
October 7th, 2009
8:13 am
Jolly good show! Like HRH, I was surprised the boys did not sing all of their tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King, but these are tunes they have performed in Atlanta many times previously. It was great to hear a couple of their seldom-performed-live tunes such as “The Unforgettable Fire.” More details, including notes on Bono’s connections to The King Center in Atlanta, and review at http://olympicringsandotherthings.blogspot.com
Dano
October 7th, 2009
8:15 am
Did not waste my time or $ on U2 at the dome…no reason to hear any band there…did go to see Paul McCartney in Piedmont Park last month…let’s just say it was sort of cool to see a Beatles concert in 2009 with amazing acoustics and Midtown skyscrapers as the backdrop..yeah, still the greatest band of all time even if the band is missing three original members…
Ron
October 7th, 2009
8:17 am
HRH, I’m with you on Pride. That’s a tough one to leave out. Then again, if they played every song I liked they’d still be playing! And David, I agree that NLOTH hasn’t blown me away, but, boy, I just don’t see how you can’t like All That You Can’t Leave Behind and How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. Vertigo, Elevation, Beautiful Day, Walk On, City of Blinding Lights and All Because of You are boring?
Jason
October 7th, 2009
8:18 am
Having seen them perform every time they have come to Atlanta since 1983 (Agora Ballroom?), I can say I have enjoyed each and every show and have appreciated the subtle (and not so subtle) changes over the years and with each new Album. It’s impossible to say who is the best of all time, but u2 are up there with the best of the best and their live shows can quite often be like a spiritual awakening.
Misterbigideaguy
October 7th, 2009
8:19 am
This was my 20th plus U2 concert and what a disappointment. It was like making love to a woman in California while you’re in NYC. Total lack of intimacy no matter how close your seat. The goal here was to open the whole house to mass ticket sales – not bring the audience closer as Bono said. It’s actually kind of sad that U2 has become such a huge commercial machine, they really have no choice but to support the massive business model they’ve established. I left last night knowing it would be my last U2 concert because the band I fell in love with 28 years ago can’t exist any more in a world that requires crash commercialism for mega stars. Sure, the songs are great and the performance tight, but the reasons U2 became what they are today are long, long gone.
Matt
October 7th, 2009
8:21 am
I saw U2 at the Dome in ‘92 and went again last night. The Dome’s acoustics sucked then and still sucked last night. The place is designed for football, to make the crowd louder. The crowd last night overpowered the music, which is the Dome’s fault. Please play Phillips next time, if the stage can fit in there.
Overall, I thought it was a great show! I thought the screen/lights were some of the best I’ve seen, they definitely bring the production to a new level with every tour. I thought the set was a good mix of old and new, I’m sorry I missed the Joshua Tree tour too, but I don’t expect them to play the whole album every time out people. By my count they still played 4 songs from that album but I was glad to hear plenty of Achtung Baby in there. Ultraviolet was definitely a highlight for me.
Definitely one of the greatest LIVE bands of all time but pick another venue next time. How about a week at the Tabernacle?
U2Fan
October 7th, 2009
8:21 am
Went to the concert, and thought it sounded like most any other concert in the GA Dome so I knew what I was in for regarding acoustics. I think that is a much different show in an outdoor stadium.
To that end, my only disappointment was that the other five U2 concerts that I attended had a theme around the show. (Joshua Tree = America, ZooTV = technology, Pop = Disco. Later tours = Love). The only theme I can identify from this tour was “look at our BIG stage and cool video screen”.
Maybe that was because I had $250 seats and still sat 75 yards away from the main stage, but that is nit picking.
Good show, but not the best U2 show I have seen.
HRH
October 7th, 2009
8:21 am
I saw McCartney in Piedmonet Park too Dano. Great concert, but no reason to trash on U2…especially if you did not go!
Jason
October 7th, 2009
8:22 am
I am surprised you left feeling that way, you know the next tour will be a different feel….as they always are.
War Jacket
October 7th, 2009
8:23 am
Saw U2 twice back in the days when they really mattered: Unforgettable Fire, Joshua Tree, Auchtung Baby time frame.
I don’t see how they could even be compared with what I saw at Phillips on Sunday night. Metallica ROCKS!!!
OZZFEST
October 7th, 2009
8:25 am
This was falsely advertised as a “360″ show, in fact it THAT IS THE NAME OF THE TOUR. THIS IS TOTALLY BUGUS. They should rename it the “180 tour”…they played 80% of their show towards the front and Muse never turned around at all. BONO SHOULD HAVE ATTENDED METALLICA at Philips Arena on Sunday, they PLAYED A TRUE 360 “in the round” show, contantly circling the stage. U2 had a perimeter ring around the main stage accessed by two rotating bridges, but they rarely used the outer ring and there was no need to have built the % of the ring towards the back…they never used it.
I would have been happier if they had plopped the smaller Vertigo stage under the spider tent and just rocked, instead they played almost the entire “No Line Under the Boredome” CD. Muse clearly blew them off stage.
U2 is becoming REM. Yawn.
Steve
October 7th, 2009
8:30 am
Good but certainly far from great from my perspective. Was personally surprised at the lack of showmanship for a show of this caliber, looked tired. Had all these bridges and circular stage around the main stage, but spent 95% of their time in one small area. God Bless Bono, as it is great to see a celeb use his power and influence to stir up a lot of backing to great causes, BUT I do not personally like see the last 30-45 minutes of a show dedicated to speeches, video, and songs about poverty, AIDS, civil rights…there was no climax, all slow songs to end it…not what I want to see for a $275 rock and roll ticket. Don’t regret seeing, but wouldn’t pay to see’em again.
Colin
October 7th, 2009
8:33 am
Muse was incredible. They’re a great live band and put on a great show – always improv between songs and add a bit here and there that doesn’t make it onto the CD. I hope they can soon headline a tour here in the States as they do in the UK and Europe where they fill stadiums 65,000+ just by themselves.
U2 was loud. And had a lot of production (which was incredible – the stage and effects and lighting – and the SCREEN – great production). That said, I was actually kind of disappointed that I didn’t enjoy the U2 portion more. They came back for 2 encores which seemed a little much even for them. Show went LOOOOONG and I know several big U2 fans who think the show could have been an hour shorter.
Overall worth the $, but I really wish Muse had a longer set. They were the more dynamic band last night, despite the massive amounts of $ spent towards the production of the U2 set.
David
October 7th, 2009
8:34 am
Muse is a better band! U2 is on their way down and becoming the Rolling stones of touring..I’m not saying they suck etc..just saying their music is becoming less relevant. Muse needs to tour and headline their own concert. They are huge overseas and semi big here people just need to buy their albums and realize their genius. Hope the show was good…maybe i’ll go to a U2 concert when they charge 30 dollars a ticket
Jason
October 7th, 2009
8:34 am
This is encouraging, with all the negative comments, I look forward to seeing them at Center Stage next time…at least I know I will be closer next time!
Matt
October 7th, 2009
8:40 am
Muse was great, I really enjoyed seeing them. I will say they really, really like Radiohead. They are what would have happened if Radiohead had become a power trio and kept putting out The Bends over and over again….eventually.
HRH
October 7th, 2009
8:40 am
Again…people always complain on blogs whether it’s warranted or not. Take it with a grain of salt.
donna outlaw
October 7th, 2009
8:41 am
we’re going to see them in houston in reliant stadium as they’re my husband’s favorite band. after we saw green day in new orleans, i told him they’ll have to be almost supernatural to beat the green day concert! i also love muse and “uprising” is on vh1 right now! i’ve never been to a concert in reliant stadium so i hope the acoustics are better than the georgia dome. the few concerts i remember from the superdome like the stones had decent sound but the new orleans arena sound was amazing like phillips arena. we have $252 seats and from the seating chart, we’ll be to the left of the front of the stage. it’ll be a nice trip and my husband can’t wait.
Machetethehospitalredtape
October 7th, 2009
8:42 am
Was in the front row of the nosebleeds with my 12 year old daughter for her first concert of a band that she has heard of. Yes, the War tour was much more intimate and accessible, but many people have noticed, and for every one of the 70,000 or so people there, about 10 more would have loved to go. This band is one of the most popular in the world because of how they play onstage, how they try hard to continuously evolve (no longer trying to rhyme with Nicaragua), and because of the amazing catalog of songs they have developed. For an intimate experience, there are literally millions of bands that cannot sell out my basement. Go see them. For the biggest band in the land, just acknowledge that you can only see them with another 70,000 people and stop complaining.
The concert itself had some hit or miss moments, those of us in the nosebleeds appreciated the attempts to communicate with those of us miles away, and with the limitations inherent in seeing such a large show, it went very well. Seen them many times, too, and each time has some great moments and some negatives. Saw one of the best concerts they have ever played in NYC in 2001, and saw a disfunctional catastrophe a few weeks later on the same tour. They were earnest, treid hard, and had a reasonably good mix (only real problem was the blue lights on the circle were out in places, sure someone will get the sack for that). Many people headed for the bathrooms during the new stuff, but one was played in goofy fashion walking around with bongos, getting some attention. Walk on was weak (voice, and dorks standing onstage with a mask), but most of the other older stuff came off extremely well.
I would go again, and my daughter loved it.
donna outlaw
October 7th, 2009
8:45 am
floor tickets in houston are only $52 so how much lower can you go? my husband is a fan club member so we got first chance at tickets and feel we’ll have decent seats in houston. i read the comment about muse being huge in europe and wonder why snow patrol toured with U2 throughout most of europe instead of muse?
Sean Patrick
October 7th, 2009
8:45 am
The sound was awful and yes, the acoustics in the Dome are difficult to work with… but I’ve seen the Stones and other bands who did a FAR better job working with it.
Jason
October 7th, 2009
8:46 am
Correction to AJC: the concert was NOT sold out.
Sean Patrick
October 7th, 2009
8:47 am
I meant to add that for energy they did look like they were into it!
HRH
October 7th, 2009
8:49 am
It actually did sell out at 6 PM yesterday. The Dome only allows so many people in there due to “fire hazard”. After you tally the “standing room” crowd on the floor, it hit capacity whether all seats were filled or not.
Matt
October 7th, 2009
8:51 am
To donna outlaw, Muse headline they’re own tour in Europe.
Jason
October 7th, 2009
8:51 am
Odd, you could purchase 100 level seats there at showtime.
HRH
October 7th, 2009
8:52 am
They opened up the 100 levels last minute even though they were blocked by the sound tower on opposite side of the stadium. But they only sold a few tickets there.
U2 is boring
October 7th, 2009
8:53 am
Just like my name U2 is boring. They do all the same stuff as they did 12-15 yrs ago when I saw them.
Jason
October 7th, 2009
8:54 am
what is the dome’s concert capacity? 50k?
holton
October 7th, 2009
8:54 am
Lots of empty seats, lots of them. Accoustics were awful. Couldn’t hear bono’s voice for most of the night. The stage wasn’t great, the 4 pillars of the “spaceship” blocked our view of the stage, where as with the past two shows that wouldn’t have been a problem.
But what i like about the dome is the tickets are cheaper (more of them to buy).
Jason
October 7th, 2009
8:55 am
U2 is boring, your comment contradicts almost all others here about not enough older stuff.
Jeff
October 7th, 2009
8:56 am
This didn’t “rock”. If you were looking to see musicians, you would have been better off watching any number of local bar bands. These guys are digital effects conductors–not musicians. With state-of-the-art technology and huge always-on MTV video effects a performance was given that really didn’t have anything to do with music. Get 50K people together to pay $100+ and most any Hollywood effects company could have created the same show. U2 could never play the Tabernacle for example. How could they used all the effects needed to create their value? With an audience so close wouldn’t people see that “The Edge” really isn’ playing the guitar but rather an effects machine? In a small venue wouldn’t people tire of the same drum pattern over and over for 2 hrs? U2 is a great band for people who don’t like musicans.
HRH
October 7th, 2009
8:57 am
Permanent seating at the Dome is 71,250.
D.Palmer
October 7th, 2009
8:57 am
Enter your comments here
U2 is amazing. Great performance but bad acoustics in the Dome. Took my 13 yr old son to his 1st concert. He had a great time. However, the Vertigo tour at Phillips Arena was better. Nightmare traffic getting to the interstate.
South Rules
October 7th, 2009
8:58 am
Concert was pretty good, however the Atlanta crowd was lame. How can people SIT at a U2 concert??? I think the band saw the lack of energy and was uninspired
btw Dano, I’ll take U2 over the Beatled ANY DAY. Beatles were just a group of drugged out hippies, sort of like Obama…..U2 music is much more emotive and substantive
Jason
October 7th, 2009
9:00 am
Jeff, U2 plays a smaller, more intimate venues much much better than they do with the area/stadium thing. Have you ever seen they play a smaller venue? Not Philips size, but more like Fox Theater size? I have seen them play much smaller venues, in person as well as recorded footage and they do quite well, if not among the best in the business. Sadly, unless you catch them unannounced or at a special event, those days are few and far between to catch them in a 3-5k seat auditorium.
ElectObama08
October 7th, 2009
9:01 am
Donna Outlaw – Muse were in the studio for most of the summer before playing their homecoming gig in Teignmouth, England. They start their European tour in a couple of weeks.
Snow Patrol played Chicago, Toronto and the shows I went to in MA and they were outstanding but half of the crowd were still trying to get into the gig when they came on stage. The previous time I saw them play was to a crowd of 275,000 in Hyde Park, London so they are as huge as Muse elsewhere.
Niles
October 7th, 2009
9:02 am
Congratulations, we got to 59 posts before Obama or politics was brought up, in context or not.
HRH
October 7th, 2009
9:03 am
AMEN NILES!!!!
DMAN
October 7th, 2009
9:04 am
Enter your comments here
Eh Dave – my tickets were $30 dollars – why do people think that just because its the biggest band in the world that all the tickets cost $200??? I paid $30 (may have been $32?) for my tickets and yes we had nosebleed seats but they were right behind the stage (the band did come around way more than 20% of the time) and it was a great view of the stage and band
Personally I’ve seen U2 20+ times and this was one of the best, not Joshua Tree or ZooTV tour good but right up there with it. Magnificent was fantastic live, Sexy Boots didn’t do much for me on the NLOTH but it absolutely rocked live. I loved the remix of CRAZY and was disappointed with ONE, thought it was a bit flat. You have to hand to Bono, we worked the crowd and got them going, the ab libbing during the Edges technical problem with the acoustic was priceless.
I don’t believe that people give them crap from playing their new songs, if they played nothing but the Joshua Tree they truely would be sad. But you can’t keep everyone happy.
Jason
October 7th, 2009
9:05 am
When you cant think of anything witty or on point, just bring up something political and 49% may think you’re on to something.
Ron
October 7th, 2009
9:06 am
U2 could never play The Tabernacle. That’s a good one. Gee, I wonder how they ever got to the point where they could play stadium shows?
Ben
October 7th, 2009
9:10 am
Colin: “They came back for 2 encores which seemed a little much even for them. Show went LOOOOONG and I know several big U2 fans who think the show could have been an hour shorter.”
Why are you complaining when the band you paid to see plays extra songs?!? They started at 9:05 and ended around 11:20. Sure, I could do without some of Bono’s ramblings, but why gripe if they play several more songs after your bedtime.
Leslie
October 7th, 2009
9:11 am
U2 – please come back to Phillips! The excitement just gets lost in a venue as huge as the dome. Bono also seems to be exhausted. His phrasing was totalling differnt, trying to save his vocals. At last year’s concert he totally worked the outer ring. There was not any real purpose for having the outer stage. Reduce the stage production and keep the ticket rices down. The spaceship did not contribute to my experience.
ElectObama08
October 7th, 2009
9:11 am
South Rules – Like your user name your statement regarding the Beatles is an historical fallacy.
And as far as my user name is concerned – Mission Accomplished!
Matt
October 7th, 2009
9:12 am
Yeah the Tabernacle is wishful thinking but it would actually get them closer to their audience, as Bono suggested last night, without having to perform Rattle and Hum 2 every night.
David
October 7th, 2009
9:14 am
Matt, have you listened to Muse’s older stuff? or are you just going on what the radio feeds your ears…listen to their b-sides etc they are extremely gifted artists..
Matt
October 7th, 2009
9:15 am
No Beatles, no U2. And what was that lyric that Bono added early in the set? Oh yeah, Blackbird, a BEATLES SONG!
Seb didn't go.
October 7th, 2009
9:16 am
I think only true, long term fans can appreciate this band. They have been cranking it since the 1980s. A lot of the comments i see hear are by people who don’t get it. I had seen them in the 80’s and 90’s in Boston, where the fan base truly understood and appreciated them. There is a connection there, not one here.
ATLdawg, ya dig?
October 7th, 2009
9:21 am
We missed Muse b/c we were stuck in freaking traffic for two hours before the show. Kicking myself that I didn’t take MARTA. I thought the show was a good production as far as the spider stage and lighting, but it was not a good rock show. The acoustics are obviously terrible. But the Dome is so damn big. Since they clearly didn’t sell out the floor, I would say the majority of the people at that concert last night felt like they were watching four ants run around on a big stage. Bono’s full of sh*& if he says its about intimacy. Its about the 12 million they rake in per show. The Dome is just a horrendous venue.
Matt
October 7th, 2009
9:21 am
David, I don’t eat anything off of the radio, it makes me feel dirty. I have listened to their albums and I will check out some more of their stuff, I didn’t know they were a trio until recently, which I love. They were great last night and have made a new fan.
My Radiohead comment was meant as a compliment.
Willie D
October 7th, 2009
9:23 am
I would have liked to hear more of the classic songs like Pride, New Years Day, Bad, I will Follow, Gloria, etc. and a little less of the No Line on the Horizon album. People came to the Dome to hear the songs that made them famous. Their new album is mediocre at best…. Also the stage setup with the four sides of the space ship blocked out a number of people sitting behind those seats. You would think as much money they spent on putting the show together they would have found a way to remove those posts so everyone could see the entire stage. Finally, Bono stop with the political messages. We paid money to hear the music not listen to your political ideology.
On the plus side U2 had a great stage presence. Also, at least we got to hear several of their recognizable songs (Sunday Bloody Sunday, Beautiful Day, Mysterious Ways, One,etc.) just not nearly enough of them.
ElectObama08
October 7th, 2009
9:27 am
Seb didn’t go – I agree with you, if you see them in a predominantly “Irish” American city the vibe is so much better and Boston is their legitimate home away from home. The first ever gig they played in the US was at the Paradise in Boston in 1981 and outside of Red Rocks there best ever outdoor show was on the Joshua Tree tour at the old Foxboro stadium in a thunder storm which I was lucky enough to go to.
Jesse's Girl
October 7th, 2009
9:30 am
I ♥ MUSE…they are my favorite band and have been for 10 years.
U2 & Beatles Fan
October 7th, 2009
9:32 am
I’m not going to compare the Paul McCartney concert with the U2 concert…they’re 2 totally different things. What I will say is that I thoroughly enjoyed the concert, minus the fact that I paid $225 dollars per ticket for “excellent” seats…except I rarely saw Bono or The Edge because they were blocked by the giant legs of the “Spaceship”! Seriously?!?!? $225 and the $60 seats had a better view?!?!? Ugh!
joe
October 7th, 2009
9:33 am
Not the best U2 show I’ve seen but a great show nonetheless. As bad as the Dome is the band filled up the space pretty well. The video screen was quite impressive but I agree that the outer ring wasn’t used to full effect. If you want to see them in a small venue prepare to pay $800. Also, NLOTH is a great piece of work – give it a few listens and a true U2 fan will be hooked! Oh, and Muse almost stole the show – add me as a new fan! Overall, a fun night of great music.
Colin
October 7th, 2009
9:42 am
Ben: “Why are you complaining when the band you paid to see plays extra songs?!? They started at 9:05 and ended around 11:20. Sure, I could do without some of Bono’s ramblings, but why gripe if they play several more songs after your bedtime.”
I paid to see Muse, buddy. U2 just happened to be closing.
BB
October 7th, 2009
9:44 am
I guess I must have seen and heard a different show from the third row of section 309 than many of you. I thought the sound was great, and the vocals were clear and crisp (as did the people I was with). I’ve seen a ton of concerts at all the local venues and was impressed that they got the sound that they did in the dome. Thought the set and stage were spectacular from my point of view. If anyone bought a ticket for this show expecting an “intimate” experience (regardless of what Bono said they were trying to achieve) they were delusional. I thought the crystal clear screen made it as “intimate” as it could be in a 70,000 seat arena.
Sure, we all have our preferences for the set list, me included, but get over it. Bands are always going to play some of their new stuff. Most bands don’t create a record and then say, “well that was crap, glad we’ll never have to play those songs again.”
Some of the comments make me wonder why the posters even went to the concert in the first place. Or if they really did.
Justin
October 7th, 2009
9:44 am
Willie, if you are so anti new stuff and anti-Bono, why did you bother going to the show? You should know the band is about many things, not just playing the gig and moving from song to song. Next time stay at home and let the real fans have a chance.
Justin
October 7th, 2009
9:46 am
Colin, you were free to go any time you chose. Stop whining.
Justin
October 7th, 2009
9:48 am
BB, amen!
Although, acoustics in each venue vary from location to location. You seemed to have been lucky to have gotten a good position. Overall, the acoustics in the Dome really are horrible.
Paige
October 7th, 2009
9:51 am
I first saw Muse in 2003 and have been in love since, so I was very very disappointed that their set was only what 6 or 7 songs? I was a little shocked there was no encore… but I know it was technically the big U2 360 tour, so whatever. I sat in $30 nosebleed seats and it would have been alright if a giant freaking “spaceship” leg wasn’t blocking my view of literally half the stage. The sound wasn’t too terrible to me, and the 45 minutes of U2 I was able to stay for (had a long drive home and honestly went mainly for Muse) was pretty exciting. But not quite enough to make me stay…
This is NO OFFENSE to U2, they’re fabulous, just not quite as much my cup of tea as Muse.
al mullins
October 7th, 2009
9:51 am
Anybody who is a true U2 fan from the start..boy,Octorbor,War era would have loved this concert…Like a greatest hits concert through the years..amazing sound..amazing talent..still…U2 has not slacked…maybe that youth had died out but that’s life they still have same talent…That is why they still sell albums…
Matt
October 7th, 2009
9:52 am
I’ll remember section 309 for next time. BB has found the sweet spot!
Ron
October 7th, 2009
9:53 am
Muse was awesome. Willie, if you want Bono to stop it with the political messages you really aren’t getting it. I did pay to hear what he had to say. But what was said that was political? I’ve never heard him say a political thing at four shows. You can give money for hunger in Africa or not. You can take issue with the problems in Myanmar or not. He doesn’t force you to do anything but think about something. Is that really so bad?
Ron
October 7th, 2009
9:55 am
Great post, BB.
LizDawg
October 7th, 2009
9:57 am
You dayum right the show lived up to the hype – from the first notes of ‘Breathe’ to the closing tones of ‘Moment of Surrender’, truly THE GREATEST concert I have ever seen!
David
October 7th, 2009
9:58 am
Ahhh cool matt, yeah my roommate saw Muse at the TAB before they hit it big…doubt they will play there again..
Steve
October 7th, 2009
10:00 am
BB – I cannot disagree about Bono’s voice more, “clear and crisp” ? I heard a guy that could not hit the usual ranges on songs that he has done in the past. I would have guessed he had a cold or something to be honest. Maybe it was the “bad acoustics” everybody is calling out. Maybe in 309 you hear things differently. Whatever it was, the show was not up to prior shows for me. Good show mind you but each and every time you see a band/performer shouldn’t you expect improvement?
D
October 7th, 2009
10:01 am
I seen U2 on every tour since 1997, but I skipped this one this year. The Dome just isn’t worth paying hundreds of dollars for two tickets. The sound is alright if you are up close (I was on the floor at PopMart) but anything up above you hear sound reflecting all over the place and you can’t really hear anything. I understand that it makes sense for a band of u2’s popularity to play to Dome, but two shows at Phillips would make for a much, much better fan experience.
Matt
October 7th, 2009
10:06 am
Yeah David, I have that same missed-chance feeling about the Arcade Fire two years ago at the Civic Center with the National. Chalk it up to coulda-woulda-shoulda…
Brian
October 7th, 2009
10:20 am
U2 rocks…epic. The Dome stinks. Lets bring them back and do it again but at Turner Field.
DH
October 7th, 2009
10:23 am
I think the new material is strong. Bands that play only the “old stuff” are stale. It wasn’t 360, but overall, the experience was good. My only complaint is that between the slow songs and politics, the show ended on kind of a down note. They should have done everything in reverse. And I am glad I rushed my wife through dinner so that I could see Muse.
Molly
October 7th, 2009
10:28 am
Loved U2.. hated the dome.
only sad they did not play bullet the blue sky. that song is great live.
Maggie
October 7th, 2009
10:31 am
We saw them in Charlottesville from way up high in the cheap seats. They were fabulous! After conferring with others around the stadium, WE had the best seats looking down from above.
–Bono’s voice did suffer greatly after the laser jacket, he had to take a lot of “smoke” to the face to make the lasers show up.