Whether you love or hate U2, you couldn’t help but see how much they love Dublin.
The end of July brought the world-famous rock band back to their hometown of Dublin for 3 shows as part of their ’360 degree’ tour. There was something about the light rain, the original tones of the Edge’s guitar and Bono’s hometown pride that would just about convert anyone into being a believer. For this band, a dream of 4 young guys from the northside of Dublin had come true.
'The Claw'
The show was pure spectacle, with an enormous stage (twice the height of any previous stage) and expanding circular screen so that every seat in Croke Park had an ideal view. My interest in attending the concert was a bit of a cultural study. Would the band perform anything special for their fellow countrymen? Would they offer hope during a time of extreme struggle for Ireland? Would I finally understand the fever that had come over Dublin during the lead up to the concert?
On the day of the show, multiple bands on Grafton Street were performing U2 cover songs. Radio stations played nothing but U2 favorites and old interviews. International tourists crowded the smoking areas outside of the pubs while U2 blasted from open doors and windows. It was clear that Italians, eastern Europeans and Spanish had planned their summer vacation around attending this concert, and suddenly, my anticipation for the event began to rise.
Bono and the lads delivered on a number of fronts. Their passion was palpable, from the serene look on the Edge’s face as with closed eyes he finished the final chords of a song to Bono’s encouragement about getting Ireland back on track. About the strength of the Irish people, about their resilience. I realized that this concert wasn’t just about entertainment, it was about hope. Instead of newspapers reporting more lay offs, an escalating percentage of unemployment, and repeated political / financial scandals, Bono told his fellow countrymen how much he believed in them. How they could accomplish their dreams. How being on stage was a clear example.
The Edge of U2
To last thirty years in the music business, you need to love what you do. The band is still making exciting, innovative music they believe in. Finishing the set with a track from the new album (No Line on the Horizon) called ‘Moment of Surrender’, fans left satisfied that they found what they were looking for.
I left the show with a deeper understanding of the resilience and passion of the Irish. I shared a bit of the pride I saw on stage about my second home, and I too believe that the future for Ireland will be bright.
