Where the Streets Have No Name
Check out more exclusive photos from the show!
By Andy Argyrakis, senior music editor, GospelMusicChannel.com
There’s no denying U2’s status as one of the world’s most popular bands, if not the supreme modern rock act of all time. The irony in that observation is the fact that these trendsetters have been cranking out tunes since the early 1980s, but despite that veteran status, the foursome remains just as relevant as they’ve always been. Of course, anyone who goes back to the Dublin-based group’s origin knows these believers were and continue to be vocal about their Christian faith. In fact, early albums like Boy, October and War were replete with spiritual sentiments and even direct scriptural references that remain amongst the band’s most provocative projects to date.
Stadium-sized faith
Though the group went on to achieve major mainstream success, it never stopped singing about faith in some form or another, which is still evident on its latest 360 Tour. During the North American leg’s opening night at Solider Field in Chicago, Bono and his longtime buddies The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, Jr. provided the ultimate inspirational revival, backed by one of the most massive productions to ever hit the road.
The structure must be seen to be believed, but as indicated in the accompanying photos, the first gig in the Windy City was nothing short of extraordinary. The circular stage allowed everyone around the football field a good view, while screens broadcasted the action to even the highest of rafters. Complete with a track-style catwalk, two rotating ramps that extended above the audience from the main platform, plus a floor-to-ceiling spike that lit up like a lightening bolt to jaw-dropping proportions, the show rivaled previous monstrosities like the Zoo TV Tour and the PopMart Tour (complete with a kitschy disco ball).
Set list spirituality
Even more astounding than the bells and whistles was the band’s actual performance, which included the raucous opening thunder clashes of “Breathe” and elevating examples like “Beautiful Day” and the new “Magnificent” (off the recent record No Line on the Horizon). Bono and The Edge brought fans back to church a la Rattle and Hum for a gospel-infused acoustic take on “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” while also dusting off the rarely performed “The Unforgettable Fire,” which also mirrored the group’s reflective roots.
