Re: U2's defining moment


rob okorn ([email protected])
Tue, 20 Oct 1998 00:00:31 PDT


Amnesty Meadowlands performance that was broadcast worldwide and
cemented U2's popularity in north america. U2 were already well known
for their great live performances, Red Rocks put them on the map with a
bullet. The Amnesty performance was U2's moment to shine, they knew
what was at stake and Bono went for the jugular, he still had the live
'firecracker' mentality and the great live presence. After mesmerizing
a worldwide audience and more importantly the north american audience
including the MTV generation, the stage was set for the anticipation for
their next release, The Joshua Tree.
U2's popularity soared after the Red Rocks footage was released. While
War was critically acclaimed, it took the sheer passion of their live
shows to catapault them on the cusp of superstardom.
While Eno and Lanois had a great impact, U2 had already established
themselves with a reputation as a great live band and Red Rocks brought
it to the masses and MTV. So that preceded their association with
Eno/Lanois who were picked to ensure U2 retain a cohesive focus and
theme rather than an adolescent energy that veers in different
directions. UF pushed the atmospherics while slowing the tempo. JT
went for passion with poise on a stripped down canvas working within
limitations.
JT could also be a defining moment in that they had their timeless
classic whereas UF was more of a storm warning, a precursor for the
eventual storm.
The rest is history.

Have to admit that the anticipation for that Amnesty 86 broadcast was
amazing, didn'y have a VCR back then so had to savour every live moment
as it happened, then cursing myself for not getting someone to tape it.
Even with U2's great live reputation up til that point, that amnesty
performance exceeded people expectations and alot of people went away
from that broadcast with the 'U2 is the only band that matters'
mentality.
Those 4 years between '83 and '87 were amazing, Red Rocks, Amnesty, JT
are just 3 of the defining moments. The UF tour also proved U2's live
presence didn't lose anything in more expansive venues like large
arenas, the UF tour was one U2's best, the anticipation level at those
shows was unreal.

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