U2 360 opening night: Barcelona June 30, 2009

We’re sat behind a computer, but fans inside the stadium are bringing the show to us semi-live through the wonder of Twitter (and Twitter related services) and mobile streaming.

The band played the same set as they did yesterday at their dress rehearsal. Things didn’t all go according to plan. There was a bit of a tuning problem during ‘One’ which made the band stop and start again.

Although Aung San Suu Kyi masks were handed out to the audience, people didn’t seem too pushed to wear them during Walk On, despite masked kids walking on the stage ramp giving the example. Lesson for the band… perhaps let the audience arrange their own flash mobs, instead of trying to control their creativity.

The large suspended circular screen can be lowered and can also conjure up nifty 3D effects. Friends at the show were in awe of the production during The Unforgettable Fire (so pleased that song is back!) and were especially impressed with the sound in the stadium. We can also reveal that the red flood of lights is back for Streets.

There were a few other surprises. When Bono took off his jacket he revealed, perhaps predictably, a Barcelona FC team shirt, which was then swapped for an LED-encrusted jacket during Ultra Violet.

Perhaps the most surreal moment of this Space Age inspired show (the last song of the intro tape was Bowie’s Space Oddity, the outro tune was Elton John’s Rocket Man) was the live link up (video) with astronauts in the International Space Station (ISS), one of the crew apparently signing up for Bono’s ONE campaign on the spot.

Click for setlist, video and pictures

Daily U2 News Digest for June 30th

2:02am

Rolling Stone: U2 Reveal Innovative Stage Design as First 360 Tour Gig Kicks Off

San Siro welcomes The Claw

While Claw I is in Barcelona for the tour launch, Claw II is being set up at Milan’s San Siro stadium.

Daily U2 News Digest for June 30th

	5:13pm	Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen & Bono: great singing is about more than the notes
	7:24pm	Photo: U2 Merchandising stall in Camp Nou
	7:52pm	Photo: Aung San Suu kyi masks on seats in Camp Nou
	8:53pm	All of Adam’s video clips – U2.com > News > Countdown to 360
	8:57pm	U2tour.de brief audio broadcasts from the tour
	11:50pm	Reuters: U2 launch world tour in Barcelona on giant stage
	12:26am	Pro pictures of Barcelona opening night
	12:27am	Tons of videos from opening night in Barcelona

[SPOILERS] U2 360 Dress Rehearsal

U2 played the dress rehearsal for their U2360 tour in Barcelona on Monday evening for invited guests only. No fans were let in, but around 300 people had gathered outside queuing up for Tuesday’s opening night of the tour.

Click for the dress rehearsal setlist and brief video

Daily U2 News Digest for June 29th

	1:30pm	Cumming joins Spider-Man musical
	11:37pm	U2360 GA official queuing policy on U2.com

Are you ready to rock 360 degrees?

As Barcelona awaits U2′s dress rehearsal tonight (apparently open to 500 invited guests, in honour of the Special Olympics), here’s a “U2360 tour sneak preview” featuring stage construction, and soundbites from Paul McGuinness, Mark Fisher, Jake Berry (“It’s big, but it’s small…”) and tour producer Arthur Fogel.

What’s that tune at the start and end of it?

Edited version with sound, without intro tune

[SPOILERS] Rehearsal video’s from outside Camp Nou

Again, don’t listen to these rehearsal video’s if you don’t want to be spoiled for U2′s tour.

Continue reading »

Daily U2 News Digest for June 27th

6:23pm

YouTube – U2 CROKE PARK 27-6-87 PROSHOT WHERE THE STREETS (U2mixer)

Fans meet Adam Clayton outside Camp Nou

Silverhaired fox Adam Clayton signing autographs for fans outside Camp Nou on June 26th
Click for another video with Adam, The Edge, and some bit of songs rehearsed on June 22nd