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

delicious (feed #6) 5:13pm Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen & Bono: great singing is about more than the notes
delicious (feed #6) 7:24pm Photo: U2 Merchandising stall in Camp Nou
delicious (feed #6) 7:52pm Photo: Aung San Suu kyi masks on seats in Camp Nou
delicious (feed #6) 8:53pm All of Adam’s video clips – U2.com > News > Countdown to 360
delicious (feed #6) 8:57pm U2tour.de brief audio broadcasts from the tour
delicious (feed #6) 11:50pm Reuters: U2 launch world tour in Barcelona on giant stage
delicious (feed #6) 12:26am Pro pictures of Barcelona opening night
delicious (feed #6) 12:27am Tons of videos from opening night in Barcelona

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