march 1

Let’s talk tour

For months, we haven’t heard any news or rumors about the postponed Vertigo tour dates being rescheduled, but all of that is quickly changing. We finally have some tour information to share from a number of reliable sources.

Our friends at U2japan.com have learned that the Tokyo Dome has been reserved on December 14 and 15 for U2’s use. They report that the promoter and U2 management are locked on the issue of ticket price. U2 want to keep prices fair; the promoter wants to sell “premium” tickets. If U2 perform at the Tokyo Dome, it will likely be to fans all sitting in reserved seats because of Japan’s strict fire codes.

U2japan.com also has learned when and where U2’s stage set is to be delivered to their part of the world. An employee of the sea transportation company that will be handling U2’s set revealed the company expects U2’s set to arrive in Yokohama Port in September or October. If this information is true, it may mean U2 intend to rehearse in Japan before beginning the tour again in Australia and New Zealand in November (the current rumored tour commencement date) — or it may mean the first rescheduled dates will be in Japan — or it might mean nothing other than Yokohama Port is a common delivery point for sets and equipment.

We’ve heard from several sources that the tour route will be slightly different than originally planned, with Australia getting their rescheduled dates first, followed by New Zealand, Japan, and Hawaii. The show at Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium may be a New Year’s Eve show, which fits with the publication of a curious item at Ticketmaster.com on March 1. For a short time on that date, Ticketmaster.com listed an event at Aloha Stadium on December 31st for $1. When questioned about the event, Ticketmaster said it was a placeholder in the system for an event to be announced later. Even then, fans suspected it was for U2’s rescheduled show.

Perhaps the most interesting news we’ve heard is there may be additional concerts in countries that were not previously listed on the tour schedule and countries that have already been Vertigo-ed. Yes, that means the United States. Again.

Of course, we need to point out that all of this information could be rubbish, or it could be true for the moment and false tomorrow. Whatever the case, we like tour talk and are ready for more.

U2 shoot video with Mary J. Blige

From Willie’s diary at U2.com’s members only section we learn that while the band were in Mexico, they shot a video for ‘One’ with Mary J. Blige:

“I wandered for a while before flagging down a cab and heading to an old theatre in the same part of town where U2 were shooting a video with Mary J. Blige. Mary’s version of ‘One’ is on her current album, so I’m guessing it’ll be a single, hence the video. I wasn’t involved in the shoot professionally, but it’s always interesting to see how the other half lives. Paul Hunter was directing, whilst Jeff Cronenweth and team were busy filling the theatre so full of smoke that it became almost impossible to see across the room. Looked pretty cool on camera, though.”

Willie’s diary also makes mention of a 3D concert shoot in Buenos Aires on March 1 and 2 for the production of an IMAX film. Atu2.com have more details:

“According to Definition Magazine, they’re using gear provided by Pace Technologies, which has Titanic, The Abyss, and several other Hollywood blockbusters on its portfolio. Also involved in the production is 3ality, a company which specializes in 3D viewing … get this … that doesn’t require any special eyewear.”

Enquiring minds want to know, is Hamish Hamilton involved? Because fast cuts + zooming + 3D = <small voice> yay?</small voice>