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Over the past twenty years, precious few groups have experimented with their sound to the degree that U2 has. After roughly ten years as a pure rock band, U2 branched off onto a slightly more alternative path with Achtung Baby, the multi-platinum smash. The band went one step further with Zooropa, and album about as far from 1984's War as it could be. Further distancing themselves from their rock roots and venturing off into the realm of electronica, the members of U2 delivered POP!, 1997's disappointing offering. So when U2 leaked word that All That You Can't Leave Behind, the first new album in three years, would feature a return to rock & roll, I could not believe my ears. If anyone doubted the band's sincerity, however, attendance at one of the Chicago stops of the Elevation Tour would have been sufficient to dispel such notions. U2 is back.
The Elevation Tour is one which seems to be constructed with two main objectives: deliver a sampling of the band's newest offerings and remind fans that, first and foremost, U2 is a rock band. As such, Bono and the boys made a surprising entrance in this day of flashy spectacles and dazzling pyrotechnics. The members of U2 simply walked onto the stage in the middle of a brightly-lit arena and began playing the opening chords of "Elevation." There was nothing excessive to cloud the moment, and, even when the lights went down during the first chorus, fans were left with that simple image. U2 was ready to deliver good, old-fashioned rock, and the audience could not have been happier.
Part of what makes U2 so special is that its four members have been together for roughly twenty-five years, going back to their school days in Ireland. That being said, U2 ultimately comes down to its two biggest stars - Bono and The Edge. Which star is more readily identifiable with U2, the glamorous, socially-conscious lead singer or the soft-spoken, talented guitarist? As the band ripped through five straight numbers from Achtung Baby - highlighted by renditions of The Fly and One - it was clear that both men are integral to the band's success. The Edge's licks form the backdrop of nearly every strong U2 effort, while Bono's soaring lyrics often send fans into dizzying frenzies. A match made in heaven if ever there was one.
One strange note about the Elevation Tour is that the band seems to offer up the same set - sometimes down to the level of individual song placement - for each show. Being that the set - featuring nearly all band hits as well as the most popular numbers from the new album - is a strong one, this is understandable, but fans touring with the band would no doubt tire of this endless repetition. Though this may not be surprising, U2 is at its best dusting off some of its golden oldies. "I Will Follow" and acoustic versions of "Angel of Harlem" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" were show highlights for this fan, although underrated newcomer "Kite" certainly got the adrenaline rushing.
Bono is an excellent showman, and that comment might shine some insight on the band's overwhelming success throughout the years. U2 knows how to put on a good show. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen, Jr. understand what the audience wants, and they know how to deliver. They keep their shows playful, as musical banter between the members continued throughout the set. U2 is a throwback to the glory days of arena rock and summer stadium tours, and the fans at Chicago's United Center sure were glad to witness this stroll down memory lane.
Setlist:
Encore:
Submitted 5/22/01.
If you have any questions or comments about this or any other concert, please feel free to e-mail me.