U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour 2018

'Ready for the laughing gas…'
 

On the first night in Hamburg - more surprises.

'There's nowhere in the world we'd rather be than in this country on Unity Day…
'We were in Berlin on the day east and west came together, remembered Bono, all set to surprise us with more changes in the set list.’Felt like an innocent time. ‘Came to Berlin for inspiration or our music and left with inspiration for our life…’

And then someone cracked open the laughing gas and we were in Zoo Station, opening a trilogy of songs - Stay, Wild Horses - recalling a seminal period in this story of innocence and experience. ‘Four Irish boys became men in your country… getting ready for the ride of a life.’

When & Where
First night of two, Barclaycard Arena, Hamburg, Wednesday 3rd October 2018.

Set List
'There's nowhere in the world we'd rather be than in this country on Unity Day…' A Reg Flag (Unity) Day to boot; back in slot 4 in the set tonight. 'We were in Berlin on the day east and west came together,' remembered Bono, all set to surprise us with more changes in the set list. 'Felt like an innocent time. 'Came to Berlin for inspiration or our music and left with inspiration for our life…' And then someone cracked open the laughing gas and we were in Zoo Station, opening a trilogy of songs - Stay, Wild Horses - recalling a seminal period in this story of innocence and experience : 'Four Irish boys became men in your country… getting ready for the ride of a life.'
Here's the full set list from opening night in Hamburg. 

In The Press 
Maik Koltermann for Hamburger Morgenpost  
(translated via google)
"Without humanity, everything is lost," says Charlie Chaplin. And on the huge screen in the middle of the 13,000-fan filled Barclaycard Arena the images of the destroyed cities pass. Cologne 1945, Hamburg, Belfast, Copenhagen - all in ruins. "But the dictators will die, and people will regain the power they have taken from them." … The first U2 concert in Hamburg for an incredible 33 years. The hall is full on Wednesday evening, the first of two appearances. Pathos, Pop and Politics. Unbelievable how timeless the scenes from "The Great Dictator" sound today. In addition, Trump and Putin grin into the audience. And relieving what kind of pressure the rock gents can unfold even in the 43rd year of their creation: "The Blackout" from the current album makes the mighty prelude. "Lights Of Home", the indestructible "I Will Follow", "Beautiful Day”… "Day of Unity," says Bono today in German. "A beautiful day! There is no place in the world where we would rather be today. East and West came together - well done, Germany! " Very casual and familiar, they talk to each other, the gentlemen, talking about their time together in Berlin… intimate despite all the spectacular technical bric-a-brac. And the sound - perfect …all these hits, all these hymns about light and love… "Who's gonna ride your wild horses", "Elevation", "Vertigo", "Even Better Than The Real Thing". And yes, always a few smart thoughts: "Wisdom is the recovery of innocence at the end of a long life."

On The Socials 
Marcus Behrens (via Facebook)
'The Show was amazing! Thank you guys! Who's gonna ride your wild horses was a blast! Thanks for coming to the most beautiful city in the world after 33 years! We missed you!'

U2TourFollower (via Twitter)
'Four friends let us in the sound in Hamburg last night - utterly amazing, a true gift to us and a brilliant atmosphere.'

Experience Of The Day
Dirk has been waiting 33 years for the band to come back to his home town. He had a sign up to let the singer know. The singer saw it and handed Dirk his personal water bottle… for keeps!  

What Did Macphisto Say?
"I'm all for people being different as long as they don't mix. Like freckled people… they can have their own freckled country."

"I loved this country when it was divided. I love walls… I hate bridges… I loathe sappy songs of unity. All You Need Is Love… what a load of bollocks!”

"That Boh-no… We're One but we're not the same... Oh fuck off!”

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