There were 50,000 through the doors of the Ataturk Olympic Stadium tonight to mark the band's first ever appearance in Turkey and if the anticipation was high, no-one was let down. The Return of the Stingray Guitar set the scene and by the time Beautiful Day led into New Year's Day Istanbul was jumping.
'Great to see ya...' said Bono, taking a breath. 'Have we the spirit to rock this Olympic Stadium? Where are we going? Ankara... Izmira... Antalya... Istanbul?'
Lots of special touches tonight, all the way through the set, from My Sweet Lord in 'Beautiful Day' to John I'm Only Dancing in 'Crazy' and the girl invited onstage for a dance during In A Little While.
'It took us a while to come to your magical city of Istanbul,' explained Bono. 'What is going on in this country is good for the whole world...
'Its a beautiful bridge...
'From the past into the future...
'From where Europe has been to where Europe needs to go... a bridge of understanding...'
The emotion of the night was never more evident than with the first live performance since Chile in 2006 of Mothers of the Disappeared. It was dedicated 'to the memory of Fehmi Tosun - whose family are with us tonight.' Fehmi disappeared in Turkey in 1995, as the band highlighted on the sleeve of 1997's Pop album.
Extraordinarily poignant to hear this song back in the set - 'We hear their heartbeat...' - and at the end Bono asked everyone, 'Would you please welcome Zulfu Livaneli?'
The famous Turkish artist and political activist received a huge reception telling everyone:
'We are the music makers,
We are the dreamers,
Welome Bono,
Welcome friends to Turkey...' For a moment Zulfu took over the vocals, his guitarist playing Edge's guitar, Bono watching, hand on chest - the whole audience joining in with this remarkable performer.
At the close of With or Without You, Bono thanked the audience for their patience. 'Let's not make it so long before we come back... alright this is moment of surrender.'
Were you in Istanbul tonight? We want to hear from you. Add your own review and upload your photos below.
Istanbul Set List
Return of the Stingray Guitar
Beautiful Day
New Year's Day
Get On Your Boots
Magnificent
Mysterious Ways
Elevation
Until The End Of The World
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
In A Little While
Miss Sarajevo
City Of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight (Remix)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Mothers of the Disappeared
Walk On
Beautiful Day
New Year's Day
Get On Your Boots
Magnificent
Mysterious Ways
Elevation
Until The End Of The World
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Pride (In The Name Of Love)
In A Little While
Miss Sarajevo
City Of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight (Remix)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Mothers of the Disappeared
Walk On
Encore
Encore 2
IMAGE + VIDEO
Comments
132
ZinglZangl
01 September, 2010 zinglzangl
7 crazy tyroleans are heading for istanbul :D hrhr. get ready dudes! and pleeeease stop playing this Remix of i'll go crazy... =/
jaanakulo
01 September, 2010 Flying through
From Finland ready to swing into the music! Once in a while you can surprise yourself - like booking for U2 in Istanbul.
It is simply astonishing.
Convinced it will be a marvellous gathering of people with peace & love in a special city in the world. See You too soon!
The unforgettable fire
31 August, 2010 Portuguese fans!!!
Istanbul get ready for four Portuguese who are on the way! until the end of the world:))
marikan
31 August, 2010 Moment of Happiness
It s so great that U2 comes at least to Istanbul.I hope this will be beginning and they come also each of their next Tours.
They are the number 1 Rock group in this Space.
31 August, 2010
hallloo...
we coming from austria and going to istanbul from to concert....we are mega haaapppyy
30 August, 2010
hallo..
i am mega happy,if i think of concert in istanbul..
madlena
27 August, 2010 Bulgarian fans
A big group of Bulgarian fans is coming to Istanbul for this concert. For some of us it'll be the second time, but last year's shows were amazing and it's worth travelling again! Hope to see the guys in Sofia soon:)
25 August, 2010
at last in Istanbul
at last they coming.
at last I'll see U all.
Nigel75
25 August, 2010 ooo hell yea :))
heading out from dubai, uae...its happening..its finally happening..wipe the tears from your eyes...wipe your tears away...cant wait to see u guys :))
Yervant
24 August, 2010 Waiting in Anticipation
Can't wait for the concert... We're coming all the way from Lebanon to Istanbul to attend the concert. We are a group of five and very excited to see you guys perform
:)
cihalecrin
24 August, 2010 there she comes,there she comes,there th
come on come on...... ı was ın dublin last summer and me and my friends are waiting for youuuuuu
sezen
24 August, 2010 Can't hardly wait..
Just 12 days left.. Can't hardly wait.. It's like a dream come true..
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