U2360° TOUR Leg 3: 2011

Feb
13
2011
Johannesburg, ZA (FNB Stadium)
70
with Amadou & Mariam; Springbok Nude Girls
Show Report
Legendary trumpter and anti-apartheid activist Hugh Masekela made a surprise appearance on stage to mark tonight's first show in South Africa - bringing a unique African jazz vibe to 'Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'.


And 21 years after Nelson Mandela gave a speech in this very stadium (the day after his release from prison) when U2 played 'Pride (In The Name of Love)' tonight, the huge screens over the stage were illuminated with Mandela's image, along with excerpts of that famous speech. Bono sang a new lyric.

'February 13 1990
Words rings out in a Jo'burg sky.
Free at last to live your life
The Lion of Africa and his pride...'

From the opening bars of Beautiful Day, this record-breaking audience - the largest crowd ever for a sporting or entertainment event in South Africa - were shaking the foundations of the FNB stadium, and the unique atmosphere barely relented all night. 'Rainbow people' was right, as Bono had christened everyone (borrowing Desmond Tutu's phrase) at the top of the show.
'We know Jo'burg has a night life,' he said, introducing 'Crazy'. We know Jo'burg needs to go a bit crazy...'

Jo'burg did go crazy, as the band mixed the set list up again for this opening night of U2360 in 2011. There were new production elements too, and a great reception for references to recent events in Egypt. The 2009 images of the popular uprising in Iran, which have accompanied Sunday Bloody Sunday on the tour so far, gave way tonight to images of people power in Egypt. 'Change of heart comes slow...' sang Bono. Prayers to for the people of Burma.

'I'm sure you know the good news of Aung San Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi is to Burma what Madiba is to this country... a beautiful spirit.'

As for South Africa, 'this place just feels like the future,' said Bono, visibly amazed at the overwhelming reception for the band's first dates here since PopMart in 1998. And judging by the torrent of online excitement from fans at the show - and following around the world - it will be a night that lives long in the memory.

'It's like nothing I've ever seen,' said UyandaM on Twitter. 'Amazing!'
'Unbelievable. I am spent.' said Starverve on the live show stream on our community page. 'Best concert of my life.'

If you were at the show tonight, add your own review and upload your images below. Everybody wants to hear all about it!
70  Fan Reviews
JayW - 17 November, 2012
Granddad went to where the streets have
Living in Nairobi, decided to go to Jo'burg to see U2!! Wow! really felt like going... just before I was about to go, my grandfather Jan passed away and instead of Jo'burg I went to greet him for the last time and join his funeral. No regret at all. Now, this is why U22 is so special to me, especially as Still haven't found was recorded in Jo'burg. 'Opa Jan' this One's 4 U2!
webdevtspd - 20 February, 2012
Boss hog
Yeah, what it is!
webdevtspd - 20 December, 2011
Good try
Yes
webdevtspd - 23 November, 2011
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This was a great show!
webdevtspd - 22 November, 2011
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This was a great show!
webdevtspd - 20 November, 2011
Today's post
I like u2's songs "ach"
webdevtspd - 19 November, 2011
Awesome
Great
webdevtspd - 10 November, 2011
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This was a great sh343ow!
webdevtspd - 10 November, 2011
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This was a great show!
webdevtspd - 03 November, 2011
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This was a great show!
bshaurette2 - 12 September, 2011
U2's concert Rocks
U2's concert Rocks. I 've been following them for years.
timo - 03 May, 2011
Oh my
Holy bat bass!
- 17 February, 2011
More than a show!
WWWWWOOOOOOWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Insane. I doubt very strongly that I will see and hear anything that good in the next 10 years (hopefully u2 comes back before then!!!). I realized a few things at the concert: u2 is the only band that is big enough for such a big stage. They manage to fill it! Wow. Secondly that Bono is an amazing vocal, you will never quite get the full picture while listening to a cd or dvd, hes just so much better live! Lastly i realized that Bono (and the rest of the band) are just normal guys who love making music and doing it well. They love performing without all the pretense you usually associate with rock stars. Dont get me wrong, its a show. But there is deeper meaning and a total experience of their enjoyment of their lives (the band life and the social justice life) Quite the experience, Cape town hold on to your hats! S
lizvonm - 16 February, 2011
Amazing
Spectacular in 98, Astounding in 2011!! Nothing will come close to this. Amazing Graze/Street have no Name with the audience gave me goosebumps.
Killers - 16 February, 2011
Best of the Best!
Apart from my wedding day, daughters birth - this was the most amazing experience of my life, the best show I have ever seen and the most heart-warming memories! Thanks U2 for coming back to SA!
LionelMunsami1979 - 15 February, 2011
U2 Rocked!
U2, your performance at the FNB Stadium in JHB was outstanding... I cannot imagine any show, bigger or better... Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share a moment in your History. Truly grateful for that. During your epic performance, I couldn't help but think... "I'm actually here!" It's a long road that you guys have traveled to achieve your fame... I'm so glad that I got to see you perform live! You have the ears and eyes of the World. Give us more to ponder over, and more to Celebrate... Thank you, |'L';
NicholasLitton - 15 February, 2011
Even better than anything......
This experience is indescribable. I don't think I will ever witness such a moving and emotional audio visual experience again. This concert sets the benchmark so high that I cannot imagine anything better. This was a once in a life time experience and I am glad I took my 8 year old son who has not stopped saying "wow" !!
PaulaLuiz - 15 February, 2011
Magnificent!
Wow wow wow!!!! What a night that was! U2 have been on my bucket list for so long that even now it feels like the whole thing was a dream but I have photos and video clips to prove it wasn't. Oh and the sore feet that don't seem to be going away but who cares? Would do it all again. Thanks so much U2 for making a dream come true. That was an awesome show and the stage is just incredible. Highlights : I still haven't found what I'm looking for, One, Pride, Vertigo. Bit sad that Stuck in a moment wasn't on the playlist but at least it is on the dvd. :-) I will never forget 13th February 2011 for as long as I live. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
- 15 February, 2011
Not a concert
Like I have been saying to everyone - this wasnt a show, not a concert - it was a SPECTACLE!!! After the great migrations and things like the soccer world cups , this MUST be or is the greatest show on earth. No-one person or band, is gonna top that! I dont belive even they themselves can top that!
magswheel - 14 February, 2011
Even better than the real thing....
Last night was 'even better than the real thing'. U2 rocked Joburg. Thanks for coming back. I really liked 'hold me, thrill me, kiss me, kill me. 'In a little while' was was a real surprise. Can't wait for Cape Town. Would love to see some changes in the setlist including opening track. What a night! Bring on Cape Town...
justo447 - 14 February, 2011
In the Sound !
In the circle - in the sound - the experience of a life-time. U2 in 360 degrees - we had the band in front, behind and above. The sound of Amazing Grace flowing through the staduim leading into "Where the streets have no name" was incredible!
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