iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour 2015

Nov 28 2015
Dublin, IE / 3Arena
36

Electric Night in Dublin
What a way to finish four nights in Dublin.

'The first manager of the group U2, Adam Clayton on the bass
The first employer of the group, on the drums, Larry Mullen Jr.
On guitars with a direct link to NASA, the rocket scientist of this band - The Edge…'

Bono, introducing the rest of the band during Electric Co., and what an electric company this band were, as we finished up in bubblin' Dublin.

Donal Scannell, who reported on the opening night in Dublin for us, was there again for us on the final night. Here's his take.

Saturday night felt way different from show one last Monday before a note was sung. Party night for a start. Buzzing people with no work to get up for the next day. This show was the iNNOCENCE and eXPERIENCE denouement. The original end of tour party scheduled for Dublin. 

U2 were as relaxed as you could be after a week at home. The gig was full of impromptu asides and sheer celebration. At one point the e stage heaved with Queens. Dr. Panti Bliss, a newly elevated civil rights grandee who galvanised Ireland through a long campaign for marriage equality, was the star of 'Mysterious Ways'.  

Despite a year of incredible success and full houses from Sydney to NYC, Panti was feasting on the thrill of her biggest stage yet. She was augmented on stage by a fiery Imelda May as 'Desire' crackled onto Meerkat. That dynamic duo plus U2 made the best selfie ever.

Tonight was a night of thanksgiving. Bono heaped praise on the crew who made the show happen.

"Jake Berry who fit all of this into what we still call The Point Depot. Without him we wouldn't be here in Dublin." 

Willie Williams, Smasher, Joe O'Herlihy and Gavin Friday were also amongst the many name-checked. Making us all aware that shows like this only come because of a team built over a long time.

What you quickly get used to at a U2 show is actually quite radical. How they come and go. How they move around. Or the piano that appears from under the stage for Bono and Edge's acoustic versions of 'Angel Of Harlem' and 'Every Breaking Wave'. This piano pops up through the e stage in a deft movement that takes seconds. 

How much thought, effort and action by how many people went into that mostly un-noticed iNNOCENCE AND eXPERIENCE moment? Multiple that by a thousand to appreciate the efforts involved to put this whole show on.

U2 have developed what they started with 'The Claw' on the 360 tour. There is no set stage. There is no 'Us' and 'Them'.  U2 coax us into looking not at them but at each other.

U2 live in an audacious Eirtopia of their own creation. A version of Ireland that's better.  Better because it's free from begrudgery and is full of love and ambition to be the greatest.

Every time a U2 tour comes and goes I feel the same way. Exhilarated, inspired and determined to apply what I felt at their gigs to my daily existence.

As iNNOCENCE and eXPERIENCE sets sail to Paris I resolve to do more to help refugees. This resolve comes not just from U2, but from Stephen Hawking, who provides one of this tour's unforgettable moments every night. 

"When we see the Earth from space we see ourselves as a whole. We see the unity, but not the divisions. We are here together and we need to live together with tolerance and respect. Our only boundaries are the way we see ourselves, the only borders the way we see each other. We must become global citizens."

This sage advice precedes the #refugeeswelcome hashtag that everyone cheers so passionately. 

When 'Where The Streets Have No Name' was written it was the haphazard refugee camps of Ethiopia Bono was evoking. They seem organised compared to the impromptu indignities we heap on our follow humans as this harsh winter takes hold. 'Streets' comes just after 'Bullet The Blue Sky'. They run each other as a powerful double act. 

'Bullet' has been transposed from Central America to the Middle East. The geography has changed but once again it's everyday people feeling the pain. As Bono's rewritten words cajole him to do more he's asking the same of us, to "Dream of a world we want to live in."

He presents us with a choice: "Europe with it's eyes open or a Europe with it's eyes closed to mercy."

"What do you want," he asks, "I know what I want. A place called home. I know we will not become a monster to defeat a monster because we believe in love."

Tonight's show ends with a single light beaming upwards as the audience sing Dennis Sheehan's favourite U2 song in his memory -  '40'. 

Dennis, as Bono explained "Led this band for 33 years. A man from Dungarvan. We lost him this year. His family are here and we play for them. Dennis started people singing '40' when we were recording 'Under A Blood Red Sky. That's his voice on the microphone getting people to sing."

'How long to sing this song', rang out well after Edge, Adam, Larry and Bono left the stage.  A beautiful and brave way to finish another life affirming show.

I face the night determined to share my good fortune with others.

Now Paris this weekend is the re-scheduled tour climax as a gesture of defiance towards those who need love in their lives.'

Were you in the house for the closing night in Dublin? Tell us what it was like and add your photos below.

Donal Scannell first saw U2 in Croke Park in 1987. He's written about the band for many publications, including their own magazine 'Propaganda', and was heavily involved in their 'Kitchen' nightclub. You can find him on Twitter @donalscannell or via www.snowfurnace.com

Live Blog #U2ieTour Social Stream Dublin 4

Live Blog #U2ieTour Social Stream Dublin 4
 

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IE Tour - European Fans
Comments
36
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mbrimmage
The time of our lives in Dublin
My long time friend Steve and I traveled all the way from California and Ohio (respectively) meeting up in Dublin the morning of the last Dublin Show. After touring the Guinness factory and taking a quick nap at our hotel in Kilmainham, we hopped on the train up to the Point and settled in at 3Arena (after a pint at the adjacent underground pub). What a show! The 4 Lads from Dublin did not disappoint. Such an energy and a joy in the crowd. Several times during the concert I couldn't believe I was actually seeing my favorite band in their home town! Amazing! Magnificent! #bucketlist #mikeandstevesadventure #u2ietour
BrianR
Brian
Was my third U2 Concert, brought the wife, mother and father in law and they sang, danced and cried....by far best concert performance ever....these guys get better and better!! Bring on 2016... #u2tour2016
Slinky45
Last Night in Dublin
Phenomenal show, the best I've seen
kennedy5
A sort of Homecoming
Saturday night was fantastic everything clicked ! the crowd where up for it , the band where up for it , and i was up front for it, closest i have ever been. It rocked !!
coconut01
Magical
What a night. It was my 69th show over 30 years and it was more inspirational than ever before. I loved Friday's show equally but the final show brought down the house and a lot of tears from us die hard fans. A truly shining moment for the boys and their fans. Thank you for a truly great ride this year. Kelly Sporich from LA
900
INCREDIBLE
I'M NOT INVISIBLE I AM HERE TAKE ME HIGHTER AND HOLD ME CLOSE ALL I WANT IS YOU
mharcais
What a band
Saturday in Dublin was a phenomenal show, very emotional, powerful, thought-provoking and joyous. I am so lucky to have my favourite band for the past thirty five years still leading the pack by releasing great material which they pour their hearts into the creation of, and then back it up with live shows that are totally unique and absolute artistic statements. These four men are artists, each and every one.
alffrdo
Big thank you to u2.
Amazing shows in Dublin. A lifelong supporter. This band is getting better with age !! I would love to see them strip out all the hits and play some of the other fantastic songs on their albums. Acrobat on the last tour for example was a flaming song live. How about a show without the hits for the die hard fans next time. First part under the light bulb my favourite part by a mile. M.S.G. in N.Y. was on my bucket list and I got there this time. Fantastic. Thanks a million to the best band in the world. Go néirí libh i bPáras.
alibono
The feeling of being at home...
I can not put into words what I really want to say. I was on all 4 Dublin gigs. What can I say? It is as if I were at home there, where you are. I love you ... until the end of the world!!!!
berniecunningham5
Thanks.
I got the last 2 nights, 27/28th and it was something I'll never forget.Thank you U2.
u2freak74
A SORT OF HOMECOMING
I was one of the lucky fans who saw the guys in all the 4 concerts. It was breathtaking. Already concert 1 was indescribable. There I already thought: "How can the guys beat that ?? This was already incredibly awesome". Each concert was awesome, perfect, breathtakingly, touching ... indescribable! And to see the guys in Dublin, is the highest that can experience a fan. And I was there! It was a SORT OF HOMECOMING! Thank you guys for this…for everything!
beverlygirl
Magical Evening
Thank you U2, great atmosphere, great energy and beautiful Irish public. Happy to have lived this show in Dublin after Turin, thank you very much also for your entire tour team. From Vero Switzerland "Berverlygirl" on the Desire screen :)
cianoregan10
"Sorry Edge"
Tried to see the lads in Madison Square Garden in July but to no avail. Finally saw them in Dublin. Night 4. WHAT A NIGHT!
Mick Winters
Dublin night 4 for Ron and Mick
30th U2 show for Ron. Every bit as amazing as the Friday night crowd. Desire with Imelda May rocked.
endaman
Final night
Great mix of songs throughout the show. Fantastic performance. Thanks U2 for a wonderful night of music
Hank134
Dublin
Wow what a great night
togians
Gig number 5
"Are you here for the Gig", the taxi driver asked when we stepped into his car at Dublin Airport. Of course we are!! For the fifth time on this tour.. and what a great night! It is going to be silent in the near future.. Berry van Welzen
Lenie
U2book for their 40th anniversary!!
https://m.facebook.com/events/1640001056253188?_ft_=top_level_post_id.1509753419322759%3Atl_objid.1509753419322759%3Athid.1505405969757504%3A306061129499414%3A2%3A0%3A1448956799%3A-9218863897869296994 Hi, we going to make a book for the 40th anniversary of U2 next year. Every-body can send a note with a congrat or tell what U2 means for you and we will put it in the book. You can sent your post in the event here above. (copy the link in your browser). We want to make the book very personal, so if you like you can send a photo of your self also and don't forget your name and country. Every-thing you have to know you can find on that page also a few examples. We looking forward to your post. The closingdate is 31-05-2016. Greetings, Ien van Wetten and Lenie Langen-Brandwijk
markkenny98
North Side - Just across the river
Got my tickets for Dublin 1 & 4 - gotta be Running to Stand Still, Bad & 40 to close the final night - Volcano and California has to be thrown in too - go for the record - 30 tune setlist - I'll help with some guitar playing Edge - Jim Kerr final night - has to be - to sing 40 / Somewhere in Summertime / New Gold Dream - Maybe Annie Lennon will join them - 1983 Phoenix Park comeback?
gre2308
Coming over from Belgium to see the last
So exited to get to the last show of the tour ! Antwerp 13/10 whas great and I'll also go to Paris the 10 of November but can't wait to see them in Dublin :-)
900
from Italy daughter and mom
Hi guys! After Turin, we will be in Dublin. ONLY FOR YOU. Take me highter and hold me close
Emory
Dublin!!!
So blessed and grateful to have scored tickets to this show! We will be making the 7,078 kilo journey from Denver, CO. Words simply don't do the excitement we're feeling justice!!! See you there!!!
kiten
Kiten
See u in Dublin, last show.... Lets meet in same pub as always... the tempel bar in freday and saturday...photo from last time...
Annika28
My wish
This is my birthday and I can't think of a better way to spend it than on a U2 concert in Dublin. But sadly I don't have a ticket.
VEDOCHE51
A miracle
My dream will become reality on november 28th. France arrived in Dublin
margielv
WooHoo!!!
Las Vegas coming to Belfast!!!! Can't wait!
Gretchen Moore
Dublin 4
PLEASE GOD! LET ME IN THE SOUND!
liam_4
Will we have a new gold dream
Hoping for Bono to make guest appearance the following night with Simple minds for a repeat of the classic new gold dream, What a weekend to have in dublin with tickets for both gigs, ye ha.
Elevate-me-baby
2nd
You always go for 1st & 2nd!
did you get tickets?
wish I lived in ROI or NI! 7 more hours and it is the world's turn to get tickets. Do you have your hotel room? Soooo exciting! A demain Au revoir de Montreal! Boyana
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