The Joshua Tree Tour 2017

May 14 2017
Seattle, WA, US / CenturyLink Field
with Mumford and Sons
45

‘Grand-scale rock 'n’ roll...'

Paul Sexton reviews night two of #U2TheJoshuaTree2017, from CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington.

If the opening night of 'The Joshua Tree Tour 2017' saw U2 victorious in Vancouver, gig two had them seamless in Seattle. The second show on the 33-date itinerary, and first in the US, confirmed all of the promise of the Canadian opener and multiplied it several times over, in a true audio-visual feast.

By the time of the Seattle date, word had spread among devotees about the unusual format of the show, in which a complete performance of 'The Joshua Tree' is bookended by a generous selection of other U2 favourites from four decades. As the scale and confidence of the presentation grew as tall as one of those gnarly desert trees that inspired the 30-year old classic, the set also offered some notable changes from two nights earlier.

As before, Larry Mullen Jr led the way onto the B stage for an initial five-song sortie of both raw and rare power. As the citizens of Seattle rejoiced in an evening that stayed unexpectedly dry, 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' again set the tempo for an evening of spontaneous energy. 'New Year's Day' and 'A Sort Of Homecoming' kept the motor running, the compactness of the smaller stage only adding to the intensity shared between four minds with precisely one goal, to deliver a brilliant, grand-scale rock 'n' roll show. 

Then one song from 'The Unforgettable Fire’ was replaced with another, as 'MLK' made way in the set list for ‘Bad’: Bono teasing the impending recreation of an album about the United States by interpolating the lead line from Simon & Garfunkel's 'America.' 'Pride (In The Name Of Love)' again had fans howling its chorus with abandon.

Then to work on the main stage, on which the interaction between the band, the lyricism of the 30-year-old 'Joshua Tree' and Anton Corbijn's new films and photography was quite stunning. The Edge's guitar textures were endlessly varied and understated, as were his adept backing vocals, and Mullen and Adam Clayton were pictures of measured concentration. Bono, too, may mock his own ability on the harmonica, but he played a mean riff for 'Running To Stand Still.'

It's hard to over-emphasise what a star attraction the retooled 'Red Hill Mining Town' is becoming, in the band's realisation of the just-released Steve Lillywhite mix, with its delightful horns. To think that U2 had neved played it live before the Vancouver show, or that Bono never enjoyed singing it until now, preferring to wish Joe Cocker would cover it.

So many of the LP's lyrics had new pertinency as U2 took them back, so to speak, into the arms of America. In the words of another song, they were welcome in God's country. 'Exit' was one of several numbers to feature incredible optical effects of the quartet playing in a visual “negative” of themselves.

As the album recreation concluded with 'Mothers of the Disappeared,' the band were joined by opening guests Mumford & Sons and, to share lead vocals, by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. Bono thanked everyone for keeping 'The Joshua Tree' in their hearts for so long. 

Among the initial encores, 'Elevation' was especially brooding and 'Ultraviolet (Light My Way)' was graceful in its recognition of strong women in all walks of life. 'The Little Things That Give You Away,' the new composition which Bono describes as “a song of experience” in anticipation of their next album, has taken only two passes to become an appealing addition. That looked like being the finale again before they sent a delighted crowd home with 'I Will Follow.' The entire crowd punched the air with elation. 

Two shows in, 'The Joshua Tree Tour 2017' already feels like a totally compellling proposition without a hint of contrived nostalgia. Observing the sheer scope of the production, you were reminded that the number of artists that can mount live shows to these dimensions is lower than the belly of a rattlesnake in the Californian desert that inspired them. 

If you were at the show in Seattle, tell us what it was like. Add your own review and photos below.

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    Sao Paulo - last show of The Joshua Tree Tour 2017. Video by instagram.com/mvsphotography
    Comments
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    sharon_kirkeby
    Precious Beauty w/ Our Family
    We had taken our kids to the 360• Tour and they were not yet teenagers. Now they are young men, 16 and 19. We danced, sang, cried, shared love and joy at the Joshua Tree Tour. Thirty years ago, my husband and I met and it marked that stroke of luck and love as well. Thanks for celebrating so much of life--showing us all of humanity and our precious, beloved USA, when things seem to be a little upside-down. Waiting for the next one . . .
    patrickvdh
    "Where do you go from here?"
    I attended Joshua Tree in 1987 in Vancouver BC (BC Place) and I wanted to share a bit of that with my 15 year old son this year. I took him to the concert. We had GA tickets and my son scored a spot on the rail of the lollipop stage. "it was like Bono was singing just to me Dad.. i'm ruined for life because no concert could ever be that good again".. I guess that says it all. Thanks U2.
    pjslaney
    They are the BEST
    We've seen them since 1984 their the best and showed it again. Probably seen them 20-25 times. Best concert ever,. Going back to San Diego in September.
    cheddar
    The Litte Things-There's Nothing Bigger
    Thank you U2 for an amazing night in Seattle with family and friends! Your music is a gift and we are blessed to be able to experience it. Hearing A Sort Of Homecoming segueing into Bad blew me away and The Joshua Tree was flat out beautiful musically and visually, very poignant and relevant in these complicated and confusing times. My favorite part of the concert however, was The Little Things That Give You Away. Hearing an absolutely brilliant new song played live almost for the first time ever by the band that I love made me imagine what it would have been like to see U2 play in their teens; vulnerable, searching, reflecting on life, where the road leads us and why. I Will Follow "taking the F*#@ing roof off" closing out the night right after The Little Things, spanning almost 40 years between two songs, was something that I will never forget. Thank you so much.
    Marcy
    Mothers for Mothers
    My view of my second show of five in 40 days, from Vancouver to D.C. http://u2opia.blogspot.com
    cheddar
    The Little Things...There is nothing big
    Thank you U2 for an amazing night in Seattle with family and friends! Your music is a gift and we are blessed to be able to experience it. Hearing A Sort Of Homecoming segueing into Bad blew me away and The Joshua Tree was flat out beautiful musically and visually, very poignant and relevant in these complicated and confusing times. My favorite part of the concert however, was The Little Things That Give You Away. Hearing an absolutely brilliant new song played live almost for the first time ever by the band that I love made me imagine what it would have been like to see U2 play in their teens; vulnerable, searching, reflecting on life, where the road leads us and why. I Will Follow "taking the F*#@ing roof off" closing out the night right after The Little Things, spanning almost 40 years between two songs, was something that I will never forget. Thank you so much.
    marlon_warren
    Beautiful Day: Seattle CenturyLink Field
    It’s been almost a week since I saw U2 in Seattle, I drove up from Portland, Oregon. (about 200 miles South of Seattle). Even today I am still in awe of the Joshua Tree Concert. It was like a LIFE changing experience. When I was younger I would often watch the DVD: U2 Live at RedRocks on June 5, 1983 and was envious of the people that show! Well after the show in Seattle Sunday night I am no longer envious of that Concert, because Sundays U2 show overshadowed that performance personally for me, on so many levels . . . “Sunday Bloody Sunday” brought me to tears and so did “ In the Name of Love”. With the current political situation in America, those songs pierced my heart to him them performed LIVE for the first time. My favorite of the night was: The Little Things You Do. The amazing sound system used by U2 sounded as good or better that my Pioneer SX 1250 at home. Even with another 40,000 people in the stadium, I felt like it was song just for me. What at night, I will remember the rest of my LIFE.
    FlotR
    HANDS of LOVE
    Thank you to the Band - Bono, The Edge (who is my twin brother), Adam, and Larry! You guys never tire, your hearts beat stronger with age, and your music is for many lifetimes. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
    kyra3812
    Worth the 30+ years wait!!
    I have been a fan since I was 6 years old. I'm almost 40 and this was the first time everything lined up for me to see them live...AMAZING!! Bullet the Blue Sky live is just SUPERB!! Out screamed my 22 year old daughter many times that night. General Admission is my destination for the next tour.
    Amandajoan
    Utterly Blown Away
    Thank You for one of the most spectacular and meaningful performances I've ever attended.
    remysmom
    Another great show!
    As usual, a fantastic show...1987-2017... soundtrack for our lives back then, and things have now come full circle. Thanks for 30+ years of the music.
    smsully
    Tour really kicked off in SEATTLE inmo !
    Sunday night was everything Vancouver wasn't...an absolutely great night, kudos to the venue staff, the great fan base, and the terrific weather...the band responded!..Thoroughly enjoyed Mumford and Sons (stuck in GA line all of Friday and missed em), t hey were an awesome opener. What a venue, acoustics were fantastic for a stadium, and the fans brought it...Was relieved that the show found its footing in night two...should continue to get even better...enjoy
    Jdubdub
    Please make the Seattle Show available f
    Please make the Seattle Show available as a live concert performance. The show was unreal. I hope you guys will release a live concert or songs from selected shows for us to buy. I know there is often times a DVD with each tour, but please consider an audio format as well. This show would be amazing to own. Eddie Vedder and Mumford were amazing on "Mothers"
    Jdubdub
    Please make the Seattle Show available f
    Please make the Seattle Show available as a live concert performance. The show was unreal. I hope you guys will release a live concert or songs from selected shows for us to buy. I know there is often times a DVD with each tour, but please consider an audio format as well. This show would be amazing to own. Eddie Vedder and Mumford were amazing on "Mothers"
    JessLee
    In the Name of the Father is my homework
    SUCH BRILLIANCE. Can't hardly stand the wait until June 25th
    phillip_gardner
    An Amazing Concert full of memories and
    My Wife and I attended this show. She was a bit apprehensive being mothers day and concerts being more my thing. I was feeling a bit off about the show days before with rain in the forecast and our spot being in GA never knowing what might come... We decided our initial decision to go would trump any misgivings! We got to the venue and got in line.... we got through security, we got to stand in line a bit more but we got to ponder the sound check songs we heard on the walk up...Beautiful Day was one and it poured on us on our drive in but the skies looked to be clearing! Could we hope for a nice night? Well we were ready for the rain! We got to our spot on the field and I must say I was very happy and relieved! 1st we love Mumford and Sons, we have seen them headline and it has always been great to see them live... Such great energy such a cool band! U2 hit the stage and I was taken back to all the music video of the past, was it really them?!?!? Is that Sunday Blood Sunday!?!?!?! oh my am I really here?!?!?! Incredible! Amazing!! Sounded so great. This band represents my formative years and continue to put out relevant music to this day. The stage set up was incredible. The images on the screen proved the need for the screen... the music was beyond what I could have hoped. Their catalogue is so immense what fan didn't miss a song or 5. For me the playlist was almost perfect and I wouldn't change it just for me wouldn't change a thing... and to end on I will follow? Well yes I will!
    mark_fierst
    Classic U2
    This was classic U2. Everything about what made, and makes, U2 great. Simplicity in their set, the straightforward set list. Great musicality, showmanship, and lyrics take center stage. Bono, as only he can, becomes political by becoming human and reaches out to who we are as humans. I was lucky enough to see Mumford & Sons open, and beyond giddy for an appearance by Eddie Vedder.
    tom_manning
    Close with The Wanderer
    AMAZING SHOW - but fix the encore...CLOSE WITH THE WANDERER: Zoo Station / Fly / Ultraviolet / Zooropa / Dirty Day (or Please) / Stay / Wanderer Encore seems it should be the bands reaction to JT....so keeping it to AB/Zooropa/Pop songs would stick the landing of this tour. And the Wanderer is just MADE for this moment.
    rrapptor
    Chris Rapp U2 in Seattle
    Staggeringly fun Visually stunning Thank you to our favorite boys n band U2 for taking us down a wonderful 30 years of memories! Thank you Keith n Molly form Montana, Michael n Sara from Portland and Scott n Jenna from Seattle For making this a most memorable night! Chris Yahoo!! We love you U2
    ViYa
    The BEST!!!!!!
    Although I have only attended 5 shows in my U2 history, by far, this was my favorite. GA tickets were great! The music and presentation goes beyond description. You just have got to to experience it to understand. The HD screen gave my wife vertigo during "Where the streets..." Very cool!!!! Talked my 15 year old daughter (and a friend) into attending as well. They will never forget it either.
    kim.mike.mckee
    U2 Mother's Day Concert In Seattle
    It was a great Concert!!! and a great Mother's Day Present for Me
    kim.mike.mckee
    U2 Mother's Day Concert In Seattle
    It was one of the best I have been to.... It was GREAT!!!!!
    alisonhunt
    U2 Seattle
    Your music is timeless and always relevant. I was moved to tears.. I LOVE U2!!!!!
    MrAcrobat
    Acrobat!
    It would be amazing if the band could include Acrobat as another song never played live. Think about it, closing a concert (Miami please) with Acrobat should be more than fantastic.
    stevebass68
    Bad in Seattle!
    Looks like things got turned up a notch...just watched a playback of Bad..surely this has to be a staple!..praying it gets played on 8th July in London back where it all started for me 30 years ago..
    DawnRosario
    A Truly Epic Experience!
    After 35 years of being a hardcore fan, seeing U2 perform the "Boy" album and War, This tour brought everything full circle. I love the simplicity of the stage and the graphics as it really hit home with powerful messages throughout and the crowd was on their feet from the start. A great opening band and the best weather we could ask for considering the the location and time of year. I haven't missed a tour yet with multiple cities and countries over 30 + years and look forward to more!
    SpakU2
    The boys from Dublin rocked Seattle!
    Check out my photos from Sect. 336. Thank you U2. Can't wait to see you guys again. Come back to Seattle soon. You guys rocked CenturyLink!
    xpliskin
    WOW. Seattle was so much better than Va
    Bono seemed so much more at ease the second night. Absolutely epic show! Edge was unbelievable, especially on Bullet, In God's Country and Exit. The sequence of Sort of Homecoming - Bad - Pride - Streets - Still Haven't Found blew my mind. Basically my 5 favorites!
    xpliskin
    WOW. Seattle was so much better than Va
    Bono seemed so much more at ease the second night. Absolutely epic show! Edge was unbelievable, especially on Bullet, In God's Country and Exit. The sequence of Sort of Homecoming - Bad - Pride - Streets - Still Haven't Found blew my mind. Basically my 5 favorites!
    nvrsaynvr
    U2 Seattle
    Amazing concert! Seattle is a great outside venue for the band. Didnt rain, God was smiling on us.
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