What a night. Sirius XM Presents U2 Live at the Apollo Theater.
'It was a cold and wet December day
When we touched the ground at J.F.K.
The snow was melting on the ground
On B.L.S. I heard the sound
(Of an angel).
New York like a Christmas tree
Tonight, this city belongs to me,
(Angel).
Soul love
Well this love won't let me go.
So long
Angel of Harlem...'
When & Where
Sirius XM Presents U2 Live at the Apollo Theater'.
Monday June 11th 2018, Punk band playing the Apollo Theatre, Harlem, NY. One of the band's most intimate shows in years.
Set List
Perfectly crafted setlist that reflected a long history with this 'sacred place for music’. More than a quarter of the songs played had not been heard on this tour before tonight. Got to mention Angel of Harlem and When Love Comes To Town, part of a suite of tracks supported by an extraordinary horns section - The Sun Ra Arkestra horns with the Sex Mob Orchestra.
On The Socials
@u2mp3s. 'I just talked to someone who works for SiriusXM and he said that they took all of the floor seats out of the Apollo and opened it up as full GA. He said he's worked 5 or 6 shows there and this is the first time they've done that!'
@U2Baja. 'So bloody excited for this @U2 show, a wonderful to be here with my ZOOtopian family.'
Choose2Live. 'There was only one problem with tonight’s show. And that’s that all other shows will pale in comparison. I have no words.'
@amubalt. 'I don't think it's stretching it to say that this is right up there with the religious experience that was my very first U2 concert in 1985.'
In The Press
Jem Aswad in Variety : ''For their concert at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater on Monday night — presented by and broadcast on SiriusXM — U2 truly did something special, delivering a unique, carefully curated show, mixing classics and new songs with several deep cuts, including an encore set with the 13-piece Sun Ra Arkestra that featured three rarely played, Harlem-centric songs from their 1988 album “Rattle and Hum.” There were none of the dazzling special effects that have become a hallmark of their big-room shows; just lights, a stage, and one of the greatest live rock bands in history at full throttle, roaring through 20 songs from their nearly 40-year catalog.’
Andy Greene in Rolling Stone : U2 were a little over halfway done with their special SiriusXM show at New York's Apollo Theater when Bono paused for a moment to soak up the atmosphere and address the crowd, which was a mixture of super hardcore fans, lucky contest winners, industry insiders and celebrities like Steve Van Zandt, Jon Bon Jovi and John McEnroe. "We couldn't have come all the way to the Apollo without bending one knee to the place," he said. "Let's try the song we first played here when we came here in nineteen eighty whatever it was.”
He was talking about 1988's Billie Holiday tribute "Angel of Harlem." And as the group launched into it, a backdrop lifted to reveal the 13-piece Sun Ra Arkestra horn section. The surprise moment took an already stellar show – which was a supremely rare opportunity to see the group in intimate setting minus their usual bells and whistles – and elevated it to a whole other level. The horns stuck around for a euphoric "Desire," a re-worked "When Love Comes to Town" and a moving rendition of "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" that they dedicated to Anthony Bourdain and others we've lost recently. "It's been a funny few years," he said. "We lost a lot of very inspiring, useful people and gained a few useless people…"
U2.com Ticket Winners
Sarah from Toronto. 'I was beyond thrilled and honored to attend U2’s special performance at the legendary Apollo Theater. There was an incredible indescribable energy that was palpable between the band and the audience. The setlist was the perfect combination of older songs, much loved favorites and some more rare songs that haven’t been played for quite some time. Last night was my 25th U2 show and might actually be my all time favorite. Having just seen them play 2 arena shows in Montreal last week this was a much smaller intimate venue but somehow U2 still managed to blow the roof off the place. I was on the GA standing room floor and the excitement was so intense the floor was literally bouncing under us. U2 are the greatest band in the world and when the 4 members play together, as Bono has said, it literally feels like God walks through the room. Special guests Sun Ra Arkestra gave the Rattle & Hum era songs extra special weight and authenticity. Hearing Angel of Harlem at the Apollo in Harlem, it doesn’t get much better than that. This show will have me buzzing for days to come!'
Sherry from Boston. 'It was everything you wished for and dreamt about - they controlled the stage and dominated from the get go. The band was in top form, defying the laws of nature - how can these four men in their mid-50s have that kind of stamina? It was a phenomenal night - one for the ages.'
Scott from Scotland. 'They came out to slay dragons. Just like they did in their first days in America. And found their people easy to be slain. The first five songs left the crowd exhausted and almost crying for mercy. Rattle and Hum section - the band became evangelists for love, truth and soul. What a vocal performance in When Love Comes To Town. Totally soulful, almost jazz and then the Celtic rock star appeared at the end just at the right time. After the soldier had drawn his sword. A rock n roll show. Never to be beaten, never. We stumbled home, spent, weary but invigorated and blessed too. I’ve never won anything in my life and I can honestly think of no better prize.'
John from England
Punk
Jazz
Club
Sweaty
Intimate
Old School
Rattled
Hummed
Closer
Tight
Bouncing
Dancing
Sang-my-heart-out.
#13ThingsAboutU2Apollo
Michelle from Alabama. 'U2’s performance at the Apollo was one that I have dreamed about seeing for 30 years. No big screens, no fancy lights, just the band giving everything they’ve got and they gave it. They seemed to enjoy the intimacy of the Apollo as much as the fans did. The crowd was rocking and the floor was shaking and I feel extremely fortunate to have been a part of it. Having the Sun Ra Arkestra performing with the the band on Angel of Harlem, Desire and When Love Comes to Town took me back to Rattle and Hum when I fell head over heels for the band and being at the Apollo with them became my own Rattle and Hum, version 2.0.'
Kim from Ontario. 'I am so thankful for being given the opportunity to attend the Apollo show and it has been a whirlwind of emotions, returning from the Montreal shows , only to board a plane two days later to NYC! I had always imagined seeing U2 perform in a small venue like the Apollo but never thought in my wildest dreams that it would ever come true. The band did not disappoint. I would describe the atmosphere as electric! From the beginning of I Will Follow to the end with Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way, the band continued with the energy!! What made it even better, was sharing it with old and new friends! This has truly been a dream come true and dream lived out loud! Thank you U2 and SiriusXM radio! Can't wait to listen to it again on June 13th!'
Tassoula from Seattle. 'The ghosts of the Apollo were with us last night. From the band’s smiles as they first took the stage to the heartfelt lingering lines of the finale, the venue was as much a part of the show as we all were. The energy had such a soulful element to it, we were bonded by its connective tissue. I had instant tears and goosebumps as they launched into “Angel Of Harlem” supported by the beautiful horns of Sun Ra Arkestra. Lady Day was most certainly in the room. For 36 years, I’ve loved this band. Never did I think I’d see them in such a special, intimate setting. I’m eternally grateful and I’ll never forget it.'
What did Bono Say?
"I feel like I should take my shoes off or something, this is a sacred place for music"
