The Joshua Tree Tour 2019

Dec 4 2019
Tokyo, JP / Saitama Super Arena
48

'Konbanwa'

'Konbanwa' said Bono, trying out a little Japanese ('Good evening') and taking a breath at the end of New Year's Day. The Saitama Super Arena erupted with joy in response, setting the tone for another special show.
'Thank you for your patience, thank you for waiting around ...
There's no good reason for why we haven't been  back with you more… we feel we have a deep  connection with Japan.
This song is from an album called The Unforgettable  Fire. It began its life with some anti-war drawings  done by Japanese children, to remind us all what fear looks like and the primacy of peace. 
This song is about letting go of some things while holding on even tighter to others… it's  called Bad.'

The band first played here in 1983, when they visited that exhibition The Unforgettable Fire, which became the title of their fourth studio album, a year later. 
Tonight Bad once again metamorphosed into Bowie's 'Heroes', becoming 'a prayer in the dark for peace in this region and around the world. 
Can we give thanks for the peace makers? The unsung heroes. The women and men who day after day wage peace not war, the stars we never see 
Can we take a moment, a prayer, in the dark to  think about these unsung heroes ?
Let's bring them into this moment...'

First night back in Tokyo since 2006  was also memorable for the launch of U2X RADIO, as the band walked back onstage for 'Elevation' - and ere broadcast into Howard Stern's show in the US.

'…going  live to New York from Tokyo
Let them hear you sing 
U2X RADIO
First transmission 
Let them hear ya 
U2X RADIO 
Are you ready to get elevated
ready to get radiated
Howard Stern, Can ya hear us 
Why so… Sirius XM?'

WHAT DID BONO SAY
'This green, white and orange, this would be the Irish flag, as painted by the great Dutchman Anton Corbijn, who is here tonight! … from the very beginning he has tried to say visually what we're trying to do with our sound… Larry, how would you describe Anton Corbijn?

LARRY SAID
'expensive'

EDGE SAID
'the funkiest photographer I have ever met'

ADAM
'a Dutch Master'

WHAT ELSE DID BONO SAY?
'I have spent most of my life trying NOT to hang out with people as TALL as Anton Corbijn!'

ON THE FANSITES
'Bonoman' for German U2 fan site @U2Tour wrote : 
'Recently, the first U2 concert ended in the Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo. For (9) o'clock local time the band had announced a short live stream on Facebook with "some news from the band", which provided in advance for neat speculation.  A few hours before the beginning of the concert, the band started wild speculation among the fans with this announcement… Already at (1) o'clock local time had formed long queues in front of the merchandise stalls; the waiting people were led in groups in the sales area, in which the articles were partly presented in detail by the salesmen. No trace of hustle and bustle, everything ran very smoothly and orderly, courtesy of queuing in Japan is apparently not a cliché, but pleasant reality… After 25 songs, the first of two U2 concerts in Tokyo ended. Our on-site crew reported a fantastic atmosphere with a lyrically accurate audience, which went along with each song, but overall was a bit more restrained. In other words, the audience celebrated, but the Japanese mentality was noticeable from time to time - which should not be considered negative. The atmosphere in the hall was very intimate…'

ON THE (JAPANESE) SOCIALS
@Glicco : はぁぁぁあああ?ユーツーてこんなかっこいいの!?!?想像を軽く越えてきたわ!!!これで2万とか完全にバーゲンセールやん!! 感謝しかないわ!来日してくれてありがとう!!
(translated via google translate ) : Haaaaaa It 's so cool! ? ! ? I've lightly exceeded my imagination! ! ! … I can only thank you! Thank you for coming to Japan! !

@Duke_of_Gondor : 13年ぶりのU2最高すぎて泣いた。やはり俺にとって、現役バンドではメタリカと双璧をなすくらい好きなんだと再確認。 ボノ、今が一番ボーカルが上手いのではないか。きっと枯れていると思っていたから、あまりにうれしい誤算だった。
(translated via google translate) : Cryed because U2 was the best after 13 years. Again, I reaffirmed that I like the active band as much as Metallica. Bono, isn't my best vocal now? I was sure it was dead, so it was a very miscalculation.

AND ALSO
There are rumours an actual Earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter Scale hit the Saitama area the moment Larry began belting out the opening beat to Sunday Bloody Sunday tonight… coincidence? (source : @U2Start) 

Here's the complete set list  and if you were at second show at the Kallang SG tonight, tell us all about it. 

Add your own review and photos below. 

 



     


    JT Merchandise

     

    Bad in Mumbai - Give Peace A Chance...
    Comments
    48
    You must be a logged-in member to add comments.
    MoFo_Mother_Mix
    a U2 story
    Here is a video I made about my U2 trip in Japan ;) https://www.facebook.com/anthony.verpoort/videos/10221278279210527/
    Tkhr-T
    Great nights
    I have traveled to many places to see U2 live, but it is exceptional to have them play in my home country. When are you coming back? Please don't let us wait for 13 years again!!!!!!
    garyquintana
    garyquintana
    So an announcement came through from Japan. U2Xradio on serius xm. This is great. Long over due for a band of music of substance and meaning, and ofcourse Rock n Roll. Congratulations Boyz and dont let Howard Stern stun you (lol). There's always a surprise with these Irish Lads. By the way, it'll be great if there was some Bass insights from the silver fox Adam Clayton. Peace!
    Yula
    Just Say Thank U,Too!
    I'm not good at writing by English. But,I'm so glad to say thank you directly. You have been walk on with my life when since I was 11 years old. When I lost the streets which have no name, you taught me "there is a light you can always see,the world doesn't let it go out." When I lost by someone's words and doing, you encouraged me "sometimes you can't make it on your own",and you suggested me that I approach "one step closer" to find someone who help you . Thanks to you,I changed my life and found a job, so I can buy the your musics and go to live in Japan by gained salary. It's the miracle for me like the shining stars in the winter's night. This time is very good oppotunity which I return to some gifts you. Finaly,I look foward to standing the arena with your fans. Sincerly,Yula.
    DrMannixDrive
    Sing for invisible people
    I can’t sleep. Today’s the day...finally. Too happy and too sad. I was going to go to your concert with my mom who is a huge fan of yours just like me. After we got the tickets for both days concert, she was diagnosed pretty bad cancer. Your song gave us a lot of encouragement and we were really looking forward to seeing you. Unfortunately she is going to have surgery today on 4th. Can’t describe my feeling. As the same time, I can’t wait this evening. Bono, please remember and sing the songs for her and the people who can’t be there although they wanted to.
    Arata
    TOMORROW!
    Tomorrow, I will be there! So long time I haven't been at live since I was missing away from home for study, for job, and finally I got this chance to see the band live!!! I will go there with my old mom who is also excited to be there! I'm looking forward to the best show of U2!!! I wish I could meet Bono in my life, but now for this time, I will just enjoy the show!
    TAMO
    It was 13years ago today.
    Tomorrow,the U2 concert in Japan. I'm waiting for 13years.
    TAKIZAWA
    U2
    2006年のvertigo tourから13年。 2006年生まれの子供と観に行きます。
    DrareG_810
    A Dream Come True
    For many years now, I have been emailing/requesting the band to come over anywhere in Asia to perform. And now, voila! I'll be there in Saitama with my wife, and again in the Philippines on the 11th. If anyone wants to avail of 2 rear standing tix for the Dec 4, I have extra tix with me. My friend backet out when he learned that U2 is also coming to Manila.
    4matisse
    Tokyo, here I come!
    Will soon be traveling for two awesome shows in Tokyo from Orange County, CA. Although, I've seen the band in multiple cities in the US and had my dream trip to Dublin for two shows last year, I am now on yet another adventure and hoping to meet as many U2 fans as possible. It's going to be incredible! See you there!!! Love you guys!
    teruofujisawa
    U2
    皆さん、埼玉で会いましょう。楽しみにしております。
    mooner
    Capt In The Land Of The Rising Sun...
    I came here (Japan) looking for Japanese Soul.... Capt American Soul
    jremyu2
    Looking for 1 more Standing Front ticket
    Hi all, So excited to see my first U2 show outside of the US - coming from Hawaii. My wife is now coming too and I am looking for one more Standing Front ticket. Can you email me if you have one? Thank you! jeremy.inman-at-vacationclub.com
    devision2000
    Birthday Celebration
    My birthday December 4 celebration with U2 first day of the concert in Japan , Tokyo wow amazing ! oh boy ! I can't wait
    devision2000
    Wishing to Meet U2
    Excited ! Coming from Los Angeles ! Me and My fiancé ! I bought concert tickets for both nights ! I wish we could meet the band it very difficult to accomplish that been trying for 35 years ! I haven't given up ! I have never missed a concert tour so far true die hard fan ! Thank You for all the wonderful music you have brought to my life ……………..fan for life always U2 rocks
    sunuosun
    TOKYO
    で会いましょう! See you Tokyo!
    nozomu
    A sort of homecoming pls!
    Pls add A sort of Homecoming to the setlist! It's the most desired song in our survey made in a facebook group with more than 390 fans waiting for the boys in Japan!
    MoFo_Mother_Mix
    Need help (from God, probably... :D)
    "It always seems impossible... until it is done !" Nelson Mandela feat Bono
    4matisse
    Land of the Rising Sun, Here I Come!
    Going to both Tokyo shows and I'm beyond Excited! Could this possibly top seeing them last November in Dublin? Thank you for the opportunity to see you perform once again.
    toyohiro
    Welcome back to Japan!!!!!!
    Welcome back to Japan. On 4th December 2006, I was at Saitama Super Arena. Last concert in my country was so fantastic that I remember it vividly. Since then, all of U2 fans in Japan have waited for you. Regrettable to say, I have no choice but to squander the great opportunity at the end of this year, due to my significant life event. I hope that your tour will be tremendously successful over there. I pray that I can see you in Japan in the near future.
    900
    ... from Italy
    yes, i'm still running ! But i still HAVE found what i'm looking for ❤
    bukegod
    Will You Be There?
    I'll be coming from New York City! Who else will be there? Let's connect! facebook.com/jackbouffard
    pinoyirish
    Only to be with you.
    From Manila to Tokyo! Thank you for coming back to Asia!
    touch-and-go
    Welcome back to Japan !
    Got my tickets! 13years...It’s been such a long time. But THERE IS A LIGHT, don’t let it go out.
    Moonlight65
    no U2, no music !
    Thank you very much for coming to Japan!! I can't wait!
    tammie1
    Tokyo Dream
    Got my tickets for both and now to wait to go to the other side of the World!!
    sensasian
    One Tree Hill To Tokyo
    I'm going see the concert in New Zealand then i will be coming with my family on a trip to Tokyo to see my favorite band in the world. I cannot wait! This is going to be epic.
    bodiggity
    Hey bukegod
    Hey bukegod! I will going to the December 4th concert. I will be traveling from LA. I would love to meet up!
    straylion
    13 years...
    I’ve got the tickets. Don’t try to ride bicycle, Bono !!
    straylion
    13 years...
    I’ve got the tickets. Don’t try to ride bicycle, Bono !!
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