U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour 2018

Sep 4 2018
Cologne, DE / Lanxess Arena
11

'My heart is where it’s always been...'

Back on stage and on song on the opening night in Cologne.

When & Where
Second European city of the tour, first night of two in Lanxess Arena, Cologne, Tuesday, September 4th, 2018.

Set List
The band were in fine form in Cologne tonight, the tour right back on track after Saturday's cancelled show in Berlin ( https://www.u2.com/news/title/back-on-song-back-to-berlin). Until The End Of The World closes out the first half of the set, and, according to fansites and statisticians, has its 600th live performance here tonight.

In The Press (translated into English via google translate) 
'U2 in the Arena. Bono regained his voice for Cologne and against Nazis …before the start in the Lanxess Arena, standing ovations on the first note, anticipatory silence during the two and a half minute intro video, a compilation of war scenes (from 1945 to today) and portraits of dictators and freedom fighters. In addition the requirement: "free you - in the name of the democracy"... The oversized screens release the view of the band, the first track ("The Blackout") plays. It is already clear: Bono has his voice again... "Thank you for being here - and thinking about our lives with us… I have visited a very good doctor and will continue the tour with his support and in full voice." No contradiction. ...The fateful fourth song "Red Flag Day" (here Bono barely made a sound in Berlin) succeeds. No emergency doctor today, instead rock until the doctor comes. "Beautiful Day", which could barely be heard in Berlin, mutates in Cologne significantly to the first highlight, thousands of Rhenish throats sing every word by heart for the first time. "I'm very grateful for that, today it's going well again," Bono explains on stage… next highlight: the unplugged version of "Sunday Bloody Sunday", which accompanies Larry Mullen with a snare over the bridge, Adam Clayton on bass and "The Edge" - Bono in front..."Pride (In The Name Of Love)" shows overcrowded refugee boats, followed by photos of the Chemnitz Nazi march. "No more Chemnitz!" Bono shouts through the megaphone...'

On The Socials
@amanda_mcphee (via Twitter) 'Waking up before 4am is what you do when @u2 are in Europe and you’re on the other side of the world following #U2eiTour. It was brilliant to hear you sing again today Bono. What a blessing. The sun is shining. It’s a beautiful day'.

@mysteriousdays (via Twitter) 'The audience is singing along with the oh oh ohs at the end of Love is Bigger!  all the chills & all the feels, gosh I love this moment'

@SheilaDC (via Twitter) 'When you don't believe I exist...that's when I do my best work' is one of the most powerful statements each night at @U2 show! Stay vigilant! #Biteback'

@atu2comSherry (via Twitter) 'Red Flag Day stole Bono's voice in Berlin...tonight he's stealing it back'

What Did Bono Say?
(as Macphisto) "I see my old friend Bono lost his voice in Berlin. Brava! Brava!… I think he has his very best moments with the sound turned down!”

‘The show's going really well tonight. The voice is strong. Still feel like summer in Cologne. Very grateful. The crowd here have been very kind’.

If you were at the first show in Cologne, add your reviews and add your photos below

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    U2 eXPERIENCE - Live in Berlin Trailer
    Comments
    11
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    viamar
    Paradise is a place you can't see when i
    Since SONGS OF EXPERIENCE came out last December it’s been on Heavy Rotation in my home and on my car, only sometimes interrupted by SONGS OF INNOCENCE. I love how these two albums connect with each other and how they transport joy and very deep thoughts at the same time. And it seems like this “addiction” to those songs could not have been cured by going to the concert… Thank you, Edge, Larry, Adam and Bono for the beautiful and profound Concert in Köln. Thanks also for upholding the European Idea. The photos at the beginning of the Show showed clearly where we started out from in Europe after the war and what we have to loose. PARADISE IS A PLACE YOU CAN’T SEE WHEN IT’S YOURS….
    TottiU2
    Europe is the solution / Visit ONE.org
    So many thanks to the band for their commitment to Europe. Good to have McPhisto back giving mirrored comments on the nay sayers and cynics. Never saw Adam so much smiling before. Larry still looks cool no matter with or without glasses. Three elegant jackets and one leather jacket on the little stage. The music professor Edge keeps it casual. The endless continuing variations of the loud and gentle songs are great to hear in their new tone colors. Quite an experience a U2 show without any Joshua Tree track.and it worked out perfectly. U2 on stage is always exciting big time. Thank You so much for being here again and see you on 2. Cologne show again. PS.I love to supported #ONEonTour with collecting voices for the actual campaign against sexism and poverty before the showow. ONE will not fail.
    angelavergouw
    Elevation Time
    We have been BIG fans since the early 80ies and couldn't miss this show in Cologne. Unforgettable again and thanx guys!!!! Angela / John from the Netherlands
    maryamd
    Welcome Back
    Ah, we knew Macphisto was behind the Berlin issue! But Good will always conquer evil--so glad you are back and sounding AMAZING! Enjoy the rest of the tour and stay safe and well! Much love and peace!
    huberreke
    American Soul
    Great Fantastic and fabulous new songs, live !! Finally Acrobat live, my favourite song and I waited 26 years to see it live : AMAZING !! But the new album is really rock and roll so why no " AMERICAN SOUL " ???? PLEASE play this in Europe to !!!!!!!!!!! Next stop Paris
    jacobkamperman
    Mister Adam Clayton
    Thanks for the visual and musical spektacle. See you soon.
    olli66
    Cologne night 1 - WOW
    Amazing show. Amazing artistry by Anton Corbijn.
    TottiU2
    ONE support before the show
    Visit one.org
    jojes
    Got them!
    My tickets were delivered today ....!
    marcfalla
    MARC
    Yes, two tickets in the pocket.
    ft
    looking forward
    With two tickets in my pocket and looking forward to enjoy the best group of the world in Köln. Always progressing , U2 surprised everyone with the quality of their new album . Keep on rocking
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