by feeble zeeble

I've always been a fan of the big-time rock show.

There's something fun and unique about the spectacle.

We caught the opening show of the 3rd leg of U2's Vertigo tour last night. I was looking forward to this concert all summer long. I've seen them several times before and have been consistantly impressed with their well thought out showmanship and grandiose staging. I'm a fan.

That being said, I don't think that U2 is as relevant as they once were. In fact, they weren't that good at all.

There was a period, especially during the early 1990s, when they were undoubtedly the biggest band in the world. They holed up in Berlin and recorded some extremely well done songs with a distinct vision and feel.

Now, it's becoming unfortunately clear that U2 is falling into the trap of becoming a cover band that covers themselves. Even this tour is essentially a modified version of 2001's Elevation arena tour.

Aside from the powerful track "Beautiful Day", it's hard to argue that they have contributed anything novel to the creative landscape in ten years. Their new album is full of ho-hum material that lacks purpose.

Their show last night in Toronto was full of uncaptivating renditions of these new songs, with the notable exception of "City of Blinding Lights" which seems to gain a little bit of life when performed live.

I was unimpressed by most of the show.

The highlight of the set was the beginning of the first encore when, for a moment, U2 dissolved back into their Acthung Baby 1990s sunglasses-and-leather cool for a one-two punch of "Zoo Station" and "The Fly"
complete with ZOOTV-era video wall messages and dazzling light show.

We moved around the arena and ended up at one point behind the stage, watching Bono read off his list of celebrity thank-yous and political messages off of a teleprompter. The most un-rock-and-roll thing imaginable.

We've watched this band grow up. Still it doesn't prepare you for seeing Adam Clayton with graying hair and the rest of the band in their mid 40s shaking their asses on stage.

I wish I was able to see this band play in 1984. They are great musicians with powerful arena songs.

You can't fight time though.

You cannot fight the time.

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