A Hopeful Future; A Summer of Goodbyes

U2's 360 tour - the highest grossing tour of all time - has officially ended. The band played to more than 3 million fans from over 3 dozen cities worldwide; from Vancouver to Moscow, and Dublin to Sydney. Despite the millions it took to create the 360 Claws, as well as the $750,000 daily budget to facilitate, maintain, haul, construct and deconstruct the claw (as well as 360 crew payroll :), the band still made out with over $700 million and a new world record.

U2 and fans alike said their goodbyes at the final 360 show in Moncton, and as to be expected, the tour closed with 40. As of today (August 13, 2011), Ireland's Herald reports that Adam Clayton and others had to also say a difficult goodbye to the late Jo Clayton - Adam's mother.

Now that the 360 Tour is over, many fans brace themselves for the seemingly long period of time in between U2's next album release and inevitable tour. Some however, are looking a bit further than that: just how many more albums/tours will (should?) U2 do? On Monday March 31, 2008, U2 signed a hefty 12 year contract with live nation - which is an on-paper agreement to make new albums and tours. Given the contract, I for see no more than 2 albums tours under such conditions - but int he 21st century, laws, contracts and agreements aren't known to be as formidable as perhaps they once were.

So what's next?

"I don't wanna predict the future...but I don't think you can get any bigger than this. It's far to expensive (chuckle). I don't think you can GET any bigger than this; I think if anything we'll scale down." Larry Mullen Jr. said this when they kicked off the good ol' ZOO TV Tour back in 1992. If there is one thing I've learned over the years, it is that you never know what the future holds. As Bono once said a long time ago: "A lotta people expect a lot from U2, and people will never get what they expect. We're just U2 and we speak - you know - just as we are." Will U2 top their 360 Tour? Not likely, but given the past you never know, despite how vague it may seem. Given the rumors and granted the safe keeping and health to our Irish band members, I have an optimistic future for U2 and fans alike - and so should you! I'll have more on tour predictions for you guys soon...



Live Nation Agreement
360 Stats
Herald Article

U2 News & Summer

Finally! Spring term is over for me here in Eugene at the University of Oregon. Now I can kick back for a few days before leaving for LA for the 2 U2 shows in Anaheim! I'm don't know whether I'm more excited for the shows in LA or the fact that my Accounting 213 class is over... Either way, life is good. I'm pretty sure only like three people will read this but that's fine with me - and you can expect more to come from me this summer since I will be school (but not work) free for the whole summer!

A few days ago, I had the unforgettable experience of attending U2's Seattle concert on June 4, 2011. This show goes into the history books for me - its the best one I've seen yet (which in itself isn't saying much, but whatever). The setlist was identical to the last few shows, but even though I followed each show online, hearing songs like Zooropa and All I Want is You still felt like an amazing surprise. I hope the LA shows will have some set list shake-ups, but I really can't complain with what they're been playing right now. I'm just happy they're all in good health, touring and having fun!

Feel free to check out my Facebook page for photos and videos, and be sure to check out The Joshua Tree's new YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/JoshuaTreeBlog?feature=mhee. More is to come for the LA shows as well so stay posted.

I heard this morning via Facebook posts that many U2 fans could not attend the Oakland show last night due to heavy traffic - some are even proposing legal action against the stadium and/or U2, which is fundamentally ignorant and selfish. As mention by some on facebook, a well rounded U2 fan knows to get to the stadium WELL in advance of the show itself. It's like I always say: hope for the best, plan for the worst. See article: http://www.ktvu.com/news/28175971/detail.html

In other news, in an article in the Rolling Stone, U2 stated that the next album would not likely be released until mid 2012 (most likely the end of 2012 if you ask me). This really is not a big shocker for me, and many fans are upset over this. I honestly could care less - for a few reasons. First, I'm only 21 and I've missed some amazing U2 tours in my life. Second, I would prefer quality material over a rushed album put together last minute (although given these circumstances, Pop remains one of my favorite albums). Finally, I just want U2 to be themselves and do their thing at their own pace. Only good things can come of this.

Thanks all for now, stay posted and I'll be back soon with more U2 "stuff!"

-A. Kennedy

Here's a video I filmed in Seattle, hope you like it :]

The Joshua Tree gets a new "face"

Hope you enjoy! Hope you guys are ready for a (college-free) summer of updates and news!

Brace yourselves, here comes the final Leg of 360! (Finally)

For many fans (including yours truly), the [final?] leg of U2's 360 Tour is right on our doorstep - and we couldn't be more happy about it! The U2 360 Tour has been a great tour so far, many great additions to the setlists with new songs such as North Star and Every Breaking Wave; also the incorporation of some old fan favorites such as The Unforgettable Fire and Ultraviolet.

In a post way back in July of 2010, I made some 'scientific' analysis of U2 setlist changes, and even made some bold predictions for Europe's leg and the final leg of 360 in North America. I predicted that Even Better Than the Real Thing and Drowning Man were strong candidates to make an appearance on the final leg; I'm hearing strong rumors that EBTTRT is very likely to be played.

Despite all of this 'analysis,' we can almost guarantee the performance of some new songs, even if it is merely North Star (it's still new). I'm personally hopeful for a new opening and closer - however, like many fans: I'm just a dreamer!

As of today, I read an article stating that the label Mercury would no longer issue CD/Vinyl releases of singles for future album releases from the artists that are signed to them--that would unfortunately include U2. As this is fresh news, I'm sure the few fans that have reacted to this can more or less speak for the crowd of die-hard U2 fans; many fans collect these singles.

Let's be honest here - nothing breaks the ice better when having guests over to your home quite like busting out your U2 single collection and showing it off (although they may not return after that if they are not U2 fans).

I look forward to seeing many of you this summer to experience whatever surprise U2 has in store for their postponed North American dates (postponed dates of the Vertigo Tour did pretty well with some great gems added to their setlists)!

- A. Kennedy

The Joshua Tree

Today is a momentous day for all U2 fans alike. On this day (March 9) in 1987, U2 released the album that would forever change the course of their existence as a band. It also hailed a great addition to their number of fans - especially in America, since that was the album's main theme. Some would argue this was their main transition from a band into rock and roll superstars.

The album itself sold over 25 million copies, and is one of the greatest selling albums of all time. It won two Grammy awards for 'Best Rock Performance by a Group or Duo With Vocal' and 'Album of the Year'.

With or without You was the first of the singles released from the album, and are arguably the most famous in their entire career. Interestingly enough, Red Hill Mining Town was originally planned as the second single, but the band was not satisfied with the video they had filmed for it (it might also be noted that Red Hill Mining Town has never been played live). Instead, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For was released in the place of Red Hill Mining Town.

Their third single is one U2's most distinct and famous songs from their discography: Where the Streets Have No Name. Consequently the fourth single varied from location: In God's Country was released as their fourth single in North America, and One Tree Hill was released for Australia and New Zealand.

The album has been an inspiration for many fans, including myself. There are only a handful of things more emotional than hearing With or Without You live, or more adrenalin-inducing than Streets. I hear at least one song from that album every day, and it was the very first album I have ever heard all the way through (I was about 3 or 4 at that time).

Hope you all find what your looking for. Happy JT anniversary!

-A. Kennedy



Wiki Page
U2Gigs

Song of the Week (ish..): Stay (Faraway, So Close)

Stay is the fifth track from U2's 1993 album "Zooropa". It was released as the album's third single in November of 1993, and peaked on UK's charts at number 4, and conversely number 5 in Australia.

The song is a fan favorite for many U2ers, and personally, it sounds like "the morning after" so to speak from their similar sounding previous hit 'One' from their Achtung Baby album just 2 years prior. It has only been played live in concert 83 times; the bulk of it during their Elevation tour, however it has made its debut on the current 360 Tour, and was last played in New Jersey at the Giants Stadium on September 24, 2009.

The song was inspired by Frank Sinatra and was written during their ZOO TV tour back in 1991. Appropriately, when the single was released, it included a duet with Frank Sinatra of one of his hit songs "I've Got You Under My Skin" (actually originally it was Cole Porter's, but whatever).

I recommend listening to this live performance of the song; its my favorite and oh so beautiful. Consequently: a great segue into 'Bad'!

-A. Kennedy



Song info
Wiki Article

New Album, Africa and Wide Awake #2

The Irish times released today (er..yesterday in European time zones..) that U2 "WILL" (stressing capital letters in the actual article) have a new album by early 2011. Perhaps they are stressing the capital letters because last time they said they would have a new album was 2008..and No Line on the Horizon didn't come until the follow year! So I expect probably around April or so we'll have a new album. My guess of course. I assume we can expect to see Mercy, Every Breaking Wave, North Star among others in the new album. Rumored to assume the long debated title of Songs of Ascent.

On the news of new albums, apparently there are rumors afloat of a new LP mocking their earlier LP's title name: Wide Awake in Europe. Wide Awake in America had two live songs, Bad and A Sort of Homecoming, and two B-Sides: The Three Sunrises and Love Comes Tumbling. Wishful fans such as myself will hope and pray for another live version of Bad--hopefully from Vertigo or 360 tours along with some original material, but @U2 is reporting that some unreleased B-sides from Unforgettable Fire are rumored to appear. We'll see I guess--it would make sense since after all it is "Wide Awake in..".

Also, U2 have announced dates in South Africa early in 2011 to continue their global 360 Tour. The final date in Pittsburgh, PA on July 26, 2011 marks the final date of the 360 tour (and i have a GA!).

:]

-A. Kennedy




Wide Awake Article
Irish Times Article

Song of the Week: Van Diemen's Land

I didn't know this until I did some research but Van Diemen's Land is actually what Europeans originally called Tasmania. It also happens to be our song of the week. Van Diemen's land is the second track on U2's 1988 continuation album Rattle and Hum, and is most famous for being U2's signature song whose vocals aren't from Bono, for once but rather Edge. Van Diemen's Land has only been played 39 times and the last time it was been played was at a tribute show to Ronnie Drew in 2008. The song was written by the Edge and performed solely by the Edge. To this day the song remains a fan favorite and people like me have high hopes for a 360 debut this coming year!

-A. Kennedy



Van Diemen's Land Wiki
Rattle and Hum wiki

New Songs and New Challenges

Where oh where to begin. Perhaps most U2 fans are currently buzzing about U2's latest new song debut tonight; titled "Boy Falls From the Sky", it is U2's recent new song for the upcoming and infamous Spider Man musical. A video from it's debut show in the second concert in Coimbra, Portugal can be seen below. It seems to be a very good song, though I look forward to a higher quality video to give it justice.

Also can be seen below is U2's performance of Magnificent. Notice how Bono is not vocalizing his signature phrases and motivational "oh oh oh!" he normally does. Around 1:40 into the video, Bono also stops singing. Many fans are posting like mad their theories and suggestions. Although from a few facebook posts, I have heard indirectly that Bono appeared to be in pain at tonight's showing. This has many fans, including myself, in an uproar concerning Bono's health. Many are concerned that he is over-doing his performance at shows and is on a road for more physical harm if he continues. I guess right now we just need to have some faith that the band and Bono alike will continue in good health. It is hard to identify what is going on in the (seemingly) only video online so far of Magnificent from U2's second Coimbra show. Naturally, the camera crew will cut to shots of Adam and Edge to keep the majority of the crowd from knowing what's going on--and unfortunately the video was shot from a great distance.

If there is one interesting thing that has come from this, it is probably hearing Magnificent without Bono's lyrical additions in the beginning. It doesn't sound normal!

In other past news, U2 debuted Spanish Eyes for only the 16 time ever, and the first time since Barcelona's Elevation concert back in August 8, 2001. Spanish Eyes was released as a B-Side for I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For back in May of 1987, and is a fan favorite and ideal for Spanish concerts in this case. A video can also be seen below.

Let's pray good health and luck for Bono!

-A. Kennedy







Spanish Eyes Stats

Song of the Week: Kite

This week's song of the week is Kite from U2's 2000 album 'All That You Can't Leave Behind'. It is the fifth track on the album, and has only been played 106 times on only the Elevation and Vertigo tours. The last concert to have Kite played was in Auckland, New Zealand on November 24, 2006.

The song has a very clean and U2-esque sound to it (as do most U2 songs..). It's one of my favorite tracks on the album and can never pass it up on a playlist if it happens to be selected.

The song was written after Bono saw a kite fly out of control over Killiney Hill in Dublin with his daughters; the meaning translates to the fact that one day we have to let everyone we love go at some point--Bono was referencing his daughters, but during the Elevation tour, he often dedicated the song to his late father Bob. Truly a great song, truly inspirational and moving for sure.

-A. Kennedy



Kite Statistics
Kite Wiki Page

Achtung Baby! Mercy...

As U2 continues their conquest of unknown lands (Turkey) and Europe, they recently have made a new addition in the family of U2 songs! Mercy made its first time debut ever in Zurich, Switzerland on September 18, 2010. Mercy was originally composed during the How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb sessions, and a studio recording was downloadable on iTunes with the purchase of the Complete U2 compilation. So far, Mercy has made the setlist of two other shows, Munich and Paris, and was sound-checked for the first time back at Istanbul's concert.

In other news, rumors are floating around on a re-release of a remastered Achtung Baby. It was obviously inevitable since they seem to be remastering all their old work; I'm not sure what they're going to do when they get to All That You Can't Leave Behind because the sound already seems to be mastered...

The rumor going around was let out by a tweet from music producer John Vanderslice, saying how the next room was being occupied by people remastering of the album. Hopefully there will be some cool stuff released with it, like a plush trabant or something...

-A. Kennedy




Achtung Baby Rumor

Song of the Week: Wire

Wire, from U2's 1983 Unforgettable Fire album is this week's song of the week. The song is the third track on the album, and was never released as a single. It's only been played 80 times live, and was limited to only the Unforgettable Fire Tour of 1984 and 1985. It was last played Werchter, Belgium on July 7, 1985. Here is a live performance from 1985..

-A. Kennedy




Wire Stats

TUF Wiki Article

U2: Making History Everyday.

So much news! U2 played in Turkey for the first time ever, yesterday. It seemed to be an amazing concert in Istanbul, or should i say Constantinople...haha. U2 also played in Athens for the first time, and only the second time ever in Greece.

A very deserving audience received a very deserving setlist as well! U2 debuted 'Mothers of the Disappeared' on the 360 tour, Pride made its comeback, and Ultraviolet made its comeback as well :]

What didn't make the setlist is perhaps even more important and ground breaking. Earlier in the day, U2 sound-checked 'Mercy,' a U2 fan favorite from the How to Dismantle and Atomic Bomb sessions. It was released with Itunes compilation of U2 called The Complete U2, but only download-able upon the purchase of the entire thing. Perhaps soon it will make it's debut like MOTD??? We'll wait and see I suppose.

To celebrate U2's arrival, Universal Turkey released a new 'Best of" album, but not on CD; rather on a SD card with other content preloaded. Oddly, the track listing is as follows:

1. No Line On The Horizon
2. I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
3. Beautiful Day
4. City Of Blinding Lights
5. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
6. Pride
7. With Or Without You
9. Vertigo
10. New Year's Day
11. Mysterious Ways
12. Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of
13. Where The Streets Have No Name

In other news: more dates added for Australia! I'm glad I don't live down there because I would go to EVERY show since they are limited. Haha I would be broke!

I'm loving these setlist change ups! Looking forward to see what the setlist looks like for next summer :] Until then...

-A. Kennedy



Istanbul Setlist
Best of Article

Song of the Week: Fast Cars

I'm always taken by surprise as to how fast Monday comes. Another Monday, another week, I suppose--and that means another Song of the Week! This week it's Fast Cars. Fast Cars was a bonus track on the 2004 album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb--but only for the releases in Ireland, UK and Japan. It was released also in the collector's editions in every region, and was a part of the Itunes compilation of U2 called The Complete U2. It was also remixed on the 'All Because of You' single.

The interesting thing about Fast Cars, is that it's the only song on the album that mentions the album title "Dismantle and Atomic Bomb," despite being merely a bonus track. Kind of like 'Walk On,' but Walk On was a main track on the album.

Surprisingly though, it has been played live; only 16 times on the Vertigo tour. The live performance translated well on stage, as you can see in the awesome video below. Do check it out for Bono's spanish rose dance...

-A. Kennedy



Fast Cars Wiki
Fast Cars Stats

Song of the Week: New York

New York is the 10th track on U2's 2000 album All That You Can't Leave Behind (ATYCLB). It was never released as a single, and was only played 120 times on the Elevation Tour. It was last played in Miami, Florida's concert on December 12, 2001 (also happens to be the LAST concert of the Elevation tour). This concert was also the very last concert for U2 to perform Please and In God's Country, although many fans would love a debut on their current 360 tour I'm sure.

New York is an interesting song I think, because I think it's the only song on ATYCLB that sounds like it could have been on U2's previous album, Pop. The drumming, bass and subtle guitar and vocals give it a very relaxed sound that many Pop songs gave me.

New York was Bono's tribute to Frank Sinatra and Lou Reed, and Bono stated that the song had more lyrics that mentioned Frank and Lou, but decided not to add them. Upon the release of U2's latest album, No Line on the Horizon, U2 and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg added a new street sign addition to the city; 'U2 Way,' which is on the SW corner of 53rd and Broadway. For a pretty low-key song, sure has makes a lot of headlines and news!

-A. Kennedy



New York Wiki
CNN Article on U2 Way
New York Stats