1. In this series we will be regularly interviewing fans during the tour to ask them about their personal experiences. Today we have an interview with nickbibby, who attended the 2nd London show.

    "Breathtaking. The whole 2 hours and 30 minutes was the highlight!"

    The second London show was your first of the Innocence and Experience Tour, how was it?
    Breathtaking. This was my first of the tour, but my 12th U2 show in total and somehow everything seemed fresh! A decent range of songs played, excellent showmanship from all of the band, but especially Bono and a stage and show that really raises the bar for other bands to to reach.

    You managed to go spoiler-free for the tour up until the show, how difficult was it to stay away and was it worth it?
    Very difficult at times, but definitely worth it. The last time I saw the band without knowing what was coming was the first time I had ever seen them (Wembley 1, PopMart). Since then I knew what to expect either from being to previous shows on that tour or the wonders of the internet and brilliant websites like U2Start! I really wanted to have that experience of just thinking "What's next!" I called it right a couple of times (I'd guessed they would open with Joey Ramone and I knew the red lights meant Streets was on it's way), but for the majority of the night I was just in awe. I would recommend going spoiler free to anyone who can manage it!

    Whereabouts were you situated in the arena? Was it a good spot to enjoy the show from?
    I was half way down the walkway, about 2 people back from the rail. I hadn't been that close to the band since the Elevation tour when I was on the front rail in between Bono and Adam. So much happened on the walkway as well as the 2 stages it really did make for a fabulous show. My friend and I did comment that the huge screens might make it a better show from in the seats, but I wouldn't swap where I was for a seat, even though Bono went out of sight for the whole of Cederwood Road, and Invisible and Even Better were difficult to watch. Knowing now what the show entails and what happens, I'd probably try to get at the E stage if I was able to go again.

    Did you like the stage and how it contributed to the whole show experience?
    The stage was fabulous. For the band to be able to reach the whole of the crowd, having a stage that spans across the floor is brilliant. As I said above, the screens looked fabulous and I bet the effect was even better from further away. The way the band hide behind the screens and then reappear, the use of the E stage for as much of the show as it is used for and the lighting all make for a brilliant gig.

    Did they play a song you didn't expect to hear? Or did you expect any song that didn't get played?
    I never thought I'd hear Zooropa. Ever! So that was amazing. And the way it was done, almost a-Capella, was just superb, a great lead in to Streets. October was a big surprise too. I was shocked and really pleased to hear Bullet. I love that song, and it is fabulous live. Edge brought back the original solo too! I had a feeling Out of Control might be back but according to my friend I 'lost it' when it came on! I really wanted to hear Volcano, and I expected it to crop up in the encore so I was annoyed when it didn't! There are now only 3 songs I've seen at every show I've been to - Streets, Mysterious Ways and With Or Without You. I really wanted to see some Pop. I think Gone would fit in well near the October-Bullet section, and Discotheque could be rotated with Even Better or in the E Stage rotation that seems to be going on.

    Finally, what was the highlight of your night?
    I can't pick one! The way Bono came on to the stage on his own, and started the Joey Ramone chant was reminiscent of the 'I could of lost you' intro from ZooTV and was really, really good. The first 4 songs absolutely rocked, no other words! The section from Iris to Raised by Wolves was amazing. Iris had me in tears. As did Every Breaking Wave, that song reminds me of my Grandfather, who passed away earlier this year, so it means a lot to hear such a good version. Zooropa into Streets was brilliant. Bono throwing water, books and bottles into the crowd was great. All of the interaction with the crowd (4 people on stage in one show - surely a record?) was amazing! Noel Gallagher joining the band for Still Haven't Found was amazing! The whole 2 hours and 30 minutes was the highlight!

    Now, can someone invent a time machine so I can do it again?

    --
    Thanks for participating, Nick!
  2. Being out of control during Out of Control, that's a proper lad.
  3. Another good thing about being spoiler free is that you say this:


    (4 people on stage in one show - surely a record?)

    Check this out mate, from minute 3:55 on



    Great interview Nick!