U2 360 Tour in Raleigh

U2 360 Tour stage

I’ve always had a lot of respect and admiration for U2, even though I’ve never been a huge fan, but I can’t imagine there’s anybody putting on a better stadium rock show than the 360 Tour. The Mrs and I saw the show last night at Carter-Finley Stadium at N.C. State University in Raleigh. Stupendous.

I’ve posted some photos on my Flickr page, although I’m sure there are better photos out there easily findable. I would bet this is the most iPhone-photographed show in history. “Thanks either to AT&T or the massive influx of users in the stadium or both, my iPhone was solely a camera last night.”

I haven’t been to that many rock shows since I left Yep Roc Records, and most of the shows I’ve ever been to have been small bands in small clubs. This was quite a different kettle of fish.

Looking over the crowd tailgating before the show, you really wouldn’t have been able to tell if they were waiting for a rock concert or a football game. I can’t believe I even thought for a minute about wearing anything other than my dorky-but-comfortable dad shoes with the special insoles.

Most common outfit for women: jeans and a black spaghetti-strap top. Most common outfit for men: t-shirt and khaki shorts.

The real star of the show was the stage. It truly was magnificent. I couldn’t help but spend half the show wondering about the engineering feats that went into designing, transporting and erecting it, as well as the computer power behind running the displays and effects.

I’m too lazy to go look up specifics, but as we were driving in we passed a near endless row of semi trucks that had transported the tour to Raleigh. It reminded me of the scene in “A Bridge Too Far” where General Horrocks is passing the line of tanks, jeeps and armored cars waiting to roll toward Arnhem. I assume there will be a documentary about this show, and I can’t wait to see it.