U2 vs. Bruce

My personal opinion is that I go to see Bruce and the band. I believe that he is so good that 'special' effects are not required to enhance the show. U2 use this because, let's face it, they aren't a patch on Bruce and the ESB.

In regards to films in the background I think this is a bad idea for a couple of reasons. First, quite simply it detracts from the show - people start to watch the film rather than the show. Second, a literal representation of the song stops us from thinking for ourselves. My Wendy is different from your Wendy. My interpretation of The Promise may be different from Bruce's. To interpret it detracts from the images in our mind's eye and cheapens the song. Our respective governments don't want us to think - artists, authors, painters etc rail against that. Take that away and we're fecked, living in an Orwellian state where Big Brother and X Factor are the best we can do.

Ok, maybe a little overstated but hopefully you see where I'm going.

I agree - I do like stage set up which gives you 2 pits really but Bono do not make ful use f it at all or interact with audience much

I am there for a concert and the music comes first not a bunch of special effects
Circular screen is good for giving maximum number of people a good view (of the screen)

One of the reasons U2 has a more static setlist is because it takes time to sync all of the special effects and videos with the songs. Plus, people complain enough about the screen behind the stage as it is.

The effects at U2 were great and all I'm saying is Bruce
needs to "ramp it" up a it for the bigger places.
Bono worked the crowd fine..... and the idea of having the films in back of the stage with Bruce is not for the people in the pit...its for the top deck of Giant Stadium

Lame imo...effects are for folks like Beyonce and other lip-synching groups, as well as bands who feel they are more entertainers than musicians. The appeal of a Beyonce is her dancing and the effects, not her musical talent. Why not have Bruce dance around with a snake like Britney? I saw U2 and was pretty disappointed, I thought it was more of a "look at Bono and all the colors" event than an actual concert. Bruce and the band are in their 60s...they play music, end of story. I'd hate to see Bruce become some Broadway act where every concert is the same so that they can coordinate some pasted together lights and video. Unfortunately, I think this all speaks to the shorter and shorter attention spans we are moving towards. We need to be texting, while watching tv, while watching youtube and surfing the internet all at once. For me, listening to a band play good music is a refreshing change of pace. I don't need a video depicting Jungleland for me to enjoy the music.

Is it "effects" or enhancement ??
To the person in the 2nd or 3rd deck of a stadium, some guys running around
playing music, just isn't enuff.
And people on Cell-phone, texting ?? They do that anyway ?

Can't Bruce progress beyond a simple bass,drums sax and guitar band

Does doing something make it positive progress? I guess I'm still in the dark ages when playing instruments equaled an enjoyable auditory experience. How about this...everyone listens to Bruce play, eats hot dogs, smells roses, watches a big screen music video and masturbates at the same time? That way we won't be missing out on anything!

295 post, how often do you work in masterbating in to the post?

now that would just be too gay

you're the one who mentioned "teenage love"

Seriously? I'd find that disrespectful.

He did something like this during the replacement tour. Remember "57 Channels"? Neither do I...

big screen is okay if it shows the band at work (e.g. close-up of Nils' guitar). Might help the nosebleeders see the band a bit better.

As for the rest of it, come on! This isn't a circus. It's a rock n' roll show.

I could see where this might broaden the appeal - would certainly be a more attractive show for those with no attention span.

I'll pass.

I saw Bruce in May and U2 last month. I'll take Bruce anyday. He doesn't need the screen. Bono doesn't have the ability to connect with the crowd like bruce does so they need the effects. IMO U2 is much better in a stripped down show. Don't get me wrong, i've been a big U2 fan for 25 plus years but Bruce can whip a crowd into a frenzy on his own.

I used to love U2, but they lost me after Achtung Baby. Never got me back...

Likewise. U2 shows have become overblown pantomines that match the size of Bono's ego and are as interesting musically as a Bruce fart.

Perfectly said!