Unforgettable Fire

"A little too late for St. Patrick's Day, but the spirit is here just the same.....11 O'Clock Tick-Tock." From that moment on, I was hypnotized by this yet not to well known band from Ireland. What inspired me the most, as would 2 years later in 1987 was the power and message of the music; no bloated, ridiculous stage productions...just hard, polished rock & roll!! Remember during "I Will Follow", Bono dragged a cameraman up on stage from CBS News. "See these people, I want you to see these people...See, the music and these people are bigger than this place!," shouted Bono to an over enthusiastic crowd. As would be repeated on "The Joshua Tree" tour in '87...the solemn keyboard intro of MLK and then into "The Unforgettable Fire." A cover of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" was preceded with Bono stating: "All the smoke & lights you see here is not important, what is important is the song, here is a song." Those who didn't get a chance to see those two tours, missed out on something which was a religious experience. The music wasn't hidden under massive stage sets as is today. I understand bands mature and move on, exploring new musical ambitons, but U2 in the 80's...I don't think there will ever be a band that inspired the soul so much. Personally, I'd like to see U2 strip down there stage and just focus on the music next time around. For this is how U2 were born & raised.