The Joshua Tree Tour 2017

Incredibile night! Thanks U2! See you soon! I hope!

My first u2 gig was in Birmingham, UK, on 3rd August 1997 on their original Joshua Tree tour - I was 18. Now, at 48, and having seen the band 8 times since then I was keen to see them perform the iconic album in its entirety. Having seen them in Torino on the i&e tour I know the Italians can be a crazy bunch so this time we headed to Roma on a beautifully warm summer's Saturday! And what a night.. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds were excellent, surprisingly so. Of course the crowd were delighted to hear Oasis hits Don't Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall but, for me, it was his heavier, guitar riffing solo songs that impressed me most. One of the changes in the last 30 years is that today, via social media, we know what a U2 setlist is going to look like with the band only straying slightly away from that. The '87 gig had Spanish Eyes, Silver & Gold and Party Girl in the setlist (lucky us!) but there would be none of that tonight in Roma. A mention here for The Whole of The Moon - what a song! However, even knowing how the set would open, I was still surprised with how the gig started - Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, Bad and Pride is, for me, up there with the best show opener I've seen U2 play - and probably anyone. I love how the band build that anticipation of Larry walking to his kit, picking up his sticks and just kicking in with his snare, bass drum and hi-hats - it sent the crowd crazy, including this 48 year old man who probably should know better! By the time Streets came around it was hard to see how the band could kick it up a notch but they did. From Zoo TV onwards U2 concerts have relied heavily on visuals and they're a great part of the show. The downside, for me, is that it takes away the option of spontaneity, to really mix things up, but the visuals on this tour were awesome - rich in colour, a lovely combination of old and new and really adding to the experience. Of course the hits always get the biggest roar - although it was weird hearing WOWY and knowing the show had barely started and not nearing the end - but I was impressed by Red Hill Mining Town (nice visuals), In God's Country and, of course, Mother's of the Disappeared which is haunting, even more so given the accompanying visuals. Over the years U2 have always made political statements and I know some wish they wouldn't I, for one, like what they stand for. They always manage to surprise too. Last time out I was blown away by how personal Iris was, it bought me to tears and I was moved again at this show, this time by Miss Sarajevo. Seeing Omaima, the 15 year old Syrian refugee, being held aloft by the Italian crowd as well as her 'talking' to us on the huge screens behind the band was powerful in a way that only U2 can carry off. Wonderful. Being of a certain vintage I prefer much of the band's early work and so BD, Elevation and Vertigo (particularly the first two) could happily have been omitted and didn't add too much to the performance other than a band giving their audience their hits. I'm loving Ultra Violet's regular inclusion in the past few tours and One is a track worthy of closing any show. The addition of Little Things was good, I like the track, but it's not a strong show closer - I think there should be a law passed stating that U2 has to close every show with 40. This was a great show with many highlights. It frustrates me on social media when people are, some 3 years later, still digging about the SOI download. It's hard now for any band, not just U2, to capture the energy of their younger years and the excitement that generated and, as said previously, social media has taken away some of the surprise element. I'm going to try not to look at the setlist next time - bet I fail though. This band excites me in a way no other band has or will and they're still the undisputed best in the world, whatever Liam Gallagher thinks of them! I loved the more intimate arena shows, so I hope they continue down that route with SOE and I'd be happy with a similar format that allows greater setlist flexibility, as well as hearing more of their older songs like Gloria, Two Hearts, Out of Control, Electric Co etc.. There can be no doubting though that the reviews of this JT tour have been spot on. The band really have - once again - delivered for their audience. Do believe the hype!

15/07/17 History was here.

This day in my mind forever

It's incredible how the echo of the 15th July concert is still in my heart, it was a sort of blessing. I'm really grateful to you all U2

Unforgettable performace

Ho pianto così solo quando ho visto nascere le mie figlie. Prima che cominciasse ero carica come un fucile pronto per sparare. Sognavo di cantare a squarciagola. Appena siete entrati invece mi sono raccolta come un bimbo in fasce ed ho pianto tanto...tantissimo...di felicità e di non so che cosa. Ma l'emozione mi ha fatta cadere in una apnea meravigliosa. Ho sognato...stavolta gli occhi erano aperti e voi eravate li. Grazie ragazzi. Siete 4 persone speciali!

Emotions were at the top... My husband and I join the concert with the shirt of the previous jousha tour.... we keep the shirts for 30 years and now to wear them again and still together has been incredible!

On July 15.. I was invested by a crazy energy .. listen to Bono's voice singing those songs that made the soundtrack for two-thirds of my life!!! a dream come true...A long-awaited concert, but lived in the right time! ..I fully understood the meaning of those songs, despite hearing them thousands of times ... and those words that take on meaning ... the importance of those words ... love, peace, union, equality... Joshua's tree resumed under a starry summer sky..Of that crazy night I have some shaky photos ...the tour's progam and a bracelet....my first show of U2!! well....the memory that I will bring inside, it will accompany me for the rest of my life thank you guys... <3

Beautiful concert in particular the Exit's version TERRIFIC

We would like to thank U2 for taking inside a family feeling that was absolutely present, on and off the stage, during this great show! It was great to see and feel the sense of freedom between "the guys" playing their best songs free from schemes of a new album to promote. This family feeling bring us to thank also Mr Noel Gallagher, for his very serious performance bifore the U2 show, it was the right man with his own band to support U2! Don't worry if Marco, Daniela, Sergio and Paolo with Raffella taking the photo, are looking too serious (we're joking).....but we were waiting seriously for U2!....where were you while were getting high? THANK U2! LOVE U2!

Hello Mr Edge!

On saturday 15th it was my U2's 3rd gig... I'have to say many things about it, the emotions, the feelings... but I just say: Thanks for exist U2!!! PS: I saw also the 16th gig :-)

I was there, just a child, on feb. 4th 1985, in that horrible tent. I was there, in a rainy Modena, for The Joshua Tree. Along the years, I've always been there, every time the four guys came to Italy. We've grown up together, I could say. Now, I go to the concerts with my wife (and in Torino with our children, too!) Well, every time it's a different emotion, every time seems to be better then the time before. How can it be? 32 years have passed since te first time, but every time, when the show is over, the first answer I ask myself is: "When is the next?" :-)

I was at the show in Rome. I could do nothing else but follow my heart and be there. It was so.... special! For any of us and for all of us. Difficult to choose words or a pic to describe. Two hearts, four, sixty thousands beat as ONE. Hope to see you soon again, in the meantime you are in my ears and in my dreams. We are a big, loving family. We are ONE. Love ❤️ #TheJoshuaTreeTour2017 #RomaNightOne #IoCero

Incredibile, indimenticabile, fantastica serata ! #TheJoshuaTreeTour2017 #RomaNightOne #IoCero

#familia#friendship#wewerethere#greatfrancescowhoboughtticketsintime#sardiniansiinconcert

Brilliant night 8th July Noel Gallaghers high flying birds then u2 what a night to remember

#TheJoshuaTreeTour2017 #RomeNightOne #NoiCeravamo

Of all my six concerts since 1997 to see the U2 in Italy of the various tours, I think this was the most exciting of all! Thanks U2 !! My life is tied to you!

An amazing concert... ♫♥

I have just found what i was looking for! I hope to see you again soon!!!!!

Me and mu son in foro itálico july 15. Thank YouTube U2

Love, faith, friendship. This the meaning of this concert for me. Thanks for playing in Rome, I'll never forget this night! Cheers Fabio ;)

Marco, Daniela, Sergio, Paolo with Raffaella taking this picture really thanks Mr. Noel 'very serious' Gallagher's performance Flying very high waiting seriously for U2....where were you while we were getting high?

Such a great night in Rome listenign to U2, my favourite band since 1997! It was wonderful for my eyes, as screen images were unbelivable realistic and beautiful, and for my ears as the music and Bono's voice flowed naturally as a river flows to sea.... FANTASTIC NIGHT! Thank you again guys for giving us a great opportunity to be there... or better 2, as I was in Rome both night. I loved the show intro with tho powerful sound of SBS and then NYD one of my favourite of all times. It has been emotional to listen to starman in Bad too. I really appreciated WTSHAN ISHFWILF and WOWY .. they are perfect songs! But I enjoyed so much In God's Country, Exit (I'v always dreamed to ear it live) and Mother of Disappeared, with a powerful image of mothers blowing candles. Great show, also the second part with most recent success such as BD Vertigo etc. was so funny and wee enjoyed dancing all together. Thank you for One and for the new song, it has been nice to ear somenting new in a celebrating tour, but I loved Miss Sarajevo and Ultraviolet! The best of the second part. Thank You guys see you in Dublin!

I was there with my "little" nephews aged 30 and 27. July 15th was the birthday of the oldest and we meet to celebrate him. And what a party it was!!! All joshua Tree was played along in my house and seeing it LIVE in full was Amazing. Always loved Bullet in every way it was played, but this last version seems more powerful than the others. Until now my favorite was the ie version (together with Zooropa and Streets), but playing it like the original 30 year old version was incredible. Then the stars fall from the sky...Don't know why i always loved One Tree Hill (expecially after knowing the story behind) but I've never had the chance to hear it live. Now it was time to have it. I started to cry at I'll see you there, when the stars fall from the sky thinking of my mother who die last year. yes I believe I'll see her again somewhere. Unfortunately the guys didn't play Ordinary Love. I had sent a video when it was asked hoping to make a surprise to my nephew(I was holding a Happy Birthday sign while recording). It could have been the most beatiful present I could ever do...next time maybe. At the end we had the new song...when it will be released together with soe? It's time guys. Hope to see you soon again on stage for another ie tour. For now I can say Arrivederci a presto e grazie per la mgnifica serata (see you soon and thank for the wonderful night).

Stunning Night! Great And Emotional Performance From Guys!

great concert!

I was in Rome on July 15 and finally I had BAD... I've waited so long to get it, but I've been so moved and I still have the thrills... probably the best concert I've seen so far