Performance notes: Although U2 had extensively toured Europe in the past, this was their first Spanish gig. It appropriately featured the first ever performance of Spanish Eyes. Setlist and comment provided by U2gigs.com.
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It's ok. Not the best performance ever, I think some would agree, but it's not the worst ever. Bono seems to be drifting in and out of the songs, really annoyed me when he kept grunting throughout, but the encore made up for some of that. As did Bad. Some unnecissarily fast tracks in there though, really sped up. Overall it's ok, like all performances, it has it's good and it has it's bad. Well, not ALL performances. There are some exceptionally good ones out there.
Details on individual songs:
1) Where The Streets Have No Name - Well, no matter where it is, this intro always seems to raise the hairs on the back of my neck. Such an elegant song. The crowd seem in a great mood and that's what you'd expect as this is the first time U2 have been to them. Very good musically so far. The sound quality isn't bad either. I have to admit though, they aren't Bono's best vocals ever for this song, doesn't seem to have any of the emotion you'd expect in this song, only at a few points does it sound like a real classic WTSHNN. He seems to be tailing some of the lines off and going really high. Sort of like "where the streets have no nameARGH!". Nonetheless, a great way to kick off the night.
2) I Will Follow - Now, let it be known, I'm not a huge fan of 'I Will Follow' live, so the versions have to be exceptional to really please me. So far so good though. I seem to be finding myself singing along with the crowd though. In my head of course. I'm liking this. I'm still wanting more.
3) I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - Whatever Bono said, it seemed to have pleased the crowd. This intro is different, usually we get a nice melodic intro from Edge, unless I can't hear it. Good vocals, good bass, good drums. Can't really hear The Edge chiming out. Still a good performance though, crowd are definitely playing their part by the sounds of it.
4) MLK - Never really understood why this song is played at number 4. It's a very slow track and doesn't really follow the up tempo start we've had. It's about MLK, why not put it near Pride? Or the song before "40"? Hmm...I still like the song very much, it's peaceful and a nice little track.
5) The Unforgettable Fire - I recently praised Joshua Tree performances of this song because of the great use of the e-bow by Edge and the all round manner in which it's played. The intro I like is "There are some fires you can't put out..." because that's the way it feels to me, it's a timeless masterpiece. This performance seems a little bit faster, especially the piano part. Bono's falsetto has been better, I must admit, still good though. Would be nice with the album version's ending.
6) Bullet The Blue Sky - I get the feeling that this song should be somewhat 'intimidating' when played live. Strong vocals, howling guitar, and a dark bass/drumline. This version...is a bit timid if you ask me. The music is good, but the vocals ruin it for me. Unfortunately. Doesn't really seem emotional if you ask me. singing from his head, not his heart. A bit too fast in some parts too.
7) Running to Stand Still - Please don't ruin it Bono.....Yes! He seems to be singing from his heart. nice intro anyway. Such a beautiful song. This has immediately erased Bullet the Blue Sky from my memory. I've heard better performances, I think I have anyway, I'd imagine there were better performances out there, still good though.
8) Sunday Bloody Sunday - Whoa-oa-oa-oa-oa oa-oa. I'm liking this slow intro. The crowd are also liking this song too. This followed by a stellar performance from Larry. Not a bad performance all round. Very speedy towards the end, which is kinda cool. Edge's guitar does sound a little throaty though.
9) Exit - Such a haunting intro. What was that Bono? You're not Mexican. At least his vocals are good on this track. Except for these silly grunts etc. Love how it speeds up half way though...then dies. Then speeds up again and kind of hits a peak. The music is great.
10) In God's Country - For a moment I thought it was Pride. The chucking at the start lol. Never mind. I love this song. The guitar is sounding peachy. Vocals are good. Larry and Adam are doing well. Good all round perfromance, it must be said.
11) The Electric Co. - I'm a massive fan of this live, so they better perform. No Cry? Ah well. Stop grunting Bono! Ruining the song. Where have the crowd gone as well? Good performance so far I must say, except, again, the grunting. Oh, hello, the crowd have their drinks. Very good solo from Mr. Edge, albeit shortlived. Sure, I've heard better performances of this live, but it's alright. Would've been better with a Cry at the beginning and perhaps a little less grunting. Don't know whether I would scrap this fro a Trip Through Your Wires though. I think, right there, I would've preferred a little harmonica.
12) Help - This would've followed better from 'Trip' than 'Electric co.' I think. Good little excerpt though.
13) Bad - I'm liking the intro. Bono's vocals are at the best they've been all night I reckon. His "woo woo"'s are a bit funny though lol. Very good performance, possibly the best of the night. The crowd have found their voice again. Though for 115,000, is it? They could be better. Not just on this song, but a few others, they've seemed a bit quiet. Could just be the recording though.
14) October - This would go well near 'The Unforgettable Fire' in my opinion. It's a such a haunting track I think. The piano is anyway. I think it'd be nice as an instrumental as well myself, though Bono does do an acceptable job here. Definitely doesn't seague well into New Year's Day though.
15) New Year's Day - This sounds a lot less powerful, it's more upbeat, doesn't have the howl from Bono at the start, which is what I think of when New Year's Day is mentioned. That "yeaaaaahhhhh-eaaahhhhh" is just great. But none tonight. It's very fast, a bit too fast for my liking. As with many of the songs tonight, they've been quick.
16) Pride (In The Name Of Love) - Another dedication to MLK, could've had just the one. Sounds like a typically good perfromance. The crowd certainly know the words. Yeah, it's a sound performance. No issues here for me.
Encore:
17) Party Girl - Part time! This song, for me, serves no other purpose than to get the crowd going. And listen to them, they're up for the encore. and so am I. Just an ace song in my opinion.
18) Spanish Eyes - Finally, this is what I've been waiting for. I love it! Perfect upbeat song to follow Party Girl. For the first performance ever, I think they do a good job. It's very different from the studio version. It's very good. Very good interplay with the crowd too. Partay!
19) With or Without You - This is sounding very good. Bono is crucifying it lol. Very good performance throughout I think. Lovely little snippets at the end as well.
20) "40" - Eight minutes long? Great. I love this live. Why? Because the crowd just go on forever as the band slowly disappear. It's a catchy tune to sing along to, always has been. The refrain is great, because how long do we sing this song? Forever. I'm liking this performance very much. Fitting end to the night to be fair.
Sound
It's not shabby, you can definately hear what's going on. There are some moments when you can't properly hear The Edge. Like ISHFWILF for example. There are also some part when the audio is almost screeching in your ear, but other than that, it's ok sound. Recording: "Bandera Blanca" - 3 stars
Audience
Start off great, die down a bit in the middle/toward the end of the main set, then come back alive again at the end. Certianly in full voice at the start and end, but to me, doesn't sound like 115,000 fans there.
Overall
I'm going to give it.... 7.5 out of 10. for reasons mentioned above, Bono's grunting, his lack of emotion is a few songs, the extremely upbeat perfomances of New Year's Day, The Unforgettable Fire etc.
And there you have it. After spedning an hour and a half in Madrid, you finally have my pennies worth.
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