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  1. In this series we will be regularly interviewing fans during the tour to ask them about their personal experiences. Today we have an interview with dghickey, who attended the 3rd and 4th Los Angeles nights besides both Phoenix nights the week earlier.


    "They should play more new material, without a doubt. Every song on SOI deserves a crack at a setlist spot at least once!"

    You attended both Los Angeles 3 and 4 shows; which was better in your opinion?
    4th show by far, for a few reasons. LA3 I ended up going to alone due to presale issues with some friends. LA4 I was with a rather large group, so jumping around singing together made the experience much more fun. Location had a big thing to do with it as well. LA3 I decided to stand at the tip of the E Stage to be close to the band as well as get some photos. And while it was a great experience, it took a lot a away from the show being that for away from the main stage as well as missing out on all the screen visuals. LA4 we were on Adam's side, center of the catwalk on the RedZone rail, and out of the 4 shows I'd been to that was by far my favorite perspective of the show. And, of course, getting to see the tour debut of All I Want is You & my 2nd performance of 40 was the cherry on top of a great night.

    Where were you standing or seating in the venue? How was your spot regarding the visuals and sound?
    I stood for both shows, as I talked about above. LA3 being on the E stage took a huge hit in seeing the screen visuals but the sound was strong. LA4 being in the center of the floor really brought the screen to new heights for me, being close enough to feel the enormity of it but far enough away to take it all in without having to turn my head made for a great overall experience and, of course, the sound was perfect.

    You attended the 4th LA show with your father, which is a U2start user too. Did you enjoy that? Was it a special experience?
    It is always a great time to see a U2 show with my Ol' Man. He has been the biggest U2 influence in my life and it is always special to go out and experience a live show with him. This was our 4th show going together and being next to each other it's great to see each others reactions when a good song starts up or a surprise song gets played.

    Did they play a song you didn't expect to hear? And did you expect any song that didn't get played?
    The biggest surprise, I think for anyone, was hearing All I Want Is You make it's ieTour debut at LA4. I wasn't privy to soundcheck earlier in the day, so when Edge started playing those chords it was utter surprise and elation.
    On the opposite end of that, I fully expected Out of Control to get played and was a little disappointed to hear Electric Co. for the second night in a row.

    Are there any ways in which you think the band could improve their current setlist?
    More new material, without a doubt. I am a huge fan of Songs of Innocence and think every offering on that album is strong and deserves a crack at a setlist spot at least once. I was disappointed to not hear The Troubles or California at either LA3 or 4, but was happy to see they played The Troubles at LA5 along with Volcano.

    Are you planning to go to more shows or not? Have you changed your mind either way after seeing this one?
    Very unfortunately, no. I had a great week span in seeing both shows in Phoenix and these 2 LA shows. But financially another road trip from Vegas isn't in the cards right now. But, it isn't for lack of interest in the shows. I am thoroughly impressed with this production and wholeheartedly believe that they are still in the middle of hitting their stride. Once they get this leg under their belt I believe the European leg will be even more amazing. I am holding out hope for another trip to North America in 2016 and will see as many shows as I can afford.

    ---

    Thanks for this interview Dylan!
  2. Nice interview, thanks! Your comment about the view being better on night 4 when you were near the middle of the catwalk is much appreciated. It's helping me decide what spot I want to go for when I see them in Chicago - looks like the center is where you want to be to get the best experience from that screen! Thanks again!
  3. Yeah, all these comments regarding GA position will help many people to decide


    I really like that you attended your 2nd show with your father. I attended my first (2005 Madrid, on the day prior to my 15th Bday) and second (2009 Barcelona) shows with my parents and it's a totally different experience that going with friends or on your own.
  4. Definitely, being with family is fun in and of itself. My dad is the only person I know who is as big a U2 fan as I am, which makes attending a show with him more fun than any others.

    As far as the spots on the floor. If I only had one night to go to with GAs, I would get the spot I had at LA4 easily., even over being right on the stage railing. You lose a huge chunk of the show being that close.

    And, I appreciate being able to be involved even more with this forum
    doing this little interview was fun, reliving the 2 nights over again to answer was great.

    So thank you for the opportunity!
  5. Thank you for participating
  6. Thanks for this interview!

    I am also seeing one of my Chicago shows with my father, who is more or less responsible for getting me into U2 by leaving his Joshua Tree album out. This interview made me very excited all over again for that
  7. Originally posted by MattG:Thanks for this interview!

    I am also seeing one of my Chicago shows with my father, who is more or less responsible for getting me into U2 by leaving his Joshua Tree album out. This interview made me very excited all over again for that
    That's awesome Matt!