It has been a long time since U2 visited Stockholm, but they returned in style last week – and, as the Innocence + Experience tour hit its stride in Europe, they sounded stronger and bolder than ever!
The infamous security scare – which caused the third show to be rescheduled – notwithstanding, the sphere-shaped Ericsson Globe (which really looks like a giant golf ball) hosted four nights of pure rock ’n' roll adrenaline – four unforgettable evenings that rocked the heart of the Swedish capital. The Globe was filled with shouting, screaming, stomping, roaring, enthralled fans from all over Europe, who had travelled from far and wide to see their favourite band in glorious close-up. This, after all, is the first time Adam, Bono, Edge and Larry have played arenas in many, many years...
To say they were in their element is an understatement. There were of course differences between the nights, and the performances, but the effect on every occasion was magnificently impressive – visually, acoustically, musically and emotionally.
Nothing is left to chance during Innocence + Experience. It feels like the audience is taken on a journey, along a fascinating, audio-visual pathway which begins from their roots, and teenage years, in Dublin, and runs all the way up to the present. The first part of the show is dedicated to U2’s formative years, while the second creates a dreamy ‘wonderland’ effect that enraptures you, and kidnaps you from Earth for the duration.
I mean it. There are times when it feels like you have been plunged into the middle of a gigantic pop art installation a la Bill Viola. Overall, it is a visually stunning, often other-worldly show.
During the first two nights in Stockholm, Bono celebrated growing up in Dublin and friendships that developed way back then. He mentioned that Sweden has been a model for all the other European countries in relation to their response to the refugee crisis: this became a central theme in all the four shows. And he quoted Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible, until it is done.”
What really made the shows special was the overwhelming energy the band poured into the music, as they powered into songs such as ‘Electric Co’, ‘Gloria’, ‘Pride’ ‘Bad’ and ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’. The energy in the audience was incredible too, emphasising the special bond that exists between U2 and their fans. Long may it continue.
The fourth show was the rescheduled gig, which took place on Tuesday night last. The band went the extra mile for the fans whose plans had been disrupted, and delivered a really powerful performance, filled with great catchy tracks. ‘I Will Follow’ and ‘The Electric Co’ were highlights for long-term U2 fans in particular. Bono took a moment to thank the audience for coming back after the disappointing Sunday incident, and addressed the fans as a ‘very patient and loyal boss, who pay our wages’!
A totally memorable night, which brought a wonderful four-day run to an end, concluded to the notes of ‘40’ which played as the band exited the stage. All together now: “How long/ To sing this song…”