U2 – The Joshua Tree Tour – 2017

July 8th 2017 – Twickenham Stadium

Supported by: Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds

U2 played two nights at Twickenham as part of this tour, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of The Joshua Tree album, probably the one that sent U2 into superstardom! Of course, I vaguely remember the original Joshua Tree Tour in 1987.

Firstly, I need to serve up a warning about Twickenham….we were up in the middle tier of the East Stand, not even the highest point, but the sound quality was very tinny. It was as if the sound was rattling off the roofs before it got to us. Now I know from friends who were in the lower areas, the sound was great, so if you are planning a concert here, just something to be aware of………..it wasn’t going to ruin the two great bands that were on today!

Anyway, the day started with a road trip from Dorset to Richmond Premier Inn. It was (pardon the pun) a beautiful day, so a good old wander around Richmond was in order before we settled down at Richmond Green for a few drinks at our favourite resting place, The Prince’s Head.

They even laid on a cricket game on the green for us, which was very civilised! Couple of pints later and we weren’t much feeling like moving!!!

Anyway we moved to a table outside the pub for a bite to eat and got talking to a nice local lady called Lorraine, which was fun and then on to Twickenham, only a short walk away.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

Very strange to see Noel settling for second a bill, but you know you are going to get a performance that says “follow this………”

We’d seen the band at Bournemouth in 2012 and if I’m honest, I’m surprised they were still going (I always hope for the day Oasis reform…well, unless they get too old!), but Noel certainly seems to be enjoying the freedom from the “O” word.

Played a really nice set including his own great songs, but also played to the crowd, with a few top hits from Oasis, who doesn’t ant to hear him sing “Champagne Supernova” and “Half the World Away”, brilliant!

Full set as audio

Set List

Everybody’s on the Run
In the Heat of the Moment
Riverman
Champagne Supernova (Oasis cover)
You Know We Can’t Go Back
Half the World Away (Oasis cover)
The Mexican
Wonderwall (Oasis cover)
Little by Little (Oasis cover)
AKA… What a Life!

U2

I’d love to see U2 in a small venue, these stadia are far too big these days…especially sitting so far away!!

I’ve missed the boat on that one so stadia it is……although, The Joshua Tree being the classic it is, it is very difficult for me to see why I would go and see U2 again after this concert…..one more for the boys, smile and remember!

They walk on to The Waterboys “Whole of the Moon”, another favourite band (even if this is an over played song).

Before the album of the tour name, we are treated to 4 classics; Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year’s Day, Bad and Pride (In the Name of Love)…cracking start.

This was a really good start and clearly timed to coincide with the sun going down, the light dimmed and allowing for the screen graphics to open up for the atmospheric first track of The Joshua Tree, “Where The Streets Have No Name”….The next hour was an emotional run through, in order, of the whole album.

The Joshua Tree is an utterly brilliant collection of songs, if you haven’t tried it, go get it….you will decide fairly quickly after hearing it whether U2 are for you or not.

Another great set of songs from a mix other U2 albums followed, starting with the upbeat Vertigo and Elevation and then slowing down as they get ready to send you home! 🙂