U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour 2018

Nov 5 2018
Dublin, IE / 3Arena
50

'We must be home…'

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'Is this the 3 Arena?
Then we must be home…sounds like home!'

When & Where
Monday, November 5th, 2018, first night of four at the 3Arena, Dublin.

Set List
'Is this the 3 Arena? Then we must be home…sounds like home!'
Opening night of four at the 3 Arena in Dublin and - no surprises here - this was one wild homecoming. The stories of innocence and experience keep coming, including this memory tonight as Beautiful Day gave way to Zoo Station. 'I was remembering today an early show the band did just up the road in the Baggot Inn. It was to be our big break before we went broke ….as a record company was coming in from London …..and indeed  they arrived….and they put their big money where their big mouth was, which was at the bar …which was fair enough... except they never turned around and looked at the band, and left after 3 songs! Actually they went to see repeat of The Specials on Top of the Pops.. Now I love the Specials but… I was so mad I kicked my Arsenal bag down Grafton Street past Captain America's, past Golden Disc's, past McDonald's to the Berni Inn … that is when I saw a vision of Jack Charlton. I said, 'Jack what are we going to do?' He said, 'You're gonna play for Ireland!' And tonight, we are! (Thanks Jack!) Tonight, those four young boys return as men daring to believe that at the far end of experience we can find that innocence that we had in the Baggot inn… that's what we're here tonight for…'

Here's the full set list from Dublin 1.

In The Press 

Stuart Clark for Hot Press
'The first communal cheer of the night erupts as Michael D. and Sabina Higgins take their seats in Block B. As an out of retirement MacPhisto remarks later - it's sort of good to have the horny ole devil back - "Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of a two-term Limerick man!" This is much more of a Miggedly gig than a Peter Casey one. There obviously wasn't time to add the latter to the rogue's gallery - Trump, Kim Jong Un, Bashar al-Assad, Robert Mugabe and Vladimir Putin among them - that graces the extremely large LED screen before Charlie Chaplin's final speech from The Great Dictator tees up 'The Blackout', an opening song that with its "Democracy is flat on its back" refrain is tailor-made for the despotic times we live in. "We're a band from the Northside formerly known as The Hype," Bono proclaims as U2 rock 'n' roll the years back with versions of 'I Will Follow' and 'Gloria' that have changed little since they were blasted out in the Baggot, which is among several old haunts name-checked over the course of an unapologetically sentimental and nostalgic show. They may have been forced to abandon it recently in Berlin when Mr. H's voice gave out, but tonight 'Beautiful Day' swoops, soars and generally confirms that normal note-hitting service has been resumed. He's also in inspired form as The Edge joins him on the runway for 'The Fly', which together with 'Zoo Station', 'Even Better Than The Real Thing', 'Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses', 'Acrobat', and the obligatory encore version of 'One' recalls the time U2 spent standing (and recording) by the wall in Hansa Studios during the early '90s. Lest anyone fails to get the pro-European solidarity message, the blue flag with the yellow stars that so enrages Johnson, Farage, Rees Mogg, Duncan Smith et al. is digitally unfurled towards the end of the show. U2's continued ability to shock and awe is underlined by the double punk whammy of 'Elevation' and 'Vertigo', which manages to sneak in a couple of bars of 'Rebel Rebel'.'

Ed Power for The Irish Times
'A hometown concert by U2 used to be an occasion to cherish for ardent Bono watchers. But by the time the band close the Dublin run of their Experience and Innocence tour they will have played the city nine times in four years (not counting the frontman's Christmas busking sorties with Glen Hansard and chums). The question of how much Bono is too much Bono presents itself. With this week's quartet of dates selling out in a heartbeat, it would be preposterous to claim Ireland is suffering from U2 fatigue. As the line of fans that snaked around the venue from early morning testifies, they remain wildly beloved – a generation-defining rock band still a way off from calcifying into a museum piece… They have resurrected the huge “barricage” – a Blade Runner-esque screen extending into the audience. Its purpose is twofold: to frame the band in epic visuals and to dim into dramatic darkness, the better to conjure an atmosphere of intimacy in the 14,000 capacity room (which counts President Higgins among attendees). Dublin's biggest musical exports famously/notoriously spent the 1990s dallying with irony, whilst giving the impression they had never entirely worked out what they were being ironic about (ironic, that). They've devoted the intervening years to reconnecting with their fervent younger selves, a mission that continues at the docklands venue. U2 achieve their objective with a performance that feels like the best sort of homecoming – one brimming with warmth and a determination, on the part of both band and audience, that this is to be a night to remember….'

Aoife Kelly for Independent.ie  
'U2 thrilled fans as band delivers on their promise of a 'special' homecoming at the 3Arena on Monday night. More accustomed to open-air stadiums, the Dublin rockers raised the roof of the quayside venue on the first of four sold out tour dates in their hometown, picking up where they left off in 2015 with the rapturously reviewed Innocence + Experience tour. More than 14,000 fans, many of whom had travelled to Dublin from all over the world to see U2 play on their home turf, were treated to a powerful opening featuring Noel Gallagher's 'It's a Beautiful World' playing out over Charlie Chaplin's rousing speech from 'The Great Dictator' and visuals of the ruins of war across Europe. The setlist remained unchanged from their Belfast shows, spanning their four decades on the scene, but drawing most heavily from their most recent album, Songs of Experience, the companion album to 2015's Songs of Innocence. Seven of the album's 13 tracks featured, including show openers 'The Blackout' and 'Lights of Home', which sent fans into a frenzy as the band members appeared within the 102ft screen that divided the arena. A healthy dose of nostalgia came courtesy of six Achtung Baby tracks from 1991 including 'Even Better Than The Real Thing' and 'Acrobat'…. The stage itself also features the smaller E stage which sits in the middle of the arena floor, increasing the intimacy between band and audience with almost every seat in the house getting up close and personal with Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton for rousing renditions of 'Vertigo', 'Elevation' and 'Even Better than The Real Thing'. However, it was when the technology retreated and the band performed within the relatively small confines of the E stage in the centre of the arena that you realise why they're one of the greatest bands in the world.  They don't need the bells and whistles, just themselves, and their instruments… “I know it's a little early, but for us, Christmas starts on November 5,” said Bono earlier this week and U2 certainly kicked off the festive season with a bang for an adoring home crowd….'

On The Socials 
Amra from Dublin (p0pmart via Instagram)  
'Last night's show wasn't my first this tour, but it was different to anything I've experienced so far. The main and the most obvious reason for it: the first home show! I have lived here long enough to call this city my home. The excitement kicked off before the gig had even started, with President Higgins spotted in the audience. He got shout outs from both Bono and Macphisto! Due to this arena's peculiar setup, just like with the Innocence Tour shows back in 2015, the night was full of surprises. The band didn't descend from the screen for their e-stage set, they walked along the catwalk. And the crowd loved it. "Lights of Home" felt exceptionally personal, with all hands in the air, and all voices singing along. But if I had to choose the absolute stand out moment for me, it would have to be "Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way". Those images of the beautiful Irish youth on the screen, showing love, inclusiveness, equality, filled my heart with pride'.

@atu2comSherry
"I'm ready to say I'm glad to be alive" The whole #U2eiTour is summed up in that one lyric from "Zoo Station"

What did Macphisto Say?
'I'm just back from a tour of America and Europe and I have never felt so unwelcome in this city. Dirty, dirty, dirty, Old Dublin. Well you won't be seeing me for a while… I'm off for a round for golf at Doonbeg! And remember Dublin, it's when you think that I don't exist, that's when I do my best work…'

U2.com / Zootopia Review
bacgede : Having been a fan since first seeing them in early 79, and being from Dublin, I've been lucky to have seen most of their shows in the city since those early days (in venues like the Project, the Baggot, McGonagles, TV Club etc). I've been privileged to have seen all of the shows in the Point in 89 and 2015 (by then it was the Arena), as well as gigs all over the world as far away as New Zealand, so you might say that I've paid my dues! Anyway, I have to say that while I always get excited to see U2 in my home town…the band rarely disappoint and they didn't last night - for me some of the highlights included the early tunes like Gloria and IWF as well as the AB material, in particular Acrobat which is my all time fave U2 tune. … It was also lovely last night that the wonderful President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabrina, were in the audience and Bono dedicated Love Is Bigger to them.'

edgeswhitelespaul : AWESOME. Its really felt like you could have been in a club like the Baggot Inn, watching the best band from the Nth Side of Dublin :) 

Were at the show? Post your reviews and add your photos below .

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    Comments
    50
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    John_Halloran
    Fantastic
    Great. Show as always, never disappoints.
    valeriafoschi
    12 again
    Here we were. My 14 year-old daughter and I, singing Summer of Love in the queue in a freezing sea breeze outside 3Arena! My 22nd and her 6th, how cool is that? Loved the show, loved that it was like a continuation from 2015 (oh so much has changed since, peace to my parents). Loved that we've seen them in Belfast a week ago (and Bono did maintain promise to say the same thing about the border), loved that we were really close to stage even though we were delayed at queue due to utter disorganisation and lack of directions, loved that they're still making me feel like 13 again listening to my bootlegs of faraway concerts. There we were: a mother and daughter for one night of the same age, singing along under a rock concert stage. Oh the magic of U2!
    brigitte61
    Quel grandeur
    Juste magnifique, moment énorme. Merci U2 vous êtes les seuls à me faire frissonner.
    clabor74
    First time in Dublin to feel the unforge
    I don't know how to be clear with a correct english to express my feelings. When my girlfriend and me arrived in Dublin on Sat Morning we didn't expected to feel part of a city and a community in a few hours. As all the other fans we started immediately the pilgrimage from Cedarwood road following the map we got from our Italians fan community U2place.com It has been immediately clear to that we were going to live an unforgettable trip in a fantastic city. On Sunday morning we went to Killiney to make a picture in from of Bono's house and after an hour or so the gate opened and a black city car appeared, Guggi was the driver and in a second Bono was smiling at me I made a picture almost without checking the smartphone. Crossing his eyes was an exiting moment that I felt again in the 3Arena the evening after, I was next to the B-Stage and we could almost be in touch with the band. We enjoyed Gloria, the whole AB block is astonishing and the new arrangement of NYD is really nice. I will never forget that night, we were in Milan also for the first date but as Bono said once in Milan "the second night we make love" and this was the case. Thank you Dublin, thank you U2. As Larry said at the end of the Vertigo Tour in Honolulu, "See you soon".
    RayBomb
    No Politicking!!
    The band need to remove the politics from their shows - it's ruining them. Most people go to gigs to leave politics and the normal travails of life behind to become immersed in the band's music and songs which are the best in the world. I give the gig 7/10: took 2 points off for the boorish politicking. Please, lads, stick to what you do best!
    aido1969
    Not Disappointed
    What a homecoming, Probably the best U2 show I've seen in a long time. But whats the story with the EI app mine did nothing through the show?
    lisaroseanna
    Lisa Roseanna
    Last night's show was amazing, went with my little boy Harry, 8 years old and he sang and danced his little heart out, he was blown away, I was 15 again, I will follow and Gloria, aw just brilliant, and acrobat, AMAZING, going again this evening with my hubby and two teenage boys, love U2, just love them xxxc
    JB3
    JOH40
    Thanks to Joe, Sam and Dallas....
    AVS
    1st U2 Vinyl
    Really looking forward to the show tonight. I bought this record 39 years ago having seen them at The Dandelion Market on a saturday afternoon. Who knew then how successful these fellow dubliners would become. Welcome Home.
    DownAllTheDays
    Dublin 2018 Night One
    My first U2 gig was in the Phoenix Park in 1983, and I have attended only outdoor Stadium Shows by the band since then. There have been some incredible shows along the way. Last night in the 3Arena was my first time seeing the band play indoors. With excellent acoustics, some really amazing technology and a set that drew heavily on Achtung Baby, this made for a very special night.
    Raheny66
    Dublin first night
    What a show, what a night, the set flowed like a well oiled machine.
    joostfuis
    Supershow!!!
    For the 3th time in Dublin to see U2, it was great again!!! Maybe the best show ever seen! Thanx U2, Thanx Dublin, Thanx Ireland!!
    BradleySempels
    Dublin last night
    Brilliant night, great crowd, what a homecoming
    richard_wall
    Last minute gift
    After using my pre-sale to finally see U2 in MSG in June in New York (a lifetime ambition) I was resigned to not getting a Dublin gig this time. A last minute gift on Monday morning from our child minmder Tamara; and what a gig to get to see. Standing this time (first time I've gotten standing tickets since my three of the four gigs at the Point depot for Lovetown). Bono, look out for Tamara on Saturday night - she always holds a sign up to say hi to you. Say thanks for me.
    bacgede
    Short comment on last night from long ti
    Having been a fan since first seeing them in early 79, and being from Dublin, I’ve been lucky to have seen most of their shows in the city since those early days (in venues like the Project, the Baggot, McGonagles, TV Club etc). I've been privileged to have seen all of the shows in the Point in 89 and 2015 (by then it was the Arena), as well as gigs all over the world as far away as New Zealand, so you might say that I've paid my dues! Anyway, I have to say that while I always get excited to see U2 in my home town (their's too of course), it’s impossible to capture the heady excitement as in the early days. But the band rarely disappoint and they didn’t last night - for me some of the highlights included the early tunes like Gloria and IWF as well as the AB material, in particular Acrobat which is my all time fave U2 tune. I have seen six shows earlier in the term and I was delighted on the second night in Copenhagen when they chopped it up a bit and introduced songs like Stay and TUF in place of the likes of Iris (I like the sentiment in Iris but the tune doesn’t do much for me to be honest). It was also lovely last night that the wonderful President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabrina, were in the audience and Bono dedicated Love Is Bigger to them The only downside last night for me was that I felt that some of the crowd were a bit lame - where I was situated there were people who didn’t particularly seem to know all of the songs and who were seemingly only there for the hits. But overall I'd give it 8 out of 10, and looking for a 9 tonight! :)
    IMELDAMURPHY
    Dublin night #1
    Amazing set from four boys at the 3 arena. Well done lads on your homecoming
    JB3
    JOH40
    Thanks to JOH40, Sam and Dallas for a great end to the evening.....U2...great opening night fellas....keep her lit...
    edgeswhitelespaul
    Baggot Inn Intimacy
    AWESOME. Its really felt like you could have been in a club like the Baggot Inn, watching the best band from the Nth Side of Dublin :)
    u2freak74
    always A SORT OF HOMECOMING
    You guys are still the best band on planet earth❤️❤️❤️❤️Love ya from the bottom of my heart ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ U2 and Bubblin Dubbbbelin = is A SORT OF HOMECOMING
    smurphy35
    Excellent one of the best shows i have b
    In 1987 my father brought me to see U2 in Croke Park for the first time 30 Concerts later and a love affair that has lasted over 30 years I brought my 12 year old son to his first he had the same look of amazement on his face that I had and it was a special night. The show was electric from start to finish and the atmosphere was special from the Blackout to their is a light you were taking on a journey through all ages and stages of the bands history. The highlight for me was the Achtung Baby songs Even Better then the Real Thing, Stay, Zoo Station ,The Fly , Wild Horses all took me back to the 90s and the ZOO TV tour. The stage the sound all brilliant going again on Friday night with the friends and family who i have travelled the world with to see the band and I cant wait.
    howl
    On Fire.
    When U2 are on form it’s special. I really feel there was a zest and vigour in the air tonite that is difficult to describe. To keep simple U2 are on fire and they’re home.
    gibbojim
    Monday 5th November Dublin
    Loved it great show
    graham123
    Adam Clayton opening night Dublin
    Opening night at the 3arena Dublin 5th of November,2018. Another terrific performance
    Sabke
    In love with U2
    WoW what a show ! Thank you U2 for giving us your music, your songs and this great show
    brando1123
    U2 please
    Please come to México and Latin América... Songs of Experience deserve a World Tour... I know you're tired but Songs Of Experience it's amazing álbum all your fans in the World deserve heard it in live
    trishredmond
    Walk on Tunes
    Looking forward to next week for the Homecoming dates in Baile Átha Cliath!!! I know the walk on music is arranged, but be nice to have a Cranberries tune for a nod to Dolores one of the nights, and Aslan for a nod to another great Dublin Band. Up the Dubs!!!!1
    JB3
    Unlucky in Bucket List...?
    Guy.... Married..... 2 x Kids.... Looking for..... An Acoustic or Electric guitar on 5th Nov.... Why? To Play with U2.... Where? B(Attitude) Stage....Point Deport aka 3Arena So.… Please...Please U2..get up off your knee's and give me a shout....
    aido1969
    Strong Finnish
    Please give us the finish that we were missing from croker last year. Will be there on Monday night I am so looking forward to it.
    one real thing
    Two Danish guys in Belfast
    Both evenings in belfast sse arena ... yet another amazing show and amasing energy from the whole band lovvve it.
    4irishu2
    FROM PARIS TO DUBLIN
    First time for me to see U2 in Dublin, i'll be there on Monday for the 1st show, a very special moment for me.4 days in Dublin and a U2 show, can't find better!!
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