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  1. I'm okay with the use of loops etc. as long as it isn't too prominent. Another thing is that a band shouldn't pretend to play live while they actually use loops, pre-recorded samples etc.
    Not that U2 does that, but I've seen bands on stage that are simply lip syncing to pre-recorded backing vocals. I totally gave up on those bands...they look like fools on stage.

    What U2 does, to go back to the original question, is fine with me. There are actually just few bands that don't use loops etc. on stage. U2 is a four piece collective and there are more than 4 instruments being played on most tracks. Where would a track like WTSHNN be without the use of that? So that sound has to come from somewhere. The fact that the Edge changes from keyboards to guitar that quick on a track like October is pretty cool to begin with.

    But a suggestion might be that when a keyboard is needed, they should simply use a keyboardist on stage. And I mean one that is in plain sight.

    Nothing wrong with an extra instrumentalist.
  2. Originally posted by bobplaysthedrums:They should just do the whole thing mostly raw, with these exceptions:

    * Sequencer on Bad and The Unforgettable Fire.
    * Intro of Until The End Of The World
    * Taped Keyboards on Ultra Violet (Light My Way)




    I think Streets needs the organ backing or it would be pretty flat IMO. So I would add that to the list. Also the backing keyboard on WOWY is an important piece of the song live as well for me, so I would put that on there also.

    U2 plays their instruments live and Bono sings live. Thats my requirement for them. If they need some of this other stuff to enhance it I have no problem with it at all.

  3. Originally posted by Blue_Room:[..]

    I think Streets needs the organ backing or it would be pretty flat IMO. So I would add that to the list. Also the backing keyboard on WOWY is an important piece of the song live as well for me, so I would put that on there also.

    U2 plays their instruments live and Bono sings live. Thats my requirement for them. If they need some of this other stuff to enhance it I have no problem with it at all.




    Agree 100%

  4. Just a note- I noticed the topic title also mentions teleprompts...I do NOT agree with this at all, and I never have. Part of the uniqueness of certain shows is Bono's lyrics, whether they are improvised, changed, or forgotten. Plus, he still screws up lyrics many times WITH the teleprompters, so take them off the stage. They absolutely ruin the feel of a concert DVD when the camera glides down over the stage from behind, showing you the scrolling lyrics that are being sung. Rips you out of the moment.
  5. Hmm, not sure how noticing a teleprompter rips you out of a moment. Each their own but it couldn't have been much of moment if that caused you to be ripped out of it. Bono uses the teleprompter to remember where he is at sometimes because he IS into it that much and loses track. Its not like he stands there and sings off the teleprompter the whole show. Its just not the case. He is out on the ramps and all over the stage. Last I checked there are not teleprompters at every nook and cranny of the stage. Most of the time when he is standing at the center mic stand position he still isn't really using it. Like I said, its more for him to get back on track. Spontaneity is good, but when it becomes chaos in a song it ruins the song completely. Their have been moments in U2's early history where Bono could have used the teleprompter. Not remembering where you are at in the verse or chorus or not remembering the lyrics for most of the song isn't cool IMO. Sometimes it can be funny, but too much of that isn't good either. The teleprompter helps Bono sometimes, thats all. I don't see anything wrong with it at all based on how U2's performances have been since he began using it.

  6. Originally posted by Blue_Room:Hmm, not sure how noticing a teleprompter rips you out of a moment. Each their own but it couldn't have been much of moment if that caused you to be ripped out of it. Bono uses the teleprompter to remember where he is at sometimes because he IS into it that much and loses track. Its not like he stands there and sings off the teleprompter the whole show. Its just not the case. He is out on the ramps and all over the stage. Last I checked there are not teleprompters at every nook and cranny of the stage. Most of the time when he is standing at the center mic stand position he still isn't really using it. Like I said, its more for him to get back on track. Spontaneity is good, but when it becomes chaos in a song it ruins the song completely. Their have been moments in U2's early history where Bono could have used the teleprompter. Not remembering where you are at in the verse or chorus or not remembering the lyrics for most of the song isn't cool IMO. Sometimes it can be funny, but too much of that isn't good either. The teleprompter helps Bono sometimes, thats all. I don't see anything wrong with it at all based on how U2's performances have been since he began using it.




    I suppose.
  8. Originally posted by Blue_Room:[..]
    U2 plays their instruments live and Bono sings live. Thats my requirement for them. If they need some of this other stuff to enhance it I have no problem with it at all.


    Agree completely with this
  9. Originally posted by Blue_Room:Hmm, not sure how noticing a teleprompter rips you out of a moment. Each their own but it couldn't have been much of moment if that caused you to be ripped out of it. Bono uses the teleprompter to remember where he is at sometimes because he IS into it that much and loses track. Its not like he stands there and sings off the teleprompter the whole show. Its just not the case. He is out on the ramps and all over the stage. Last I checked there are not teleprompters at every nook and cranny of the stage. Most of the time when he is standing at the center mic stand position he still isn't really using it. Like I said, its more for him to get back on track. Spontaneity is good, but when it becomes chaos in a song it ruins the song completely. Their have been moments in U2's early history where Bono could have used the teleprompter. Not remembering where you are at in the verse or chorus or not remembering the lyrics for most of the song isn't cool IMO. Sometimes it can be funny, but too much of that isn't good either. The teleprompter helps Bono sometimes, thats all. I don't see anything wrong with it at all based on how U2's performances have been since he began using it.




    I've been a vocal anti-teleprompter for a while now but I'd never stopped to consider it this way. Makes a lot of sense. Changed my perspective a little, I must say.

    Excellent post
  11. Originally posted by Blue_Room:Hmm, not sure how noticing a teleprompter rips you out of a moment. Each their own but it couldn't have been much of moment if that caused you to be ripped out of it. Bono uses the teleprompter to remember where he is at sometimes because he IS into it that much and loses track. Its not like he stands there and sings off the teleprompter the whole show. Its just not the case. He is out on the ramps and all over the stage. Last I checked there are not teleprompters at every nook and cranny of the stage. Most of the time when he is standing at the center mic stand position he still isn't really using it. Like I said, its more for him to get back on track. Spontaneity is good, but when it becomes chaos in a song it ruins the song completely. Their have been moments in U2's early history where Bono could have used the teleprompter. Not remembering where you are at in the verse or chorus or not remembering the lyrics for most of the song isn't cool IMO. Sometimes it can be funny, but too much of that isn't good either. The teleprompter helps Bono sometimes, thats all. I don't see anything wrong with it at all based on how U2's performances have been since he began using it.




    Makes perfect sense to me.
  12. It should be pointed out that they use *at least* a click track (more technically a percussion loop) with spoken cues on virtually every song, even the ones without any noticeable effects or sequenced parts (Sunday Bloody Sunday, I Will Follow etc). Listen to any IEM recording from ZooTV/Popmart onwards, and especially Elevation/Vertigo/360. Given the size of the stages and the vast number of songs they have to remember, I don't have too much of a problem with them using tempo cues and count-ins.

    By the way, for the person who noticed the spoken cues on Adam's ear recording - those spoken cues are actually pre-recorded. Imagine if they actually had a guy sitting there with a mic talking into their ears every night!

    On a related note, has any noticed that, at more recent shows (Australia was where I noticed it), they've had strings all throughout "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me"? Sounds awesome. I know they tried that at the first Popmart show in Las Vegas and dropped it, and when they started playing it on 360 it was "bare". Anyone know when they brought the strings back?
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Contribute to the U2 community with uploading photos or by telling us which shows you have visited.
Contribute to the U2 community with uploading photos or by telling us which shows you have visited.