"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.
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Thanks for this interview Dylan!
