Re: Defining Moment/Amnesty Concert

[email protected]
Thu, 22 Oct 1998 15:11:48 -0400

I really do agree that the finale of the Amnesty tour was U2's defining moment.
Especially when you remember that the Police,
which closed the show, and was the current "biggest band in the world" had U2 come
 out and take over their instruments and
finish "Invisible Sun" -- a hand off of sorts from the departing big band -- to
who they felt would be the band to take over for them.
Obviously setting the stage for the JT blow-up.

David wrote:
Fellow Wire readers,

    As someone who was actually there for the finale at Giants Stadium
of the "Conspiracy of Hope" tour (aka, the "Amnesty International"
tour), I have to agree with Rob's conclusion 100% (see yesterday's
Wire)! This conclusion is more than just for the reason that they kicked
ass at that show (which, of course, they did). Let's look at the
historical perspective.
    Immediately before or after this show, they released "Wide Awake in
America" (I can't remember the exact day of the release or I'd tell you
for certain. Consider this an appeal for clarification from my on-line
brethren.) This was released due to the groundswell of support they were
getting due to their reputation as being a great live act, their
popularity on MTV and college radio, and the success of a few of their
singles. With these three factors in place (or nearly in place), their
performance at this show had a deeper resonance around the world than
their Live Aid appearance (which certainly didn't hurt them, but, as one
Wire reader from Europe commented, it didn't solidify them as (in many
peoples' opinions) the premier act of the '80's. After this show, the
stage was set for their ultimate breakthrough, i.e., "The Joshua Tree".
Anticipation for this album was so immense that "With or Without You"
became a #1 single. Bono himself quipped at many shows, "Does this sound
like a #1 song?" Think back to those days...WOWY was not a typical Top
40 song by any stretch of the imagination. It's success is due to the
expectancy of the music-buying public for anything dealing with U2 (in
addition to the fact that it is a sonically transcendent song - thanks,
Rob, for the accurate criticism of my leaving this fact out in my e-mail
to you).
    So, in conclusion, let me reiterate; I agree that U2's defining
moment was the televised finale of "A Conspiracy of Hope" tour. There
was no way U2 was going to be denied membership in rock and roll's
pantheon after this moment.

David Way

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