music:

U2 puts on inspirational show for Dre, Clinton, everyone

Brian Jones/Las Vegas News Bureau

U2 performs at Sam Boyd Silver Bowl Stadium in Las Vegas on Oct. 23, 2009.

By Michael Mishak (contact)

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 | 2:09 a.m.

U2 at Sam Boyd Stadium

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U2 sounds it out

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Black Eyed Peas at Sam Boyd Stadium

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Black Eyed Peas Red Carpet

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John Katsilometes

Bono during a sound check before Friday's concert at Sam Boyd Stadium.

You know there's a party going on when Bill Clinton shows up.

Yes, the 42nd President of the United States was in attendance at U2's starship spectacular at Sam Boyd Stadium Friday night. And so was Dr. Dre.

But for more than two hours the spotlight was trained solely on U2, which rolled through three decades of hits to rousing applause from a packed house. As Bono put it half way through the set: "We got old songs. We got new songs. We got songs we can barely play. We got a spaceship. Are you ready for the ride?"

We all were.

Namechecking Vegas lounge acts, old and new, Bono said: "All performers, some of us end up on our knees, but we all come to Las Vegas."

Bono may have ended up on his knees, but not in desperation. U2 turned in an inspirational, intimate stadium gig that left the band drained at the altar of rock and roll. No small feat.

Word to the crowd: "One" is not a love song.

U2 concert a full-scale spectacle, on and off the Sam Boyd Stadium stage (10-24-2009)
Bill Clinton in Las Vegas, plans to see U2 concert (10-23-2009)
Notes before U2 notes: VinnyFest at N.Y.-N.Y., a fine(d) move by Musicians Union (10-23-2009)
Glitches, technology and tears pepper U2’s Las Vegas legacy (10-22-2009)
Tickets released for sold-out U2 show at Sam Boyd (10-22-2009)
Sun Events: U2 at Sam Boyd Stadium

Find a full review in Monday’s edition of the Las Vegas Sun.

Discussion: 9 comments so far…

By redneck43

10/24/09 at 2:48 a.m.

Comment removed by staff.
By RHG

10/24/09 at 7:29 a.m.

Comment removed by staff. Contained personal attack.
By kenoja

10/24/09 at 9:50 a.m.

Suggest removal

This was a great show and production by U2. They really were 'Magnificent',
but Las Vegas deserves a better stadium. I have seen all three of their shows at the Silver/Toilet Bowl and this one sorely highlighted the deficits of this 3rd rate venue.
Las Vegas REALLY needs a world class stadium in the future to host top events. The parking, concession, and restroom facilities are as bad as it gets.
Despite all of the problems with Sam Boyd Stadium, the show was awesome,
and the crowd was responsive and emotional.
By redneck43

10/24/09 at 10:03 a.m.

Suggest removal

Gawd I hate U2...overrated...War was good...The Joshua Tree was good...but everything else has been garbage.
By Krases

10/24/09 at 10:04 a.m.

Suggest removal

I agree kenoja. We need something for NFL and FIFA games that can accommodate that number of visitors. A more central location within the valley would also be better. I would say put it near the strip (although traffic would suck).
By snyderm

10/24/09 at 10:27 a.m.

Suggest removal

Overrated band, accurately rated lousy stadium.
By redneck43

10/24/09 at 3:29 p.m.

Suggest removal

By redneck43
10/24/09 at 2:48 a.m. Comment removed by staff.

Clinton admitted himself he smoked marijuana and didn't inhale...that was news..yet you remove it?
By PeterGun

10/25/09 at 4:57 a.m.

Suggest removal

Definitely agree with the "overrated" comments posted above.
By fremmasmind

10/25/09 at 7:24 a.m.

Suggest removal

If you don't like the band U2, you must be a redneck. Stick to yur cowntry musak boy.