U2's spaceship paves its way through Europe

U2 in Chorzow, Poland on Aug. 6. Photo: U2.com

U2 are continuing to have a galactic good time on their blockbuster world tour, “U2 360”, as their spaceship hits major European cities.

Monday night in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, had “Elevation” and “Stuck in a Moment” on the setlist. U2 already played in Berlin, but the magic in this audience was all the same. “Bright lights, bright city,” Bono told the crowd.

Thursday night in Chorzow, Poland was extra special. The crowd joined the band in celebrating The Edge’s birthday. Also, Poland is the inspiration for U2’s classic “New Year’s Day”. This year is the 20th anniversary of free elections in Poland once Communisim had ended and the band wrote the song inspired by the “Solidarnosc movement with its leader Lech Walesa”. U2.com has a video spot from The European Commission embracing the song.

At U2’s show in Chorzow, Bono said, “This country is going somewhere very special. Is it faith? Faith in the future. Poland! Europe needs more countries like Poland…” The overwhelming response from the crowd as “New Year’s Day” played only made this statement more true.

I’m half Polish, and I never knew that the history of one U2’s songs was inspired by Poland. It’s always incredible to read how U2 came up with their songs and what propelled them to write. It’s like being a journalist who finds an idea and runs with it. Maybe that’s why I love the band so much. Their songs all sound different, but the meaning is the same when you know the band was enchanted by something or someone to write it. I don’t know if that makes any sense, but I’m sure when we all hear a U2 song and shout out the lyrics, it came from someplace special.

I’m sorry for not writing that much last week. I leave for Las Vegas tomorrow for vacation and was trying to get all of my trip stuff in check before I leave. And it looks like U2 is taking a break too. The band play in Zagreb tonight and tomorrow and are resting up before playing London this weekend. London is a great place for concerts so I’m positive that U2 will rock Wembley Stadium.

Also, if anyone on the East is interested, U2 is playing the 25th Anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame benefit concert on October 30th in New York City. Tickets can be bought here, and Metallica, Aretha Franklin, and Eric Clapton will also be performing. I think only the pricey tickets are available, but it still looks like a great show if U2 is going to be there. I was going to go, but I decided to use my cash to attend the U2 Conference in North Carolina in October instead.

Below is video of “New Year’s Day” performed in Chorzow. I love how you can see how massive the “Claw” is. Only a little over a month to go until I see them in September!