observer.guardian.co.uk: For more than 25 years, U2 have pushed the boundaries of live performance in spectacular fashion. In an exclusive extract from the first authorised account of the band's touring history, Michael Bracewell explores the tensions between music, theatre and technology that produce such memorable and emotional shows.
1979, at the Dandelion Market beside Dublin's Gaiety Green flea market, an up-and-coming local band called U2 played an outdoor concert to a largely teenage audiencewho were unable to see them when they played at the neighbouring, licensed, McGonagle's club. And in this little scrap of history, perhaps, can be found the beginnings of U2's founding attitude towards live performance. [ more]
1979, at the Dandelion Market beside Dublin's Gaiety Green flea market, an up-and-coming local band called U2 played an outdoor concert to a largely teenage audiencewho were unable to see them when they played at the neighbouring, licensed, McGonagle's club. And in this little scrap of history, perhaps, can be found the beginnings of U2's founding attitude towards live performance. [ more]