U2 Achtung Baby And Dramamine
I’ve seen U2 many times. Once, when I was a latchkey kid in 1983 where I straight up lied to my parents about where I was going. Another time, was during the Zoo TV tour where my audio technician friend got us crew t-shirts. Most recently, the mind-blowing U2 Achtung Baby at the Sphere “concert” aka a collective hallucination with your favorite band EVER!
The word concert does not do this experience justice. One of the best perks of my industry, hands down, is going to concerts. I’ve seen everyone, from the Moody Blues to Lamb of God – but nothing prepared me for this.
“Vertigo” Is More Than Just A U2 Song
If you’re planning on heading down to see them, I have few warnings for you. If you hate heights, get motion sickness, or have claustrophobia, you’re starting with a severe disadvantage. You’ll have to remind yourself, once multiple Elvis figures are dripping off the ceiling, this’ll all be worth it. (Along with the band and what I assume is the entire decorative theme of the Curry Pot on Flamingo)
Personally, I started with Dramamine, but I probably should have started with a Sherpa. One of the not-so-cool things about the venue is how high (and steep) the climb is. Not to mention, the bathrooms are like half a canyon away. So, pack a lunch if you’re going to hike in and out unless you get motion sickness, at which point, your neighbor would rather you not.
Side effects notwithstanding, I was still seriously stoked to see this concert. My, totally awesome, Aunt Dixie, bought us the tickets – “damn the costs, it’s a once in a lifetime experience” – and she was 100% correct.
It did, however, take a few songs for me to get my sea legs. When they opened with “Zoo Station”, I’d already left the station, looking for a little breathing room. Did I mention the claustrophobia? But by the “Real Thing” and the trippy Elvi, I’d found a seat that didn’t involve being intimate with strangers.
One of the things they tell you at the beginning of the show is to look down if you feel disoriented. Once I figured out how to stop freaking out, and focus on my shoes when stuff got weird, I was fine.
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I’m so glad I got my equilibrium back, because I wouldn’t have missed the “Atomic City” to “Where The Streets Have No Name” visuals.
The city disappears, buildings evaporating one by one, a giant smoke flag billows over the landscape and the entire audience is flying through the desert. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard thousands of people gasp at once, but I guarantee it’s an experience no concert can match.
The setlist was incredible – Achtung Baby from beginning to end, plus a few extra treats. “All I Want is You” to “With or Without You” was amazing. However, the finale of “Beautiful Day” was epic! The visuals were incredible. The immersion was complete. And the best part? The only drugs you really need are Dramamine.
15 U2 Items That'll Meet Your Every Desire
'Surrender'
In November 2022, Bono will be releasing his very first memoir Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story. Per its listing, “‘Surrender’ is the story of the remarkable life he’s lived, the challenges he’s faced, and the friends and family who have shaped and sustained him.”
'Rattle and Hum' DVD
At the height of their Joshua Tree success, U2 released the documentary/concert film Rattle and Hum. While some critics found the film to be indulgent, it offers a peak into the band during one of the most important periods in their career. The concert footage is simply beautiful.
'Rattle and Hum' Shirt
Well, if you loved the film and its accompanying soundtrack, why wouldn’t you want to buy the shirt immortalizing its artwork?
'U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle, Ireland'
There’s nothing quite like when a band performs for a hometown crowd. U2 released this concert film in 2003 which captured the band’s September 1, 2001 show in their native Ireland in front of 80,000 fans. It’s an especially moving show as Bono’s father died from cancer just days before. Bono would dedicate the song “Kite” to his father during the performance.
'The Joshua Tree' Tour Shirt
An iconic album deserves and iconic tour shirt, and this one more than fits the bill.
'U2 - Zoo TV Live from Sydney' DVD
Relive the groundbreaking wonder that was U2’s Zoo TV tour with this concert film! Channel your inner “Fly” and make some prank calls to the White House while you watch it!
'Achtung Baby' Shirt
The album that led to the Zoo TV tour! The first studio LP released following the incredible success of The Joshua Tree, Bono has often described “The Fly,” the lead single from 1991’s Achtung Baby as “the sound of four men chopping down the Joshua Tree.” He had a point there. If fans thought the song was wild, then the Achtung Baby album artwork must have thrown them for a loop.
'Popmart - Live From Mexico City' DVD
The Popmart Tour was basically ZooTV on steroids. It was just so over the top, and its madness in support of U2’s 1997 album Pop was captured in this concert film before a massive crowd in the Mexico City.
'Elevation 2001: U2 Live from Boston' DVD
After the extravagance of Pop and the Popmart Tour, U2 went back to basics both on their following album — 2000’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind — and its supporting tour. Gone were the over-the-top stage step-ups and outfits. U2 entered a new era, and this concert film representing that era helped cement their legacy as one of the greatest live bands of all time.
'U2 by U2'
If you’re looking for the definitive history about U2, look no further than U2 by U2. Coming in at 480 pages, it’s the band’s story as told by the band themselves.
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at [email protected].
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