Macgirl's Media pick of the Week - U2 360!

The stage, pre-showThis week I'm giving a shout-out to a concert.  The current U2 stadium tour, U2 360, is a fantastic spectacle and a great example of using technology for art.  First, the obvious-the music was good.  If you are even remotely interested in U2, you will enjoy the playlist.  The amplification in the area we visited (the soon-to-be defunct Giants Stadium) was great; they sounded wonderful, and the instruments were highlighted without being over-blown.

The stage was a huge spidery-looking structure at the far end of the stadium.  It is supported on 4 legs, and open all around.  I was surprised that it was not in the center of the stadium, being the 360 tour, but it was still fairly accessible for everyone in the stadium.  The technicians and directors did an amazing job, effectively creating a high-quality concert video on the fly, using another part of the set- a huge circular/conical screen hovering above the band.  Some of the best moments of the show were captured on this huge screen.  The production of the show seen on the screen was fast-paced and entertaining.  The constant switching and careful coordination was really impressive; I was envious of the talented video crew in the production booth.  They also incorporated color and lights throughout the show, on par with some of the most dazzling Disney shows I've seen. 

mid-show, taken with iPhone

If you go, be sure to take note of the massive coordinated effort behind the scenes to make it all work.  It will make you appreciate the show all the more.

If you can't make it, re-live some of their greatest hits on iTunes: U2 The Best of 1980-1990

I had a chance to make a panorama before the show, using an iPhone 3GS with the app "Pano".  It worked very well, considering the size of the venue and the camera quality of the phone: