A friend of mine called Keith got me started on U2. He was crazy about them. Their album The Joshua Tree had just been released and it was really getting them noticed. I admit that I was reluctant at first. I can’t remember why. It was kind of like Green Eggs & Ham. He was always talking about how good they were and I would not listen in a box or with a fox. I would not listen on a train I would not listen in the rain.
At some point I finally tasted and found that I liked them. With Keith’s guidance, I picked up The Joshua Tree and this one Live Under A Blood Red Sky. Out in the real world, the U2 wave was just building. Keith was ahead of the curve, within what seems like minutes, everything was about U2. They were suddenly the hottest ticket around.
What is it about U2? Their music is so basic and easy. I remember seeing an interview with them on TV back then. Bono said that they all wanted to be in a band and they ended up being forced to write and perform their own songs because they weren’t good enough to play cover songs. As I began to play U2 on my bass, I found that many of the songs from The Joshua Tree could easily be played using only one string. Still I admire the honesty.
This live set is a really good album. It has good stuff from their early albums and the live versions have the benefit of that concert energy. I didn’t know it then but U2 would be a catalyst in some major life changes that would take place over the following year.
Gloria
I Will Follow
Party Girl
Sunday Bloody Sunday
New Years Day
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