UNITED STATES—Rather than resting on their laurels U2 continue s to find new ways to connect with their fans. The Innocence + Experience tour comes on the heels of front man Bono’s serious biking accident in New York City late last year.

One lone light bulb hung above the main stage, signifying the bands humble Irish roots. This is in stark contrast to their previous behemoth stadium tours of the past, which made the band feel removed and inaccessible to the fans.

That being said, this is still U2-an innovative act whose concerts are visually captivating, part of the draw that makes them the greatest live act in music. The iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE tour stage design included: a wide catwalk connecting 2 stages bisecting the floor of the Forum, giving fans from the floor to the rafters a front row feeling.

The billboard sized LED screen provided a bombastic backdrop of the history of U2. For instance, there was a cartoon image of the street Bono grew up in. Suddenly, the singer is somehow in the animated vignette, belting out “Cedarwood road.”

The crowd goes wild as U2 interacts in a very intimate way, only inches from the adoring throngs. Photo by Michael C. Floch.
The crowd goes wild as U2 interacts in a very intimate way, only inches from the adoring throngs. Photo by Michael C. Floch.

The band has deep ties to L.A.  KROQ was the first radio station to play “I will follow.”

Don’t worry there are still three remaining dates at the Forum for May 30, June 1 and June 3.

By Christopher Floch