U2 offers an “epic night of rock 'n' roll”

With the musical chords of “Cielito Lindo”, U2 touched the hearts of the Mexican people and joined the voices of the band and those of their audience.

“Mexicans are heroes,” said Bono while the Mexican flag was projected on the stage screen.

The concert opened with the following words: “Mexico has gone through some hard weeks and that's why we want to thank your being here,” said the lead vocalist of the band, at the same time he was thrown a flag and he placed it on the stage.

“We're honored to be here with you and we want to be helpful. We also want to have an epic night of rock 'n' roll and leave everything else behind,” exclaimed Bono before signing “Bad.”

Faces full of excitement and joy were seen among the crowd since 21:24, time when Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen appeared on stage for the first of their two concerts in Mexico City as part of their Joshua Tree Tour.

The first reaction of the audience was to join the deafening cry to welcome the musicians. “Bloody Sunday,” was heard and before “New Year's Day” began, Bono exclaimed “Thank you Mexico City! We're with you!”

After a few verses of “Cielito Lindo,” the band played “Pride.” At the back, a screen of about 60x14 meters projected images, while U2 sang upon their return to Mexico after six years of absence.

Under the image of a tree, all the members kneeled as a peace gesture to then play “Where the streets have no name.”

For “With or Without You” the screen projected images of the Sun coming out from over the mountains.

The Mexican audience – 65 thousand people – was willing to celebrate with the band, besides their visit, the three decades of the launching of their fifth record, which bears the name of their current tour: The Joshua Tree. The fans sang along from beginning to end.

In addition to the themes of the tour, the band also pleased the fans playing “Beautiful Day,” “Elevation,” and “Vertigo.”

Between the songs they added phrases like “ Fuerza Mexico!”, “Viva México! ” to cheer the audience.

“You Are the Best Thing,” “Ultra Violet,” “One” and “Spanish Eyes” were part of the encore in a night which Noel Gallagher had already warmed up in the afternoon.

The former guitarist of band Oasis played a part of his repertoire, including “Wonderwall.”

Gallagher, who was wearing a jacket with the words: “Mexico is the Shit”, said: “Thank you, so long,” and left the stage so U2 could continue playing in a night which gather several generations at the same venue.

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