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June 04, 2008
Retrohump: Under the Blood Red, wet and cold, Colorado Sky
Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the legendary U2 show at Red Rocks in Colorado. The concert took place during a rough patch of Colorado's predictably unpredictable weather. Unbelievable to think about this now, but Red Rocks was only at about half capacity. Red Rocks' one of a kind location was chosen for the concert film for obvious reasons, and the results for both band and venue were dramatic. Under the Blood Red Sky served as U2's re-introduction to the world by opening a window into this still relatively obscure (at the time) electrifying act. It also provided a huge showcase for the unique geological jackpot that comes with winning Mother Nature's lottery, with the world learning about this amazing natural amphitheater perched like a stone delta at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
Thing is, the show almost didn't happen:
The weather bordered on sleet and rain all day — hardly idyllic conditions for a video shoot that included countless cameras and three giant torches sitting atop the rocks.The promoters were in California until the afternoon of the show, and when they flew into a blustery Stapleton Airport, they called the mountain amphitheater's backstage to see where the show had been moved.But the band wasn't about to move the concert.
"I asked them why they didn't call me, and the people said, 'The band wouldn't let us, because they knew you'd want to move the show,' " retired promoter Barry Fey remembered.
"Then Paul McGuinness, their manager, got on the phone, and then Bono got on the phone, and then Chuck (Morris) and I headed home to change out of our sunny California gear into something much heavier before heading up to Red Rocks."
-- -- --
The day progressed, and the weather worsened. Morris and Fey arrived, and Bono called a Denver radio station, telling his fans that the Red Rocks show would go on — but there would also be another indoor show the following night at the CU Field House in Boulder for those who didn't want to brave the elements. (Denver Post)
Here are some choice clips harvested from Youtube. For much more, check out the U2 live at Red Rocks 25 years later blog who has been counting down to the June 5 anniversary with special U2 at Red Rocks coverage.
U2 - "Gloria" - Live at Red Rocks
U2 - "Out of Control" - Live at Red Rocks
//Remastered version of Under the Blood Red Sky comes out 6.24. - Pre-order
//DVD version finally follows in August
Related:
-U2 show still echoes at Red Rocks
-Monolith Festival announces initial lineup
-Monolith: Day 1 | 09.14.07
-Monolith: Day 2 | 09.15.07
Posted by Merry Swankster at June 4, 2008 10:10 AM
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Comments
Great post about a very special day. Thanks for the link.
Posted by: Red Rocks Fan at June 5, 2008 10:38 PM
