What Does The End Look Like To You?

As I've gotten older I noticed something.  The band has also gotten older!  Wow, right?  Who knew?  I am nothing if not observant!!

I realize this is one of those topics that many U2 fans want to avoid like the plague.  Can't think about our boys not putting out releases and touring.  But I think it is worth exploring and really thinking the 'how' U2 should walk into that gentle night.​

Direçao: Barry Devlin Album: The Unforgettable Fire 1984 - Paris, Brüssel, Rotterdam, London, Glasgow Official Video Wide Awake in America Universal Music Group

I am one of those who wishes The Rolling Stones had retired 20 years ago.  I hate these 'money' tours which are part 'feed the fans' but mostly 'line the pockets' for the band.  What about U2?  Do they tour beyond their prime to make money?  Does potential philanthropy warrant staying too long?​

Or does going out on top matter to you?  It sure does for me.  I want them to put out either a massive single or a massive album, tour the crap out of it and just walk away to never return.  Does that horrify you?  A world without a U2 tour?  No years of speculation on 'when' a new album might drop?  No 'care that Adam was spotted in St. Tropez or Bono and Edge attending a gala?​

For me, leaving on top and never coming back is the ultimate prize for the best band in the world.  It shows class and recognition of time.  It's a reality far too few embrace but one I'm hoping U2 will follow.

What about you?  What does the end look like to you?​

What's Your Favourite 'Moment'?

Larry Lootsteen - Conestogo, Ontario, Canada

Now I realize you may have thought I meant I wanted your favourite version of Stuck In A Moment (feel free to share!) but that is not what I'm looking for here.​

You are at a U2 show.  Every show for every person contains that singular 'moment'.  That one that makes it all worthwhile.  The hours in line.  The anticipation.  So what part of a U2 event makes it most special for you?​

Is it the that second when the lights go down (if they do!) at the start of the show when the crowd frenzy begins and the hairs on the back your neck rise as the adrenaline begins to flow?​

Is it the first few bars of that song you wanted to see so badly starts?​

Is it Streets starting its long intro and the fans going crazy?​

Is it Bono, running around like a madman or perhaps dancing with a fan?​

Or maybe it's less about the moment in a show and rather the community.  Sharing time in the line, meeting new people and old friends?​

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Always hard to judge when we get a lot of moments at any show.  For me, those first few seconds of an arena show as the lights suddenly go out and the roar of the crowd explodes.  The wait is over.  More moments to come.​

What Is Your Favorite Venue To See U2?

Larry Lootsteen - Conestogo, Ontario, Canada

Highlights of the U2 Concert at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. September 16, 2009. This was the 3rd show of the North American leg of the 360 Tour. The Rogers Centre ( formerly called SkyDome) is the home field of the Toronto Blue Jays of the American Baseball League.

We all have favorite shows from favorite tours with favorite songs and favorite moments.  Some of us have been lucky enough to travel to see the band.  Others, like me, have had limited access to shows for all sorts of reasons.

There is always the debate of outdoor vs indoor.  Would you rather see the band outdoors with 70,000 people or indoor with 20,000.  Is the energy of the larger crowd something that makes being miles away okay for you?  Or does the intensity of the confines of an arena mean more to you?  It's a tough one.​

For me, I prefer the arena shows.  The issue is always whether you can get tickets.  But the payoff is the closeness to the band and what feels to me like an energy that gets built up by closeness of the space.  And there is no bad place to see them, just my preference.​

So how about the rest of you?  Indoor vs outdoor.  For those of you who have seen many shows, is there a particular venue that stood out above all others?  Inquiring fans want to know!  Please share your thoughts in the comments!​

U2 - Toronto - Air Canada Centre 2005

U2 Performance of 'The Fly' live at the ACC in Toronto on September 16th, 2005. Wide view of the flashing screen.