29 Comments

I saw U2 in concert in 1987 at the Tarrant County Convention Center. It was like a religious experience. I feel like I've got to see them at the Sphere now.

Expand full comment

<looking up concert schedule now>

Expand full comment

My girlfriend and I saw the show in December and we were blown away. We were in the 300 section and the visuals and sound were outstanding. I wish I had a video of Las Vegas being deconstructed and when they turned the Sphere into a square and the ceiling looked like it was coming down. Would love to see another show there - wouldn't mind seeing U2 there again. Glad you got to see this incredible show!

Expand full comment

This is how it’s done, folks. It may be “Only money” but it’s a little easier to swallow after a column transforms it into a deductible business expense!

The first time I saw U2 was at a massive SoCal outdoor show headlined by David Bowie. U2 was one of the opening acts. I think they went on stage before noon for a little 30 to 40 minute set. Times have certainly changed!

Thanks, Bob! You did it justice enough to make me add The Sphere to my bucket list.

Expand full comment

This is only a business expense if your name is Hunter Biden!

Expand full comment

We got one of those.

Expand full comment

Bob I guess I’m just enough older than you to never have “gotten” the appreciation for U2. I have very eclectic music tastes that transcend genres. I have music I like from all of them, but not all the music from any of them.

Anyway I’m glad you posted this as The Sphere. I was not familiar with it, and it sounds like a spectacular place to take in a concert, especially if it’s some of your personal favorites.

Even if it’s not my cup of tea, I don’t consider reading this a waste of time. Your sense of joy definitely comes through in your writing as always. And I’m glad you were able to take a break from your usual workaholic schedule and get to relax. All work and no play….

Batteries need recharging occasionally, so we can look forward to more of your splendid offerings.

Expand full comment

Bob, if you ever decide to come to CO for Red Rocks, I’ll throw in some golf at Castle Pines for you.

Expand full comment

Keep writing about your experiences Bob. They enthuse us to share in your joy and remind us that life is to be lived and enjoyed. Thank you!

Expand full comment

I was at the Sphere last night for U2 and was blown away. As someone who has produced concerts for 40 years this is just an amazing tech feat. I agree with Bob that words don't do it justice.

Expand full comment

My first and, so far, only U2 concert was that same 1992 tour. Public Enemy and Big Audio Dynamite opened for them at the Astrodome. It was fantastic.

My only previous visit to that venue was covering the 1992 RNC a few months before.

Expand full comment

Much like your Pearl Jam story, thanks again for articulating your experience in such a wonderful way. While I am not the biggest U2 fan (having seen them the first time in 2011, and once more since), they have pretty much been at the forefront of enhancing the visual and musical experience for concertgoers. When I heard they were going to be the first band playing at the Sphere, it seemed like the perfect complement. Very happy for you that it was all you had hoped for and more. While ticket prices for all events have gone through the roof (like everything else) these last few years, you encapsulated it perfectly with life experiences with those you care about always trumping the cost of these experiences. Hope to see a show there at some point, but will definitely wait until it is someone who is equally as good at marrying their music and visuals (TOOL maybe?).

Expand full comment

Bob, as a retired sports editor and Cowboys fan of nearly 60 years I started following you on your old site. It didn’t take me long - a paragraph or two - to realize you are an exceptional writer. When you moved here there was no question I would follow. It’s not just your knowledge of the Cowboys and football that is impressive it’s your writing style which adds so much more. That is why I enjoy anything you publish. I have been lucky enough to see U2 at The Sphere three times and have been blown away each night. When people ask about the show I always reply “I can’t begin to describe what it was like. I can tell you but it doesn’t do it justice. You have to experience it to appreciate it.” There is nothing I can add to what you wrote or anything I read in the comments. I do want to say how much I loved that the photo from the top of the story was from the “Until the End of the World” performance. With the meaning of the song backed by the lightning, the flooding, the fire orange and the tattered flag flying and the band just absolutely kicking rock n’ roll ass during the jam at the end I had goosebumps every time. That performance alone made it worth the price of the ticket for me. Thanks U2 for an amazing show and thanks Bob for a very enjoyable read!

Expand full comment

Well put, Bob. This show has to be seen to be believed. Going back again tonight!

Expand full comment

I showed my wife this article and she said “This is you. Did you write this?” You perfectly said how I felt the night I saw them at the sphere.” It was an amazing night.

Expand full comment

My wife and I were there in December for the tour and Postcard From Earth. I can second everything you said about the venue. It is beyond amazing! Hopefully, we’ll go back someday for a concert as well.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Bob, for your thoughts. I’m 18 months older and, as Junior Miller said this morning, U2 is the soundtrack of my life. Traveled from Dallas to see Bono last April at the Beacon Theater in NYC. And, going in 2 weeks to see U2 in The Sphere, which will be my 3rd U2 concert. My first CD purchase was War in 1984. After reading this post, I’m beyond ready to see this concert. Your work here and across all things Dallas sports (across multiple mediums) is superlative. Don’t know how you sleep but we all benefit from your hard work and thoughtfulness! THANK YOU!

Expand full comment

Bob, where were your seats? Your story has me looking into day trip next week.

Expand full comment

I was in 104, row 25

Expand full comment