On Friday night every U2 fan was probably glued to their TV set watching U2 perform in the car park of BBC center for a Top Of The Pops performance. The TV center is at Shepherds Bush and no-one expected the group to play more than two tracks. The supergroup was their to promote their current new single 'Vertigo', but carried on playing when the cameras turned back to the studio. U2 treated fans to two new tracks plus a rendition of 'Desire' and every U2 loyal fan in the Shepherds Bush area that night was very happy indeed!
Except us. You see we made one of the biggest mistakes to date. We were fully aware that U2 were playing at TOTP, but had little idea that they were going to play additional tracks after their TV performance. But this wasn't the half of it. We were five minutes walk around the corner killing time waiting for Maroon 5 to take the stage at Shepherds Bush Empire. When the American band arrived they told the audience that, 'They had just had an incredible day because they had met some of the members of U2.'
Even though we were a bit miffed at missing the car park performance things were made easier knowing that the following afternoon we would be granted an afternoon with the band. So after we finished our beer at Shepherds Bush it was time to head home and prepare for what was to be an unforgettable hour with Bono and his mates thanks to CD:UK.
When CD:UK first hit our screens nearly five years ago it was regarded as a typical kids Saturday morning TV show with a bunch of boybands polluting the bottom end of the chart. Over the past years the show's reputation has grown and grown and international acts such as Madonna and Prince have performed in front of the cameras which were once based at The London Studios near the Thames. Earlier this year CD:UK moved down to the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith where Chris Evans used to host TFI Friday. Even though Chris managed to attract some of the biggest guests on the planet he was unable to tempt any member of U2 into the actual studio, although Cat Deeley had that extra little charm and this weekend the band made their first visit to the Hammersmith studio.
The band arrived an hour late thanks to traffic (another issue Bono should consider sorting out after he's finished with solving the other World problems). The patient crowd of U2 competition winners queuing outside the studio were kept informed of the band's arrival. Luckily the performance was prerecorded in the afternoon at 6pm ready to be aired the following week and whenever the next two singles are set to be released to give the impression that the whole thing is going out 'live'.
U2 shared the hour recording time with The Kings Of Leon, who were completely over shadowed by the rock icons. The Kings stage was situated to the left and was considerably smaller than U2's which was a tiny adaptation of the stage layout at the most recent Elevation tour. Because of two bands playing we feel that it is only right to review both sets in the fairest way possible and showing no favoritism towards any band in particular so here's our unbiased review to please fans of both bands will be satisfied...
The King's Of Leon CD:UK Review
Quite Good.
U2 CD:UK Review
After the 'other band' had played two tracks on the small stage the audience were shuffled back ready for the rest of the stage to be built and 20 fans were picked to stand in the pit area. Within a few minutes the group came in, with Bono naturally receiving the loudest round of applause. Although this wasn't the first time we had managed to see the band play that afternoon as ABLE2UK was earlier treated to a very rare glimpse of the band in rehearsal. This sent shivers down our necks as to watch such an incredible famous band perform in an almost empty studio is something which most people never witness.
The whole band were in fine spirit and with Bono himself warming up the audience the CD:UK guy looking after the audience could relax as his job had been replaced for the next 25 minutes. The band kicked off with their, soon to be released single, Vertigo. Which will no doubt make a dent in the top end of the charts when it is released on November 8th. The second track, ‘Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own’ was given a brief introduction by Bono, he explained that no matter how big or small we are everyone needs support from a friend or a loved one sometimes in their life. He ended the song by giving Cat Deeley (who was on the balcony) a special birthday message. Our verdict is that it's definitely a grower, the song starts slow and then about a quarter of a way through kicks in. The third track was also given an introduction and as we are the UK Disabled Awareness Company it meant quite a bit to us. Bono told the audience that 'Miracle Drug' was about an old school friend called Christopher Nolan. Chris had cerebral palsy and was paralyzed from the neck down and couldn't speak so a decision was made at the school to arrange for a stick to be placed on his forehead to he could type by gently moving his head. It was then found that Christopher had some amazing poetry in him and is now a proud author of a book called 'Under The Eye Of The Clock'. The song is truly amazing and for such a subject to be covered from one the biggest bands in the world is very moving.
To lift some light after 'Miracle Drug' Bono decided to turn into a 'warm up' man and made the audience cheer, then hush and carry on cheering by raising and lowering his hands as appropriate timing. Normally in a TV studio this kind of stuff is a chore but when you have the Pope's best mate leading you it becomes an honor! To the audience's delight Bono wanted to replay ‘Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own’. Maybe it was because he wasn't happy with the first play, maybe he wanted to perform it again without the birthday message for Cat, but nobody cared, especially the nurse sitting in the corner who earlier told us that she would had actually pay to work that afternoon!
After the track the audience were escorted out and we were taken into the production office to wait for a quick meeting with the band who were in their dressing room next door. The guys in the office were busy packing up, they had been there since the crack of dawn for the live morning show. The guest list on the table showed that Noel Gallagher was in the building although our paths didn't cross. Also for the SMTV fans amongst you, ever wondered to old 'Wonky Donky'? well he's been given to a member's of staff's dog who was happily chewing him to bits around the office.
Fifteen or so minutes later after finding out all the juicy gossip from previous acts on the show we were called into U2's dressing room which was incredibly small. Adam was outside enjoying a small glass of wine and propping up against the wall whilst Larry was busy packing his case. The Edge and Bono were standing directly in the middle of the room with Bono sporting a large brown woolly coat. He asked us our favorite track from today which we told him was 'Miracle Drug' and Bono advised us to read the book. He also agreed that it would make a great Christmas song. Bono and the lads are recording a special show for Jo Whiley over in their studio in Dublin. Paul McGuiness, their manger then helped the band with their luggage to the car for their next destination and Bono told us that he will see us in the Summer.
Two days later news came that U2 had pulled out of Glastonbury because of the tour. We exclusivity revealed a few weeks ago that they are playing Twickenham Stadium next July and Bono will make a 'surprise' appearance at Hackney Empire on November 11th as part of the Hall Of Fame Awards.
The afternoon was unforgettable thanks to U2, oh and The Kings of Whatever!
Bono requested some honey before he performed.
from the new album,
‘How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb'
Vertigo’
‘Miracle Drug’
‘Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own’
‘Love And Peace Or Else’
‘City Of Blinding Lights’
‘All Because Of You’
‘A Man And A Woman’
‘Crumbs From Your Table’
‘One Step Closer’
‘Original Of The Species’
‘Yahweh’
‘Fast Cars’ (UK Bonus track)
Out Nov.22nd