U2: Vertigo 2005 - Live from Chicago (2005)

Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago (sometimes titled Vertigo '05: Live from Chicago) is a concert film by Irish rock band U2, showcasing two concerts recorded in Chicago, Illinois during band's 2005 Vertigo Tour. The film was released as a DVD later in the year (see 2005 in music) on 14 November by Island Records in most parts of the world and was released in the United States a day later by Interscope Records. The DVD was released as a one-disc standard edition and a deluxe edition with a second disc featuring bonus material and a documentary. It was the first of three concert films from the tour. The DVD was a worldwide success, topping the Music DVD charts in eleven regions and has received certifications in over seven areas. As of January 2007, it has been the band's best-selling DVD, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and has sold over a quarter of a million copies in the United States. The two concerts featured on Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago were recorded and performed at the United Center in Chicago on 9–10 May 2005. The footage used in the DVD was shot live from two nights of the band's four concert stop in Chicago. The concert on May 10 was Bono's birthday, providing a ceremonious backdrop to the concert. Critical reception: -Vertigo 2005 received generally favourable reviews. Cammila Albertson of Allmusic felt that the concert DVD accomplished its purpose, but that the lighting or camera movements in some scenes did not capture the moments as well as they should have. Despite an overall positive review, John Murphy of MusicOMH felt that most fans do not need to purchase the DVD if they have Elevation 2001: Live from Boston or U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle, Ireland. Mike Shiller of PopMatters felt that the concerts were well-filmed but that the DVD was typical. John Cruz of Sputnikmusic felt that the band is one of the best live rock acts, but that too many songs from Achtung Baby were used and it was not a great concert.

This show nearly calms my despair of losing U2. I think that their album (HTDAAB) was much better than the previous one thus giving them a lot more songs to touch us! Next, the set design was cool because it summarized all their previous projects but in a more friendly way: running colors (as Popmart), circled staged (as Elevation), video screens (as Zoo TV).Next, they put at least new songs in their track list: "electric co", cat dubh", "40".At last, Bono can show all his traits without hiding them behind masks: he is playful and funny ("cat dubh"), moving (speaking about his father on "SYCMIOYO"), caring (when he invited a child on "into the heart") and politician (with the flags!).But as their previous shows, when they turn to their hits or have weak new songs ("love and piece or else"), they are deadly boring! As in "discotheque", they can reach but still they can't grab the perfect show!

If you are a collector of all things U2, then you will want to buy this DVD. If, on the other hand, you were wanting to spend your money on the best, then Slane, Zoo TV and Popmart are better choices. But hey, this is still a pretty good watch. It is a fair comment, most would agree, that U2 put on the best live shows. Bono has been quoted on many occasions saying that 'live is where the band lives.' Now a lot of factors go into making these great shows but one that sticks out down the years are the concert openers. 'I Will Follow', 'Where The Streets Have No Name', 'Mofo' etc, are all great ways to kick off the show. And this trend continues here with the majestic 'City of Blinding Lights' in which it is declared that everyone looks 'So Beautiful Tonight'. In what also could have been an opener that night (it was on the European leg of the tour) is what comes next- the highly energetic 'Vertigo', which leaves the crowd jumping for joy and sets up 'Elevation' nicely.Then the band rewind 20 plus years and play an unbelievable version of 'Electric Co'. Watching The Edge during this song is great as he plays terrificly well. What is a little disappointing for me, and this happens in different parts of the show, is that the crowd goes a little bit stale, during the earlier hits. I mean I don't mind new U2 fans, but there are many there in the audience who I bet only owned the Greatest Hits CD's. This staleness continues through a classic like 'Miracle Drug' where I even saw people leaving their seats!! I mean come on people, enjoy it!!The crowd do eventually get back off their seats during the fantastic 'Sunday Bloody Sunday', although it is a bit soured halfway through with Bono doing his thing. Each to their own as they say. The second part of the show is the strongest with an emotional 'Running To Stand Still' being followed by 'Pride', 'Streets' and 'One'.What is so great about the show as a whole are the different depths. So after a speech about making poverty history we are then treated to that fantastic opening of 'Zoo Station', followed by one of the bands best ever songs 'The Fly'. The show finishes with all areas covered. A few more from 'Bomb' and then the classic '40' to finish the show, with each member of the band leaving the stage individually, which is very touching.Overall, this isn't the bands greatest ever live show, but it is a very good one. The set list is amazing with hits young and old, but the crowd are a bit of a let down. (Youtube footage of the gigs from Croke Park and Brazil and you'll catch my drift.) But, it is not a waste of money and you will watch it again and again.

In this update to the u2 live concert saga , the boys from Dublin descend into Chicago to basically play a "greatest hits" concert. They don't disappoint in any regard. The Show opens up with the electrifying "City of Blinding Lights" a rousing number which then shoots up into "Vertigo" which is a stronger version of the song than we're accustomed to. The band unveils some surprises from their catalog like " An Cat Dubh" and "Electric Co" which haven't been played since Reagan was in office. "New Years Day" , "One", "Where The Streets Have No Name" all sound new and different in their current incarnations , which proves the fact that u2 are innovators , Even the elusive "Zoo Station" makes an appearance on this disc which hasn't been played since Bono Donned the horns in the early 90's. The new songs like "Miracle Drug" , "Love and Peace" ,"Sometimes You Can't make it on your own" are shaping up to be arena classics. This Disc is worth every penny you pay(except if you buy it at Virgin Megastore for 35$ , ouch!!!!) and which it should be compared to that debacle that was Elevation ,live from Boston 2001. They only drawback was the omitting of "With or Without You , but hey , you cant be perfect......