U2 Show

Rating:
Summary: This is the most beautiful U2 book published to date.
Review: Having attended 8 U2 shows dating back to 1992 and having been a fan since 1987, this is the book that I have been waiting for. It is simply one of the best U2 books that I have ever seen. It was much larger than I expected (1 1/4" thick) filled with gorgeous, large color photographs all of which relate to U2's long touring history, nearly all of which I have never seen before (there are a handful that I have seen in other books). The design and layout of the book is also top rate. Willie Williams (U2's longtime live tour designer) contributes quite a bit in terms of the ideas behind the design of each tour (The book is divided into chapters that chronicle each touring era (Boy 1980-81, War 1983, The Unforgettable Fire 1984-1985, Joshua Tree 1987 etc. etc.) with a bevy of supporting photographs (as described earlier). Some of the cooler shots are of Bono's "Elevation" jackets hanging in a closet and one that shows a rack of 20 (or so) of Edge's guitars.

There is also a detailed chapter where all the artists, lighting directors, guitar techs, head of wardrobe, promoters, graphic designers, DJs, agents, video directors etc. involved with U2 over the years talk about their individual experiences with the band. Remember, this is a book about their touring history/production and not about the lives of the individual members so not a lot about Bono, Edge, Adam and Larry (though they are obviously in nearly every photograph). The book was put together by Diana Scrimgeour who was asked by Paul McGuinness to document the Elevation 2001 tour. Also, the price of $35 is much lower than expected (and you can get it even cheaper on Amazon for only $21). I've paid up to $75 for books similar in scope. A perfect companion for the new album which comes out in about a month and the new tour in 2005.