A couple nights ago, I took my mom to the George Michael show in Seattle at the Key Arena. It was a belated Mother’s Day present and a payback for her taking me to his Listen Without Prejudice Tacoma show back in 1991 (my first major concert).

Aside from the fact that I still love George’s music, and that he’s a wonderful singer/dancer/all-around performer, I couldn’t help but be preoccupied throughout the show marveling at his backdrop and thinking how beautifully the whole program was lit.

For some numbers, he had psychedelic colorful shapes behind him that reminded me of my childhood Spirograph; during other bits he was accompanied by his younger self as old WHAM! videos corresponded to the ancient (but kick-ass) songs he was singing. And then there were the animated productions, where his background moved and appeared as if he were right along there with it (one was a beach; another a city, etc.).

It was so gorgeous, I kept thinking: “this is a lot like U2’s last tour.”

Then I stayed for the credits, which rolled along the main screen following the show. The lighting designer was listed as none other than Willie Williams.

No wonder it felt like home!

Seven years ago, I witnessed something I thought I would never see. Mild mannered Edge completely detroying a guitar on stage during “Gone” in Boston. The only other time a band member destroyed an instrument that I could recall was when Bono tore apart Larry’s drum kit at Toad’s Place in New Haven, Connecticut on November 15, 1981.

To the best of my knowledge, Adam has not detroyed an instrument while onstage.

While on the topic of U2’s Boston shows in 2001, Carter Alan shared an anecdote with @U2 about the filming of the shows. Check it out in the latest @U2 Podcast.

As you may know, the Rolling Stones new flick, Shine a Light, directed by Martin Scorcese is hitting theaters this week.

Critics have already started comparing this film to the recent hit U2 3D, as both flicks feature major bands delivering energetic, inspiring performances.

I’ll admit, I’m not nearly as big of a Stones fan as I am a U2 fan, but I am a huge Scorsese fan, so I think I’ll probably check it out.

If you’re in the Seattle area like me, the Pacific Science Center is making it very easy to compare the two films, as they’re bringing back U2 3D for a limited run to play alongside Shine a Light: The IMAX Experience.

From April 18 to May 4, U2 3D will be showing Thursday through Sunday at 9:45 each evening.  For tickets, visit this page of their site.

The Press Association released this blurb today about an Irish-based U2 tribute band singer planning to take his own act on the road the next time the band does.

Does he know something we don’t know?

As fans, we spend a lot of time debating a) which songs U2 should stop playing, and b) which songs they should play live for the first time. I’ve listened recently to a couple old concerts that I haven’t listened to in ages, and heard a whole bunch of songs I’d love to hear again.

So, with that in mind, here’s my list of the Top 10 Songs U2 Should Play Live Again. Any song is eligible, except for songs they played during the Vertigo Tour. (So, “One Tree Hill” is disqualified because it was played a couple times in New Zealand. And “Kite” is out because it was played late in ‘06, too.)

1.) Please

2.) Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me

3.) The Unforgettable Fire

4.) Tryin’ To Throw Your Arms Around the World

5.) A Sort of Homecoming

6.) October

7.) Ultraviolet

8.) In God’s Country

9.) Gone

10.) Exit

What would be on YOUR list?

On Saturday 16th February the Biography channel will be showing a programme at 9 pm entitled “Live Aid: how music changed the world,” which is bound to include a U2 mention, and then a biography of Bono at 10 pm.