U2.com’s Chicago Lithograph Isn’t From Chicago
Update, February 9: It only took about 24 hours — the lithograph description on U2.com/Fanfire now shows the correct concert. We also understand Fanfire is in the process of contacting EdgeFest to rectify the mistake. Nice job, folks.
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U2.com/Fanfire is selling this Chicago 2009 U2 360 Tour lithograph for $100. The product page there says it was taken on September 12, 2009, at the first show of the U.S. tour.
It’s a good concert pic and no doubt makes a cool lithograph. But it’s not from Chicago. One of our forum members, EdgeFest, has posted about this because September 12 was her first show, she wanted a nice souvenir to remember it, and she forked out $100 for this lithograph … only to find out it’s from some other show. “I am seriously ticked off,” she wrote on our forum. “My special lithograph isn’t really that special to me anymore.”
The Evidence
First, here’s the photo being used in the lithograph. You can click to see a larger version. Pay attention to what Edge is wearing and to the signage behind Bono.
Next, consider the photo below of Edge from the September 12th show. He’s wearing a different shirt and different pants. (used courtesy of U2soul)
Then, look at this Edge photo from the next night, September 13th in Chicago. The shirt matches the lithograph, but the pants are different. (used courtesy of Tony Kinlan)
Edge doesn’t change his shirts or pants during a concert, so it’s pretty obvious that this “Chicago” lithograph isn’t actually from either of U2’s Chicago shows. Which begs the obvious question….
Where’s It From?
It’s from the Atlanta show on October 6, 2009. Have a look at this photo below, specifically the background behind the stage. It has the same Miller Lite sign and similar lettering as what’s shown behind the band in the lithograph photo. (used courtesy of borabora_54)
That looks an awful lot like the shot from the lithograph, doesn’t it?
Confirmed…
Actually now, all of the above photographic evidence is overkill. I found the photographer, Brantley Gutierrez, on Twitter and asked him where the photo was taken. He replied earlier this morning:
Final Thoughts
So, U2.com/Fanfire is selling an Atlanta photo as its Chicago lithograph. I’d like to believe this is an honest mistake and that U2.com/Fanfire will remove the lithograph soon, or just correct the listing to say that it’s from Atlanta. If, on the other hand, this is knowingly being sold as the wrong city … well, that’s pretty low.
I’ve shared many emails over the years with some of the folks who run the content side of U2.com, and I know this isn’t the kind of thing they’d do or support. Fanfire on the other hand? Like many fans, I don’t have nearly the same level of faith or trust in them.
In any case, I’ve sent an email to see if we can get this fixed.
Last 4 posts by m2
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22 Responses to “U2.com’s Chicago Lithograph Isn’t From Chicago”
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Oh Mann, wäre ich doch dabei gewesen
My girlfriend also shelled out over 100 for this photo for me, as I was at the show on the 12th. Disappointing…
Keep us updated, Matt.
that is sad.
Actually, Edge does change his shirt during the show on this tour. He changed from plaid to the solid cream color at some shows, Vegas and The Rose Bowl for sure! (You can also clearly hear him changing his shirt and talking about it on one of the Rose Bowl bootlegs!) Anyway, shame about the lithograph error.
This photo bothers me because of the ad almost right in the middle of it, even though it’s in the background. You would think they could find a different one or edit out the advertisement; I think it’s a distraction and would not pay $100 for this particular lithograph.
I was at both Chicago shows, and even though I didn’t look into the photograph near as closely as you have Matt, I was immediately suspicious that they used a a different show’s photo- something just didn’t look right. You confirmed my suspicions. Thank you for bringing it out into the overground
PS, I caught a glimpse of this subject the twitter feed on atu2’s homepage, and that’s what caused me to go further. I was considering this purchasing this print. Had I not seen that on the twitter feed, I might’ve made a bad purchase. Nice add, thanks again!
-Kevin/ kevfly82
FYI: the issue has been corrected
Bajagirl - the issue has been corrected? How so? I don’t think we’ve been given any notice on our purchase.
Thanks!
If Brantley Gutierrez did take the photo, he’s not being credited. I bought this litho also cause I was at the Chicago Sept. 12th show.
On Livenation store site, http://www.store.livenation.com/Product.aspx?cp=13281_16771_16874&pc=FXAPU2T48455 they have litho still listed as Chicago show and different photographer.
Description of photo on Livenation store site:
Strictly limited-edition individually numbered (1/500) lithograph featuring stunning black and white live photograph by Otto Kitsinger of the band on the 360* stage at Chicago’s Soldier Field on September 12th 2009. Each lithograph (690mm x 970mm) has been hand silk-screened with metallic gold and silver. Each one comes with a completed and numbered ‘Certificate of Authenticity’.
So… are those of us who already bought this photo for over $100 just SOL?
I posted on Brantley Gutierrez’s tweeter page that he wasn’t being credited for the photo. I believe I made 2 posts, I just noticed they’re gone and they were there before.
I’ve emailed [email protected] from the card that came with the litho. I also went to http://www.musictoday.com that was also on the card and it takes you to Live Nations store http://www.store.livenation.com/Default.aspx and I clicked on email customer service at the top of the page. I explained how the photo is misidentifed as Chicago and questioned who the photographer was.
Maybe if everyone who purchased this Litho contacted them something can be done. I’m sending mine back cause it’s still within the 30 days.
Yeah we’re contacting customer service as well…
I just got a response back from Live Nation Merchandise. You’ll get a full refund plus shipping costs paid for. This is the email:
Thank you for choosing Live Nation Merchandise. I do apologize for the mislabeling of the lithographs. We do not have the correct lithograph to send you, we received the wrong ones. What we are offering customers is that you can return the wrong lithograph and we will credit you in full including shipping. Again we apologize for the mix up.
If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Live Nation Merchandise Customer Service
http://www.store.livenation.com/
Toll Free (US): 800.767.7160
International: 001-434-244-7300
If anyone is having trouble getting things straightened out with Fanfire, please contact me via the “Email Matt” link at the bottom of this page:
http://www.atu2.com/contact/bio.src?ID=1
I’ll give your name and email address to my contact at U2.com and they’ll step in to help.
I’ll go on record as saying that it doesn’t matter where the picture is from, because there’s nothing special about it.
U2.com had a couple of Chicago pictures on their front page that were nothing short of spectacular, but this picture just a picture of U2.
Give me that color shot of the stage with the Chicago skyline in the background. Now THAT is a picture I’d hang on my wall.
With apologies to the photographer, I have to agree with Casey. The photo is nothing special and is marred by the inclusion of a commercial logo in the background (is that a beer logo?).
Yes it’s a beer logo and it definitely detracts from the photo.
But of course, this post isn’t about the quality of the photo, it’s about people who bought a lithograph wanting to make sure they get the order right or get a refund.
I mailed mine back for a full refund + shipping costs.
OK, so I ordered the Litho from U2.com because it said it was from ATL… I was there, that is what I want. So they fixed it…mostly I just got the order confirm - it said CHICAGO! Flipped me out. It seems they still have some old info in the system. Your post here really helps me sort out the confusion. THANKS!!!!
Seth, on U2.com it says Atlanta, Live Nation still has it as Chicago http://www.store.livenation.com/Store.aspx?cp=13281_16771_16874
I’ve received my refund.
I just got the litho for a bday present. the certificate of authenticity says it’s from chicago, not atlanta. but at least we know the right location