SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – It’s been a year in the making. Finally, U2 fans are psyched to witness one of the best touring concerts in the world.
In May 2010 Bono had to cancel the Salt Lake City show because he needed back surgery. Even though the front man is healthy, many still had concerns over the inclement weather. But, it appears ticket holders like Dino Martelli have nothing to worry about. It’s his second trip to the Beehive State. Tuesday night has been a long time coming.
“It has and we lost a bit of money due to traveling because they wouldn't refund our airfare and stuff like that. But, for a show like U2 I'd pay anything to come and see them,” said Martelli.
U2’s Stage Director says rain or shine fans are going to experience U2’s 360 degree experience Tuesday night.
“The bottom line is we know the show has to go on. And whatever can happen we must be prepared for. So we do have contingency systems for everything,” said Tour Director Craig Evans.
Evans is referring to a custom-made 400 ton structure. Assembled and disassembled at every stop on the 360 Tour.
“The reason they’re so custom made is because the video screen behind us is the largest video screen to ever tour. It has over 500,000 pixels to it, it weighs over 54 tons. The total equipment raised through this structure is well over 100 tons and the structure itself weighs over 400 tons,” said Evans. “Because of that weight it was a custom engineered and designed steel system. Very expensive.”
After the Vertigo Tour in Honolulu Bono raised the question if it could be possible to give fans a 360-degree experience. The wheels went into motion and the stage concept was created over dinner using forks and creative thinking.
“It's the largest touring production to ever be taken around the world and I have to say certainly the most ambitious,” said Evans.
And the band’s dedication to satisfy loyal U2 fans is a big shot in the arm for local businesses.
“We'd have about three cooks or four cooks on a normal Tuesday night and we'll double that,” said The Pie Pizzeria General Manager Craig Kimball.
Kimball says they’re ready.
“Bringing people up to this area, it's fantastic," Kimball said. "The more the merrier!”
About 50,000 people are expected to fill up the Rice-Eccles Stadium Tuesday night. Some fans began camping out Monday in the General Admission area. These people will get first come first serve seating in the main level when doors open Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
