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| Hugh Masekela´s surprise appearance |
Legendary trumpter and anti-apartheid activist Hugh Masekela made a surprise appearance on stage to mark tonight's first show in South Africa - bringing a unique African jazz vibe to 'Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'.
And 21 years after Nelson Mandela gave a speech in this very stadium (the day after his release from prison) when U2 played 'Pride (In The Name of Love)' tonight, the huge screens over the stage were illuminated with Mandela's image, along with excerpts of that famous speech. Bono sang a new lyric.
'February 13 1990
Words rings out in a Jo'burg sky.
Free at last to live your life
The Lion of Africa and his pride... '
From the opening bars of Beautiful Day, this record-breaking audience - the largest crowd ever for a sporting or entertainment event in South Africa - were shaking the foundations of the FNB stadium, and the unique atmosphere barely relented all night. 'Rainbow people' was right, as Bono had christened everyone (borrowing Desmond Tutu's phrase) at the top of the show.
'We know Jo'burg has a night life,' he said, introducing 'Crazy'. We know Jo'burg needs to go a bit crazy...'
Jo'burg did go crazy, as the band mixed the set list up again for this opening night of U2360 in 2011. There were new production elements too, and a great reception for references to recent events in Egypt. The 2009 images of the popular uprising in Iran, which have accompanied Sunday Bloody Sunday on the tour so far, gave way tonight to images of people power in Egypt. 'Change of heart comes slow...' sang Bono. Prayers to for the people of Burma.
'I'm sure you know the good news of Aung San Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi is to Burma what Madiba is to this country... a beautiful spirit.'
As for South Africa, 'this place just feels like the future,' said Bono, visibly amazed at the overwhelming reception for the band's first dates here since PopMart in 1998. And judging by the torrent of online excitement from fans at the show - and following around the world - it will be a night that lives long in the memory.
www.u2.com
In the media:
A GLORIOUS NIGHT AS U2 WOWS CROWD IN JO´BURG
With a roar that could rival the one seen last week in Tahrir square, Cairo, fans at the FNB Stadium last night gave U2 a rousing welcome.
But unlike the relief of Egyptians at President Hosni Mubarak's exit from his position, fans here were celebrating seeing their favourite band playing in their own back yard.
And as lead singer Bono led the band up a stairway to the stage milking the applause and waving to all corners of the dimly lit cauldron, you knew why they'd sold over 150 million albums worldwide.
After the deafening welcoming screams, Bono wasted no time in belting out one of their biggest hits, "Beautiful Day."
For another hit, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela was called on stage -- to yet another massive cheer.
Former president Nelson Mandela also got a special mention, and even a video of his speech calling for "a united South Africa" was played on the big screen. Bishop Desmond Tutu sent a video message.
In between songs, Bono said: "We told you in 1998 that we'd be back ... never trust a rock star. Anyway, we're not finished yet ... we're happy to be back."
Fans marvelled at the massive cylindrical big screen, as it expanded and contracted to create a kaleidoscopic mosaic.
The rumour goes that Bono is currently visiting Baragwanath Hospital, HIV section
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