Week 181 · U2 Joshua Tree Tour · Noel Gallagher · Twickenham Stadium · Richmond
U2 at
About six months ago I was looking at my email and had a pre-sale announcement from the U2 fan club — summer tour and coming to a stadium about a mile from where I was staying. And Noel Gallagher was opening — so 2 of my 3 favourite bands in one spot. Bought 4 tickets immediately (unsure if I would even be around) and put the word out to friends who might be interested.
Ended up with people flying in from India and Spain plus a local. Lucky to have Annelise join as number 5 when we figured out that was her transition weekend at school. Secured an AirBnB for the weekend in Richmond (basically walking distance) and the planned logistics couldn't be easier. But throw in two AirBnB screw-ups, a busy weekend in London (Wimbledon, Pride festival, a larger concert at Hyde Park), three guys who can't walk, and shuttle buses relocated from in front of our pub/meet-up spot to half a mile away — getting to the stadium was tougher than planned.
But while walking very slowly, a driver from a disabled access van offered us a ride. Initially we said no — but there were 3 empty vans waiting so he said he would be back and it wouldn't be a problem.
U2's Joshua Tree Tour 2017 commemorated the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1987 album, widely considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time. The tour grossed approximately $316 million — making it one of the highest-grossing concert tours in history at that time. Noel Gallagher served as the opening act for the European stadium dates. Twickenham Stadium is primarily the home of English rugby, with a capacity of approximately 82,000 — making it the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world. It is located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, about 12 miles southwest of central London. The stadium has hosted concerts including the Rolling Stones, Eminem, and Taylor Swift in addition to rugby. The "Don't Look Back in Anger" moment referenced in this post became particularly poignant after the Manchester Arena bombing earlier in 2017.
Noel sang acoustic versions of about 3 Oasis songs — looked like it wasn't his life's dream to open for U2. U2 — best concert I have ever been to.
Then Noel came back out for the encore and they sang "Don't Look Back in Anger" together along with 80,000 others — and it was the loudest singalong of the night. Hard to show up U2. But it happened. Photo creds to James Thorn.
After a quick return to Richmond, had one of my more memorable encounters with homeless people — a guy asked for some change. As I looked for some cash he noticed I was American and upgraded to "$100." We gave him £10 and he was genuinely disappointed.
The next day, after I changed AirBnB, I was getting out of my car — the best parking I had ever got in Richmond. I had left my left shoe in the car (for the foot in the boot) and when I unlocked the trunk, a homeless guy came up and I gave him a couple of bucks. But I forgot to re-lock the trunk and of course the next morning the shoes were gone. Luckily medicine, electronics, and my orange shirt were in the AirBnB. Had to make a trip to Tesco Plus to reload on basic clothes.
On the flip side, I was waiting for some friends for dinner sitting in my walker with my leg boot and an attractive, well-dressed couple asked if I needed anything. I said I was fine and they asked if I knew how to access services. So may need to upscale a bit.
"Best concert I have ever been to. Then Noel came back out. Hard to show up U2. But it happened."