U2

'Thanks for giving us a great life' declares Bono to the fans at one point during U2’s 'Popmart live from Mexico City' DVD recorded back in 1997. Massive worldwide success, however, hasn’t blunted the Irish super group’s appetite for putting on spectacular stage shows. Popmart is on a truly epic scale. A video wall behind the stage spews out a kaleidoscope of imagery while a McDonalds style arch stands nearby.

The band enters the stadium like boxers entering the ring, surrounded by security personnel while 'Pop Muzik' plays, setting the tone for the show with its electronic beats. The group then launches into its catalogue of hits with Bono whipping the crowd up with his legendary showmanship, while the Edge’s guitar teases out lines through a cloud of distortion. Highlights include a rousing rendition of 'Where the Streets Have No Name' with acid trip imagery on the wall behind. All the technology can at times seem to overshadow the music. Fortunately the show also includes a stripped down acoustic section bereft of the digital fireworks. Bono and the Edge venture out onto the pier among the crowd for an unplugged version of 'Staring at the Sun'. The Edge also takes care of vocal duties on a solo version of 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'. The blistering technology doesn’t stay away for long though with the band returning from the intermission inside a giant lemon from which they emerge.

Qverall U2’s ironic commentary on mass consumerism and pop culture which the Popmart tour was, makes for an entertaining two hours even if the music often seems secondary to what you are seeing on screen.