November 23, 2004
U2 in BKLYN
Gothamist spends every weekday in DUMBO, a generally laid-back, if not sleepy, neighborhood occasionally graced by the presence of a big-name actor filming a movie, or a rapper making a music video. But when we heard the rumor news U2 were going to be around the corner from the office playing a free show, we were glad to know our employer would insist we attend. For those of you unable to escape the confines of your cubicle, or the otherwise Brooklynphobic, we've got you covered with some blurry snapshots (more inside this post), including a few from Gothamist reader Matthew Krautheim, who captured the band making their way across the East River (above).
After waiting almost two hours, the band took the stage at 4:40 p.m. and played for about 45 minutes. Not bad at all for a free show, but what we saved on tickets, we more than made up for by working late, long after the 3,000 fans went home and the lights on the Brooklyn Bridge were extinguished. For a detailed recap of the concert in "insanely scenic" Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, as well as the band's flatbed journey through Manhattan, check out the full coverage on U2log.com. Portions of yesterday's concert will air on MTV Jammed on December 8.
Gothamist quite sure there are tons of photos floating around from yesterday's various "sets for scenes" - please leave relevant URL information in the comments below.
New York Will Follow U2 [Gothamist]
U2 Runs Through Manhattan [Gothamist]
Free Concert in Brooklyn Today [Gothamist]
Word of a Free Concert, Next to an Oft-Sold Bridge, Spreads Quickly [New York Times]
U2 does DUMBO [New York Daily News]
U2 rocks NYC [New York Newsday]
Images of U2 taken from the Brooklyn Bridge courtesy Matthew Krautheim
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I caught the whole U2 gig when it kicked off at 122nd and Broadway. Info and a few pics here: http://www.matt.pintglass.org
Cool gig! But is there a reason why Gothamist has devoted four pieces in two days and one piece today telling us to look forward to another piece today? Huh? Is Gothamist in on the shilling take, or what?
Theories -
1. u2 is pretty big.
2. a free show in nyc is always big, particularly one on such short notice.
3. gothamist is an ideal way to get breaking news in this era.
4. people who like gothamist had cool pics and experiences to share here.
5. you know this is the kind of event that forced some folk to venture into brooklyn for the first time. (even if it was only for a couple of hundred yards).