Say it’s true, it’s true…
And we can break through
Though torn in two
We can be one.

With the flag of Solidarnosc on stage it felt like all the hopes and dreams of this audience were captured in a song.
‘Something going on here. There’s something going on in this country,’ said Bono. ‘We could feel it the last time we came. This country is going somewhere very special. Is it faith? Faith in the future. Poland! Europe needs more countries like Poland…’

We sang Happy Birthday to Edge tonight and it felt like everyone was celebrating a birthday. Was it the best show of the tour to date ? Who can tell? If you were here, it probably was.
So we enjoyed it, but what about you? Add your own reviews at the bottom of the page. Here’s what the band played.

Breathe
No Line On The Horizon
Get On Your Boots
Magnificent
Beautiful Day
Elevation
New Years Day
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
Stuck In A Moment
Unknown Caller
Unforgettable Fire
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight (Remix)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Pride (In The Name of Love)
MLK
Walk On
Where The Streets Have No Name
One
——–
Ultraviolet
With Or Without You
Moment of Surrender

http://www.u2.com/news/title/chorzow-show-report

I have never in my life seen a crowd reaction like that of Katowice last night. Right from opener Breathe there was a daft magic in the air. Insanity everywhere you looked. People’s faces clothed in the kind of joy I’ve only seen in gospel churches and then only on the TV so to see this religious fervour up close was overwhelming. The city outside the stadium could have been under heavy fire from alien spacecraft and I don’t think anyone would have heard, saw, or indeed cared that much.

Then The Edge takes to the piano for New Year’s Day (playing it guitar pick still between his fingers!) and the place is bathed in red and white instantly. Red cards held aloft by the people on the floor and white cards in the seats to make a giant Polish flag you could probably see from space. It took the breath clean out of me. By the end even Bono was speechless, for a few seconds anyway. The things he said next are lost to me verbatim but what I won’t forget is the tears that came to me then. In floods. And when I turned to check if anyone had snared me for blubbing I realised that every single person around me also had tears in their eyes. We were sharing something that simply never happens at rock shows anywhere. A collective emotional and spiritual surrender of epic proportions. This was majesty and tenderness married and that is a rare thing indeed.

Last night was something I’ve never seen before and I can’t quite fathom it. Not sure I ever will or even want to. It will sit alongside the greatest nights of my life and I thank U2 and Poland for that. Also thank you to the Polish U2 fans for giving us the best reaction to our own set we’ve had on this tour so far. All in all then a night of triumphs.

I would tour with this band (we all, us Patrollers, would) ’til the last grain of sand tipped gently into the bottom half of the hourglass and yes that sounds (and perhaps is, why not) a massive hint hint to stay on this magic carpet ride a little/a lot longer but believe me when I say this: this is the greatest show on earth. Why on earth would you buy just anyone’s cockatoo? Long may they reign!

http://www.u2.com/news/title/poland-show

Amazing Innovations in Staging and Set – New Benchmark for Live Entertainment

Rehearsals for the Michael Jackson shows are well underway and already the King of Pop is hard at work preparing his concerts with show director Kenny Ortega and contributing choreographer and dancer from the Dangerous and HIStory tours, Travis Payne.

Shrouded in secrecy and the subject of much speculation as to their content, the shows have created a level of excitement never witnessed before. Fittingly, for such an out of this world show, rehearsals are taking place south of Silicone Valley, west of the NASA Space Center!

One of the highlights of rehearsals has been the dance auditions. With over 5,000 applications received, the number was narrowed down to 500 potential candidates, flying into California from all over America, and as far away as Australia, Canada, Japan, Europe, UK, and South America. They are some of the greatest dancers the world has to offer, and they were there for one reason – Michael! His influence inspired many of them to become dancers in the first place.

The competition was intense during the 3 days of auditioning at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. Michael Jackson was present along with Kenny and Travis to make the final selections. The challenge to secure a place in the show became a reality for fewer and fewer as the level of competition increased. Dancers were tested on their strength, skill, style, creativity, fitness, commitment and execution

Ortega says, “The level of dancers that we saw at the auditions was incredible. Michael was extremely hands on throughout the process in working with the dancers and selecting the final candidates. It was an exciting, intense and highly creative process and not an easy decision in the end.”

For your front row seat at the auditions log onto www.MichaelJacksonLive.com for behind-the-scene footage.

The final line-up of just 12 dancers includes an exceptional mix of international performers. Selected to perform alongside Michael Jackson at London’s O2 arena are US dancers Charles Kapow, Ricardo Reid, Tyne Stecklein, Misha Hamilton, Mekia Cox, Nicholas Bass, Danielle Rueda-Watts and Christopher Grant. As well as, Timor Steffens from Germany, Australian dancer Shannon Holtzapffel, Daniel Celbre and Devin Jamieson from Canada.

Randy Phillips, President & CEO of AEG Live, commented, “Watching Mike and Kenny create this spectacle using the greatest repertoire in contemporary music is one of the most exciting experiences in my career in live entertainment. The fans who are flocking to see Michael Jackson’s return to the stage will not be disappointed. From the special effects to the quality of the dancers and musicians, we are setting a new standard for major arena shows”.

Be clear that this is not just a concert, “This Is It” will be a fully integrated musical experience combining theatre, film, music and the latest advances in technology. Movies, music and movement all rolled into one! . Michael is present at rehearsals overseeing every detail day in day out and constantly pushing the bar slightly higher.

Ortega adds, “It is an intense and exciting creative period. Onstage with the greatest entertainer of our time, we have a strong, talented, dynamic group of dancers and musicians. These are artists whose talent, dedication, skill and passion for performing with their idol is felt every hour of every day spent rehearsing. What is going to take place on that stage at The O2 arena in July will truly be inspiring.”

By the end of the 50 concerts, 750,000 fans will have witnessed one of the greatest musical events in history. This will be the last chance to see the King of Pop in London – a historic stage show, and once in a lifetime concert experience – this really is it!

Note To Editors – One of the world’s most popular entertainers, Michael Jackson has sold over 750 million units worldwide and is one of the very few artists to be inducted twice into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records has recognised Michael Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and Thriller as The Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” 50 concerts sold out in a matter of hours on March 13th smashing box office records.

Production Notes:

• Kenny Ortega, Producer / Director
• Travis Payne, Associate Director /Choreographer
• Michael Cotten, Production Designer
• Patrick Woodroffe, Lighting Designer
• Michael Bearden , Musical Director
• Bugzee Hougdahl, Production
• Manager
Robb Wagner, Screen Producer

Kenny Ortega, the renowned Director, Producer, Choreographer and creative talent is hard at work collaborating with Michael Jackson in the overall design and direction for the upcoming ‘This Is It’ concert shows.

Ortega previously worked on Michael Jackson’s Dangerous and HIStory tours, some of the most spectacular shows ever staged. Ortega, having once been in partnership with Gene Kelly, is most recently known for his work as the Director and Choreographer of Disney’s, High School Musical 1, 2 & 3. Ortega also Produced and Directed the Barbra Streisand’s Millennium concert tour and is a two time Emmy award winner for his work as Director and Choreographer of the 2002 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies in Salt Lake City, Utah.

http://www.mjworld.net/news/2009/05/19/new-benchmark-for-live-entertainment/

Our hearts are heavy at this time, we are all full of great pain.

And although we fall down sometimes, we get back up again. That’s the right thing to do.

Michael would not want you to give up. Michael loves you!

Let’s remember the good things about Michael’s life and his beautiful music. We want the fans to keep hope alive. We hope the fans keep Michael’s spirit alive by remembering all the good things he gave this world. Our family loves you and is so grateful for everyone of you.

http://www.mjworld.net/news/2009/07/07/official-statement-released/

“Harmony Books, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, announced today that it has acquired the rights to Michael Jackson’s one and only autobiography, MOONWALK. The deal was negotiated between Shaye Areheart, Vice President, Publisher, Harmony Books, Joy Harris of The Joy Harris Literary Agency, and a representative from the estate of Michael Joseph Jackson.

Originally published by Doubleday in 1988, MOONWALK was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and sold close to 500,000 copies. It is the only book about his life that Michael Jackson ever wrote. The book chronicles his humble beginnings in the Midwest, his early days with the Jackson 5, and his unprecedented solo success. MOONWALK details his songwriting process for hits like Beat It, Rock With You, Billie Jean, and We Are the World; describes how he developed his signature dance style, including the Moon Walk; and opens the door to his very private personal relationships with his family, including sister Janet, and stars like Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, Marlon Brando, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, and Brooke Shields.

With an announced first printing of 100,000 copies, the new edition of MOONWALK will be published on October 13 at $25.00. It will include a new introduction from a well-known figure in the entertainment industry who was close to Michael and an afterword from Publisher Shaye Areheart who was, along with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Michael’s original editor at Doubleday.

“Publishing what sadly turned out to be Michael’s only autobiography was an exceptional experience for me. He was a brilliant and gracious man. It was a great privilege to have the opportunity to work with him,” said Ms. Areheart. “Since Michael’s untimely death in June, we all have witnessed the surge in public adoration and interest in which he was as a father, friend, mentor, songwriter, and legendary entertainer. This new edition of MOONWALK will continue to celebrate his life and career and show an extraordinary side of Michael that many have not seen.”

At the time of its original publication, MOONWALK broke the fiercely guarded barrier of silence that surrounded Michael Jackson and many, at the time, described the book as candid and courageous. Jackson talks openly about his wholly exceptional career and the crushing isolation of his fame, as well as the unfair rumors that have surrounded it.

MOONWALK is illustrated with rare photographs from Jackson family albums and Michael’s personal photographic archives, as well as a drawing done by Michael exclusively for the book. Proceeds earned by the estate will go to the Michael Jackson Family Trust, benefiting Michael’s children, his mother, Katherine, as well as charitable efforts he supported during his life.

MOONWALK was a worldwide bestseller when originally published. Foreign sales of the reissue of MOONWALK include Michel Lafon Publishing in France, Heinemann in the UK, and Heyne in Germany, with many more to come.

Foreign rights are being handled by The Joy Harris Literary Agency, Inc., in conjunction with Andrew Nurnberg Associates International Limited.

http://www.mjworld.net/news/2009/07/30/moonwalk-press-release/

On a stage that has to be seen to be believed she delivered a phenomenal performance of all her hits and debuted tracks from her latest multi-platinum album Funhouse including the smash hit So What.

The opening song see’s P!NK flying metres over the audience stunning the crowds with some outrageous outfits, glitter falling from the sky, dancers flinging themselves out at the fans below and some mind-blowing acrobatics – it doesn’t get much better than this.

This is a truly mesmorising, high-energetic performance and proves that no one puts on a show quite like P!NK does.

The Funhouse Tour 2009 will come to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Ireland and ending in the UK at the O2 for three nights in May. The tour will continue on to Australia before coming back to Europe in September.

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=52478117&blogId=473311070

With mind-blowing acrobatics, an incredible band and dancers flying above the fans, the Funhouse Tour is a show stopping spectacular has to be seen to be believed.  P!nk consistently delivers an impressive and powerful performance, astounding audiences with her phenomenal stage presence that has critics searching for new superlatives. The show is packed with hits including the emotionally charged “Who Knew,” “Sober” and classic track “Get The Party Started” together with songs from P!nk’s latest platinum selling album, Funhouse. With over 4 million albums sold worldwide, this is one of the biggest selling albums of the year and boasts P!nk’s first US #1 Billboard single for “So What” and current single “Please Don’t Leave Me.”

The Funhouse Tour has broken records abroad as P!nk has become the biggest solo touring artists ever in Australia, selling out a whopping 58 arena shows.  Sales of the European leg of the tour have surpassed 1 million tickets sold with 28 sold out arena shows in Germany as well as five sold out dates at London’s O2 Arena. 

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=52478117&blogId=485232279

Stand-out moment for us was going in to Walk On when Bono noticed a big sign in the audience and asked what it said. Turned out to be a quote from Aung San Suu Kyi, ‘Fear is a habit – I am not afraid.’ Everyone was with the Burmese leader tonight. ‘Pull out your masks as we become her, all of these masks, one face…’
Another memorable moment was when the lights came on for With or Without You and when they went off for One. ‘Let’s bring out your phones and try a little magic act which has become a tradition in this band – turn out the lights and turn this into the milky way.’

What were your favourite moments in the show ? Add them below, here’s the set-list to remind you of a great first night in Sweden.

Breathe
No Line On The Horizon
Get On Your Boots
Magnificent
Beautiful Day
Mysterious Ways
One
Until The End of the World
Desire
Stuck In A Moment (You Can’t Get Out Of)
Unknown Caller
Unforgettable Fire
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight (Remix)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Pride (In The Name of Love)
MLK
Walk On
Where The Streets Have No Name
——–
Ultraviolet
With Or Without You
Moment of Surrender

http://www.u2.com/news/title/opening-night-gothenberg

Breathe
No Line On The Horizon
Get On Your Boots
Magnificent
Beautiful Day
New Years Day
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
Stay (Far Away So Close)
Unknown Caller
Electrical Storm
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight (Remix)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Pride (In The Name of Love)
MLK
Walk On
Where The Streets Have No Name
One
——–
Ultraviolet
With Or Without You
Moment of Surrender

http://www.u2.com/news/title/far-away-so-close-in-gothenburg

“Celebration,” the CD will also include two new songs that were recently recorded in New York City. The first single, also titled, “Celebration,” co-produced by Madonna and Paul Oakenfold, will be released August 3rd. A video for the single, which will be included on the “Celebration” DVD was just filmed in Milan, Italy and was directed by long time Madonna collaborator Jonas (“Ray of Light”) Akerlund. Several dance club remixes of “Celebration” are already headed to the clubs. The song will also be available on CD and vinyl maxi. Radio will receive the “Celebration” single on August 3rd.

The cover for “Celebration” was created by street pop artist “Mr. Brainwash” who is best known for “throwing modern cultural icons into a blender and turning it up to eleven.” (A copy of the cover image of the “Celebration” CDs and DVDs is attached)

Madonna, a multi Grammy award winning singer, writer and producer has had over 12 No. 1 singles and has a record-smashing 39 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Songs Chart – by far the most of any artist in the over 30 year history of the list.