U2 Rocks Out In The Open Air At Rogers Centre

Snow Patrol were anything but chilly as they performed under the evening sky

Bono and Adam Clayton knocked the boots off fans with their spectacular set

With the CN TOWER lit up in the background and the night sky in full brilliance, U2 gave their audience a performance of a lifetime. An event that hadn’t happened since a September 10, 2003 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN concert, Rogers Centre opened its roof and the iconic rock band took to the stage in the open air.

The evening started strong as SNOW PATROL performed their strong set while daylight slowly slipped away. Fans at field level wrapped around the unique 360° stage, thrilled to hear “Chasing Cars" and excited to see U2 live. The massive and unique stage, designed “in the round” by long-time U2 collaborators WILLIE WILLIAMS and MARK FISHER, gave an up close and personal feel in a stadium designed to house over 60,000.

LARRY MULLEN JR. reached his drum kit as the strains of DAVID BOWIE’s “Space Oddity” faded into the background. A cheer that could be heard out to the TORONTO ISLAND met his entrance and only grew louder as ADAM CLAYTON, THE EDGE and finally BONO made their way across the stage. Not missing a beat, the Irish legends launched into “Breathe” from their latest album NO LINE ON THE HORIZON and followed up with “No Line on the Horizon,” “Get on Your Boots” and “Magnificent.”

Ever the showman, BONO was electric on stage with his trademark shades and boundless energy. Racing from one end of the stage to the other and getting closer to the audience via ramps, his stage presence eclipsed the gigantic four-pronged claw looming dramatically over the stage.

Every seat in Rogers Centre provided a clear view of the show. The brilliant flashes of light and giant wrap-around screen filled the stadium while the clear sound reached out into the streets of Toronto. Without a doubt, the sight of the open dome, a crisp breeze from the September night and the black sky tinged with touches of grey clouds made the concert both magical and memorable.

Breaking into the favourite classic “Sunday, Bloody, Sunday” the crowd roared their approval. Singing and clapping along to the poignant tune, audience members were reminded of the longevity and creativity of these incomparable performers.

Rounding out the evening with encores both old and new songs, “Ultraviolet,” “With or Without You” and “Moment of Surrender” brought the show to a spectacular close.

Influencing music, politics and bringing attention to world issues, U2 has many remarkable accomplishments but their sold-out show at Rogers Centre was pure rock n’ roll. U2 effortlessly showed why they are consistently number one and a hard act to follow.

Click here to see additional photos from the show.