Another sort of homecoming

U2

Croke Park, Dublin, Fri/Sat/Mon 4pm €131.50/

€91.50/€59.80/€33.60 (Fri/Sat shows sold out) 0818-719300

And so the ritual starts again. But is it just me or is there something slightly understated about U2’s latest homecoming, as they present their (by all accounts) quite innovative 360° “Claw” show? Certainly, for this U2 fan, the latest album, No Line on the Horizon, is easily their weakest since Pop. And this time round the whole enterprise seems a bit subdued, the normally loud bells and whistles a little muted.

Experience, however, has taught us not to underestimate this most stubborn and inordinately lucky band.

One really sore point: whoever is responsible for selecting the Irish support acts (Damien Dempsey, The Script, BellX1, Republic of Loose) should be ashamed. Not one of these acts needs the profile such a “special guest” slot can provide. Where is the support system for lesser-known Irish bands that genuinely need a leg-up on their home turf? Nowhere on the horizon, that’s where.

Can’T See ThaT? CaTch This

Primal Scream/

Spiritualized Friday, Galway