U2 SHOWS

Regarding Robert Hilburn’s article concerning the pros and cons of U2’s premature (?) move to stadium shows (“U2’s Colossal Return,” Aug. 8):

The first time I saw U2 was the the US Festival back in ’83. It was outdoors; they were still relatively unknown. Yet they managed to establish a rapport with the masses, providing the most engaging act of the day. Hilburn talked about it for weeks.

I recently saw U2 in Paris, again a large outdoor event. It was undeniably the best concert I had ever seen.

So what are people worried about? It is true that they should never resort exclusively to stadium tours, but I could never feel “distanced” by them. They truly care about their fans, and create intimacy where there is none provided.

We cannot expect them to tour 12 months a year to accommodate everyone in smaller halls. They owe us nothing. They give too much of themselves as it is.

KARL IRVING

San Diego