U2’s ‘PopMart’ Message Is in Its Music

I would like to make a few comments regarding Robert Hilburn’s review, “U2’s ‘PopMart’ Show Doesn’t Match Its ‘Zoo TV’ Triumph” (Calendar, June 23).

Everyone agrees that the “Zoo TV” tour was a spectacular show. Fans were bombarded with constant images on the numerous video screens while the band tore through two hours of fantastic music. The concert was almost as much visual as it was audio with the interactive television segment and the elaborate props.

However, I must disagree with Hilburn that there was a sense of disappointment in the air at the “PopMart” show. U2 was faced with a nearly impossible task after the “Zoo TV” tour. How do you top a show that most critics would agree was the most impressive stadium tour to date?

The answer is that they made the show more intimate than “Zoo TV” ever was. Sure, they have the largest video monitor in the world, but unlike “Zoo TV,” the props in “PopMart” were secondary. The music took center stage and did not disappoint.

Hilburn appears to be a U2 fan, but he seems to be missing the point. The group’s music is better than ever and U2 has succeeded in bringing intimacy to a stadium setting, which is not an easy thing to do. As long as U2 continues to evolve musically and to dream up new ways to satisfy its fans, “I Will Follow.”

DAVID EMMONS

Long Beach

U2 has not spoiled us. As far as the music went Saturday night, I thought U2 was great. What left a sour taste in my mouth was the more than $60 (with service fees) we paid for the seats. I was told that the production would be fantastic, and I was paying for that.

Perhaps punk bands like NOFX have it right. Just music, no theatrics, no corporate sponsors and tickets for under $20. Bring back the music. I remember when the music business was about the music, not the business.

BRETT STONE

Los Angeles

You must be kidding. The “Zoo TV” tour was an experiment, a foundation for “PopMart.” U2 has risen above the staging and song development from 1992-1993. U2 has not spoiled us. . . . It has “risen the bar” on showmanship. No other rock band today would have undertaken anything close to the “PopMart” tour. Granted, the economics of ticket selling could be blamed for the lower volume of attendees, not the staging of “PopMart.”

MARK BRUESEHOFF

Long Beach