From eXPERIENCE to iNNOCENCE: Inside U2's American Tour

Culture
19 Jun 18

Comes a time when there is a bit of explaining to do. But who is doing the talking? And can we believe a word of what we are being told? All of this, and a lot more besides, is at stake in U2’s eXPERIENCE & iNNOCENCE tour, which hit the road in the US a few short weeks ago. An extraordinary technological adventure, it tells the story of a rock ‘n’ roll band, from their early battles in Dublin to striding the biggest stages in the world. Shot through with a chilling dystopian thread, it poses what may be the ultimate question: is there any hope for us at all? Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Willie Williams and Ric Lipson set the scene. And Macphisto adds his two cents worth. Reading between the lines, would you welcome, please: Mr. Pat Carty.

Tulsa, Oklahoma. Situated on the Arkansas River, between the Osage Hills and the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, it was built by the Lochapoka Band of the Native American tribe known as Creeks. But it is best known for a song written by the peerless songwriting duo of Hal David and Burt Bacharach, which was a big hit in the UK for Gene Pitney.

The narrator in the song had been on a long road trip across the American hinterland. Tired from driving all day, he decided he was too bushwhacked to continue and needed some kip.

In all innocence, it seems, he stopped off for the night in an unspecified, distant town and then… well, something happened. To him. Something totally unpredictable and disruptive. A life-changing experience.