Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago
U2's Vertigo Tour concert film from Chicago.
Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago is a concert film by Irish rock band U2, recorded at the United Center in Chicago during the Vertigo Tour. Released on DVD in November 2005, it became the band's best-selling DVD in the United States as of January 2007 and topped music DVD charts in 11 countries.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- U2
- Released
- 14 November 2005
- Recorded
- 9–10 May 2005
- Venue
- United Center (Chicago, Illinois)
- Genre
- Rock
- Length
- 139 minutes
- Label
- Island; Interscope
- Director
- Hamish Hamilton
Facts from the source article.
Background and recording
The Vertigo Tour began in March 2005 in support of U2's album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, whose lead single gave the tour its name. The two concerts used for the film were recorded at the United Center on 9 and 10 May 2005, the latter date falling on Bono's 45th birthday. Audio was recorded by Robbie Adams, produced and mixed by Carl Glanville, and mastered by Arnie Acosta. Hamish Hamilton directed the video, with Ned O'Hanlon as producer; both had worked on Elevation 2001: Live from Boston. The second disc's documentary was directed by Erica Forstadt and produced by Ned O'Hanlon. Bonus material included surveillance cuts directed by Willie Williams, edited by Mark Reynolds, and produced by Sam Pattinson, as well as an alternative music video for "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" directed by Phil Joanou and produced by Ned O'Hanlon. Footage was drawn from two of the band's four Chicago concerts. The DVD leaves in mistakes made by the band, such as Bono skipping words during the bridge of "Elevation" when clearing his throat. Extra lighting was used for filming, and Willie Williams's crew employed the United Center's LCD rings to display patterns correlating with stage lighting and static during "Zoo Station.
Critical reception
Vertigo 2005 received generally favourable reviews. David Barton of The Sacramento Bee called it an essential document of the essential rock band of the time, praising Bono's stage presence and the band's maturity, but criticising Hamilton's quick cuts as condescending. Bernard Zuel of The Sydney Morning Herald described the band as still the best at this level, expansive and intimate, and found the filming creative but not ostentatious. Brent Simon of IGN called the DVD a fine showcase for the greatest rock 'n' roll band of the last 25 years, showing why they still mattered, though he thought Hamilton's over-direction robbed songs of energy. Cammila Albertson of Allmusic felt the DVD accomplished its purpose but that some lighting or camera movements did not capture moments well. Raoul Hernandez of The Austin Chronicle judged it the least of U2's three live DVDs to that point, noting that performances from Boy electrified the first hour but that the UN infomercial in the back half bogged down save for "Running to Stand Still." John Murphy of MusicOMH, in an overall positive review, suggested most fans did not need to purchase it if they already owned Elevation 2001: Live from Boston or U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle, Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago released?
Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago was released on 14 November 2005.
Which label released Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago?
Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago was released by Island and Interscope.
More in Island Records Video Albums
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced