If you gotta see a tribute band, it might as well be one that brings stadium-size rockers to a more intimate setting. Vertigo USA ain’t U2. But it looks, sounds, and puts on a big-ass rock show like U2. And like those Beatles cover bands that recreate specific eras onstage, Vertigo USA takes audiences on a trip through U2’s various guises over the years — from earnest young Irish lads to mullet-sporting arena rockers to leather-clad messiahs with guitars. Video projections, props, and costumes add to the authenticity. Vertigo USA even has a belly dancer shaking her moneymaker during “Mysterious Ways” — just like the gal Bono and the guys have hauled onstage for the past 15 years. All that’s missing are the sanctimonious lectures between songs.
This article appears in Jan 16-22, 2008.
Too bad the singer and drummer are not it Vertigo USA anymore! He was the best Bono ever, ugh!!!!!!!!!!!! Apparently this happened last week! Who knows who will sing now.