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5 unforgettable moments from U2s 'Joshua Tree' show in Manila
After four decades of rocking the globe, U2 finally played for their Filipino fans in Manila Wednesday night.
RELATED: U2 takes the Philippines to church on first Manila gig
It was all worth the wait.
At the earlier part of the show, Bono said they were going for a "epic night of rock n' roll transcendence" and they delivered.
The crowd got to hear the Irish band's biggest hits like "Pride," "With or Without You," and "One" live.
For those who missed the show, here are just a few of the most memorable moments of the evening.
For those who were there, these are just a few they won't soon forget.
1. When portions of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech flashed on the screen
After performing "Pride," portions of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech flashed on the huge screen until it became a wall of pure red.
The four men stood in the middle of the extended stage, as though in reverence for the words and the man who uttered them, and then Bono gave a shout out to Martin Luther King before they marched back, before launching to "Where the Streets Have No Name."
It was then it became evident that the concert, presented by Smart Music Live, was no ordinary rock show. But of course, we're talking about U2.
2. Bono being Bono
Even at 59, the velvet-voiced performer came out looking like a total rock star in his signature hair style and sunglasses.
At one point, he even whipped out his harmonica, put on some makeup and busted some sweet dance moves on across the stage!
3. U2's salute to truth-tellers, activists, and women
U2 is known for being vocal on their stance on political issues.
In between songs, Bono said some powerful words, including his prayers for truth-tellers, journalists and volunteers who live in a dangerous world — playing snippets of the David Bowie song "Heroes" for them.
RELATED: Bono: We salute the truth-tellers, the activists who keep this country spiritually safe
Meanwhile, the band dedicated "Ultra Violet" to women who have been writing history, including Filipina women Cory Aquino, national hero Melchora Aquino, singer Lea Salonga, Senator Pia Cayetano, activist Lidy Nacpil, climate activist Marinel Ubaldo, and contemporary feminist movements Grrrl Gang Manila, #BabaeAko, and #OneBillionRising.
The band went through their Joshua Tree set list with some very well-thought-of on-screen displays that honored Mother Nature, women, and heroes.
4. When the huge Philippine flag was displayed as the band sang "One"
You can call it an emotional moment, one that really harped one's love for country and for each other. As the Arena lit up, thanks to all the phone flashlights switched on, people's hearts swelled with everything.
5. Wednesday, bloody Wednesday
Much like Katy Perry's show in 2015, many motorists were still plunged into some heavy traffic before and after U2's concert.
Still, we have to remember another thing Bono preached during the show: "It doesnt matter how long it takes to get where you wanna go, as long as you get there in the end."
U2 played the Philippines for the first time as part of the Asia-Pacific leg of their 2019 Joshua Tree tour. — LA, GMA News
