U2 album for later this year?
Paul McGuinness talks to Hot Press after U2’s triumphant Turin show.
Olaf Tyaransen, 19 Aug 2010
"Sorry, Olaf, can you hear me? I'm in a police escort leaving the stadium, which has just stalled for some reason."
Attempting to exit Turin's massive Stadio Olimpico, U2 manager Paul McGuinness is stuck in a moment he can't get out of – for a moment at least. It's about 11.30pm local time in Italy, his superstar charges have literally just walked offstage [after playing the first 360 show since Bono injured his back during rehearsals, resulting in serious spinal surgery and the postponement of the entire North American leg of the tour], and band and management are now making their escape.
Tonight's gig has obviously gone well.
“Ahhh... there we go," he says, bouncing his mobile from one ear to another. “We're moving again. Anyway, what can I tell you?"
How did things go for Bono tonight?
The show went extremely well, it was really superb. No weakness, no mishaps physically. And I thought he sang particularly well. The production performed perfectly. It was kind of a perfect night, really.
How's the weather? Niall Stokes mentioned a rainstorm yesterday...
It was really warm. It's been a beautiful day [laughs].
Were there any new songs played tonight?
There were two new songs. One of them was called ‘Glastonbury', which was written for the non-appearance. That was performed for the first time in public tonight. And the other is called ‘North Star'. Both of them, I guess, will be on YouTube within the hour [they are!]
Given the circumstances, was there a lot of nervousness in the U2 camp in the build-up to tonight's show?
Not really. We had several good rehearsals and run-throughs this week. We were very relaxed. Couldn't have been better. I'm so relaxed, actually, that I'm talking to you from the middle of a police motorcade with blue flashing lights! Even Italy seems to be a bit relaxed tonight.
Exactly what happened to Bono's back?
Well, you've got the press statement we issued at the time which gave a complete medical account. It's very precise. We have put this all out in tremendously precise detail with comments and quotes from the doctors involved. Because it is the subject of a massive insurance claim, I'm not going to say anything that isn't in that statement.
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