by Benjy Eisen, Spinner
Coming off the biggest, most profitable rock 'n' roll tour in history, U2 are sometimes considered the world's biggest band. But there's one thing they haven't done that most of the other "world's biggest bands" usually do, and that's headline major festivals. Thus, as odd as it may seem to say it, they might actually be a little unprepared for their headlining slot at Glastonbury this coming Friday night.
Additionally, U2 have gotten used to letting the Claw -- their massive, custom-made, biggest-of-its-kind stadium set -- help them entertain audiences, with its double stages, state-of-the-art light rig and the largest video screen to ever tour with a band. "[Glastonbury] is about a band being able to get up and play the music and there aren't bells and whistles, necessarily," drummer Larry Mullen Jr. tells BBC Radio 1. "That's a challenge for us and we've got something to prove."
To that end, the band has been fervently discussing, dissecting, constructing -- and deconstructing -- the setlist. "Everybody seems to have a slightly different opinion, which is not good news," admits Mullen. Some members want the Glastonbury show to be a hit parade, beginning with the band's anthemic "Where the Streets Have No Name." Others are arguing for a setlist which slowly builds anticipation, and yet others think a dusted-off old rarity should kick things off. "There are an awful lot of opinions," mulls Mullen.
Of course, U2 are right to sweat it. The band had to cancel their planned headlining slot at the festival last year, due to emergency back surgery that singer Bono had to undergo, and, no doubt about it, all eyes will be on them, come Friday. Let's hope they've figured out what to play, by then.
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