Rock Encyclopedia

The U2 360 tour made a triumphant return to North America with a sold out show at Invesco Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.

This U2 360 show first toured USA in fall 2009, playing 17 dates across the country culminating in the record breaking sold-out show at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and streamed live worldwide via YouTube.

The North American tour was postponed last May after singer Bono injured his back, but the dates were quickly reinstated. Bono thanked the Denver audience for their patience, “Through the wonders of science I’m not just fixed, I’m better! Bono 2.0…”

“It took a little longer to get here than we originally planned, but it’s great to be back in North America. The band would like to thank all the fans who stood by them – it wasn’t taken for granted,’ said U2 manager Mr McGuinness.

In front of a 77,000 strong audience, tonight’s concert featured a video message from Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (recently released from house arrest in Rangoon) speaking directly to U2 fans who lobbied for her freedom throughout both the U2 360 and Vertigo tours.

Speaking before U2′s song “One,” Aung San Suu Kyi said, “You who, across such distances sent such support to Burma… we thank you, students, teachers, workers, mothers fathers, sisters, brothers, music fans – U2 fans like me. When you raise your voices we hear them in our country and around the world, they are louder than any rock band, than any army, than rocket fire or fighter jet…”

So far U2 360 has played to 5 million people across Europe, Russia, North America, South America, Australia and New Zealand. By the tour end on July 30, more than 7 million people will have seen this revolutionary production with 110 shows in 30 countries across five continents.

The tour, which started in Barcelona on June 30th, 2009 will visit an additional 18 cities across North America before finishing on July 30th in Moncton.

Set to Hit the Road This Summer with Very Special Guests: Heart

Tickets set to go on-sale March 4th!

Def Leppard , Great Britain’s premiere arena rock band, have announced that they will make their triumphant return to the US with a summer tour kicking off on June 15 in West Palm Beach, Florida.  Joining Def Leppard for this highly anticipated tour are Seattle rock legends Heart. Leppard’s influential career includes numerous hit singles and ground-breaking multi-platinum albums — including two of the best-selling albums of all time, Pyromania and Hysteria . The anthemic rock megastars have earned their stripes as one of the most enduring and successful touring acts in history. Heart showed the world that women can rock when they stormed the charts with hits like “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Alone” and many more, a stream of hits showcasing the sisters’ enormous talents as both musicians and singers, selling more than 30 million records.  Tickets for the Live Nation produced tour will go on sale on beginning March 4th at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.  Additional dates to be announced soon.

“After having had the last 18 months off, Leppard are ready to get back on the road!  Add Heart to the bill and it truly makes for a special evening,” says singer Joe Elliott. (more…)

Winning Fan Videos to be Featured on Jumbo Screens During Band’s Performance of ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’

After earning the honor of being the #1 worldwide tour of 2010, Bon Jovi prepares to hit the road this February and will once again utilize the latest in web-based video technology to engage with their fans and bring them along for the ride.  Continuing their successful partnership with Animoto, the award-winning online video creation service, the iconic band is offering audiences in each upcoming North American tour market a spot in the limelight.

Using the fun and easy suite of tools available from Animoto, fans can quickly transform their photos and/or videos to create a personal video slideshow about their hometown set to Bon Jovi’s smash 1986 hit “Livin’ On A Prayer.” Throughout the two month tour, hundreds of user-generated Animoto videos will be featured on the tour’s giant screens to accompany the band’s live performance “Livin’ On A Prayer.”

“We have the greatest fans in the world and we’re excited to make them a part of our show through the wonders of technology,” said Richie Sambora.  “We can’t wait to see all of the videos they’re creating.”

Starting today, fans are encouraged to create and upload their own personalized Bon Jovi music video slideshow for this unique opportunity to win a pair of tickets to the show, and see themselves jam on the big screen alongside Bon Jovi. Additionally, the official winners in each city will receive a deluxe prize VIP package including access to the VIP pre show party, an exclusive VIP messenger bag, and several commemorative VIP items. To learn more and to submit your video, visit the official “Livin’ On a Prayer” Website at http://prayer.bonjovi.com.

“We’re thrilled about the longstanding Bon Jovi & Animoto partnership,” commented Brad Jefferson, CEO and Co-founder of Animoto.  ”This social media promotion gives fans an opportunity to share their most creative Animoto videos set to one of the most popular songs of our generation, “Livin’ On A Prayer.” (more…)