OC TRIBUTE ROCK WITH THE JOSHUA TREE
There have been a few prized moments over the years among U2 tribute bands where four guys put on a show so inspiring that you not only pondered if the band could get any better, but if U2 themselves could DO any better. This summarizes Saturday evening at the OC Fair Hangar event featuring U2 tribute band The Joshua Tree. A masterful performance before a capacity crowd, along with standing room only in the rear. Performing the entire Joshua Tree album, singer Xiren seem to envelop Bono’s signature essence of one to one intimacy with the audience, sharing the devastation of the recent tragedy in Colorado in a way that invited every listener to connect to one another, creating community within this audience. Bruce Springsteen comes to mind: equally captivating. However, U2’s music is much fuller than Springsteen’s…especially in the Joshua Tree album. I immediately flashed back to November 17, 1987 as I viewed my very first concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Thank you Joshua Tree for taking me back to that night filled with spirituality and social conscience. At the tender age of 15, I was deeply moved, and again at age 39 on Saturday night at the OC Fair.
The reenactment of The Joshua Tree album reminded me of just how radical a force U2 had represented in music. This album is not filled up with crap. It doesn’t include anything reckless. Themes of government, honor, breaking boundaries were illustrated clearly by this band. The entire crowd seemed to seem along on several songs with such passion that the entire Hangar became a chorus. From the first song, I immediately came to the realization that this band reached their goal of inspiring their audience, and the audience began to feel good about each other and as the band gained confidence as the songs kept coming, the audience’s participation grew until they were united! Xiren, dressing in full Bono clad, bolted “Where the Streets Have No Name” with such determination and energy that every U2 fan under the roof connected in some personal way to the lyrics: I want to run/I want to hide/I want to tear down the walls/That hold me inside. As is the case with many U2 songs among fans. Along with Chas, Xiren connected yet again with the wide audience by escaping the confines of the stage and entered the welcoming crowd, achieving the intimacy of the classic U2 shows of old. Chas on guitar, Howard on bass, and Mike on drums, equally played with the intensity and drive of the real U2. Thank you, Joshua Tree, for brilliantly showcasing U2’s classic album. As united U2 fans, including the four members on the stage, there was a sense of magic on Saturday night that will stand among one of the greatest shows ever for The Joshua Tree band.