Crazy for Swayze

U2- 1/29/1990

Politically charged, but with a mellow rocker sound and look, Dublin-based band U2 drew a crowd to the Miami Vice last night. Their return to Ireland to play in their hometown was poignant for the group, who came together in the mid 1970s as a group of high school boys eager to make music. These days, they are doing just that.

They came onstage to a packed house and to the cheers of thousands of fans who crammed themselves in to see this now world famous band. And the second that lead singer Bono stepped up to the microphone, the large white flag that has become his peace symbol in hand, they went wild for the once local boys. And as Dave Evans strummed a few chords on his guitar, the crowd began to settle a bit, some swaying and some singing along to the political, very emotional “Sunday, Bloody Sunday.”

Having completed both a tour titled “The War Tour” and one for the Live Aid concert, the band has established themselves as philanthropic, political, and very involved in world events. The crowd certainly saw this both in Bono’s charismatic performance of “Pride (In the Name of Love)” and in the band’s encouragement of the people of the city to become more aware of the world around them.

Something interesting about their performance was the very stark difference between song from their “War” and “The Unforgettable Fire” albums, and those from albums “The Joshua Tree” and “Rattle and Hum”. While the former two albums have a sound very similar to the rock band The Who, the latter two seem to delve more into American country and gospel music. “The Joshua Tree” includes such songs as “With or Without You” and “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”.

Such a diverse and long lasting sound is difficult to find in many bands these days, and U2 certainly has it all. It was a treat to hear Irish rockers back in Dublin, and we here at Miami Vice look forward to hearing them play again.

Elvis Presley- 6/15/1956

His hips roll and his knees shake. He croons and screams into his microphone on stage, and a hundred million teenage girls scream right back at him. This man inspires fainting fits and has been accused of everything under the sun by furious parents and preachers. Elvis Presley had everyone at The Miami Vice “All Shook Up”, if you’ll pardon the pun. There has been nothing like this in the history of music, and I doubt that anyone will rival this King of Rock and Roll.

Last night, when The King kicked off his first European tour at the Miami Vice, the club was packed in little more than five minute after the doors opened. Playing to an audience primarily of teens, Elvis kicked off the show with the “rockabilly” hit “Hound Dog”. As he wailed, the audience went crazy.

Presley, born and raised in Tulepo, Mississippi, grew up as a quiet mama’s boy, frequently picked on by his peers. He has certainly come a long way from that! Still, this king of rock cites his mother as one of the most influential people in his life. He also gives credit to the Assembly of God Church in Tulepo, for the gospel music that got him hooked.  However, you can also hear the influence of the classical and country music that he was listening to as he grew. He told fans, “I just loved music. Music period.” As any great artist should.

The way we here at the Miami Vice see it, Presley is on his way up in the world. His combination of unique vocals, mixed musical genres and straight sex appeal makes him absolutely irresistible (except maybe to those concerned parents)!