THE EXCELLENCE OF GERMANY

Review By Nadja, Markus, Sofia, Ron (www.u2tour.de)

Vertigo - known as the best U2 tribute band in the world that s what the Indublin Magazine says. Last year we saw the band for the very first time at the Temple Bar Music Centre in Dublin and realized that this is absolutely true. So we decided that if they should ever play in Germany we d be there for sure! And so last weekend we packed our bags together and drove more than 650kms all the way from Nuremberg to Lübeck, where our four Irish guys played.

Funambules is the name of the little pub that has been filled up to the last spot on Saturday as well as on Sunday. The Lübeck-shows are only two out of four gigs on Vertigo's triumphal procession to conquer Germany. The first show on Saturday was really great, it was perfect: Adam and Edge made us listen to the real U2 sound on their guitar and bass guitar. Leadsinger Derek is a class of his own anyway, not only because of his "natural long black hair" but also his fascinating voice and his own style. Our favourite John managed the whole band on stage as usually from his drum kit in the back.

Of course the band opened their set with Vertigo and as soon as they started playing they caught the attention of every single person in the audience and they spread the real U2 spirit, a feeling of power, magic and of course Rock n Roll. The set list was a colourful mix of U2's glorious past and present: from hits like "Elevation" or "Beautiful Day" to classics such as "Pride" or "With or without you" and old rarities like "11 O'clock Tick Tock" or "Out of control". This song marked the end of the marvellous first night in Lübeck and it was exactly how we felt, too!!

Derek opened the second show with the words: Last night was just a warm up! Of course only the few who were lucky enough to get tickets for both nights knew what he meant. Like the night before, people without tickets were standing outside the pub to catch a glimpse of the band playing. Knowing the location and knowing many of the people in the audience, the band turned up their amplifiers and so the Intro was even more catching, the band even more powerful and the whole show even more fascinating than last night.

We got to hear a whole lot more rarities such as "A sort of homecoming" and "In Gods country" which were fantastic. The absolute highlight of the show was the performance of "Bad" right before the break. The song started silently and then grew more and more and more until it transferred all its energy to everybody in the room. I'm wide awake!!! And the drums just didn't want to stop at all and so we probably got the longest live version of Bad ever- and the best. More than once the other band members squinted to their drummer but he didn't even think of stopping the song. John we love you for that!!

We don t know about the Indublin Magazine but we know that they are right: we have just seen the best U2 cover band in the world again. And it wasn't the last time that's for sure.

See you guys again in Dublin or Germany (you know you're always welcome).

DIZZYING HEIGHTS!

Review By Ken Hume, Tullamore Tribune (06/11/2006)

Hello, hello (Hola!) Welcome to a place called or should I say a band called Vertigo, a Live U2 Tribute band who rocked the Bridge House Hotel last Friday night. Vertigo who have built up quite a reputation as one of if not the best U2 tribute bands in the world comprise of Derek P. on vocals as Bono; John K. on drums as Larry Mullen; Mark D. on bass as Adam Clayton & Brian M. on guitar as The Edge and are from Dublin. You can check them out on their website which is www.vertigo-live.com, its well worth a look!

Whilst waiting for the performance to begin there was a palpable sense of anticipation which was only heightened by the bands sound check which included their current hit The Saints are Coming Home Now. There was a rowdy; raucous atmosphere due in no small part to a Lucan Men’s Golf Club outing, whom I want to give a big shout out to! When they did arrive out on stage they were met with a huge roar of approval dressed up in the appropriate attire of the band itself. And in what seems to have become a staple but very welcome opener for concerts involving U2 or U2 tribute bands they hit the ground running with a very energetic; bouncy version of Vertigo from “How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.” This was followed up by a lovely rendition of Gloria off the “Under A Blood Red Sky” album; the wonderfully upbeat Beautiful Day from “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” and in a repeat of their sound check a rousing interpretation of the typically anthemic The Saints are Coming Home Now.

Moving on now into the heart of their performance we discover I Will Follow; the heart rendingly poignant balled of Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own again from the How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb album; the delightfully infectious and bluesy Angel in Harlem taken off U2’s “Rattle & Hum.” They followed this with a brilliant interpretation of Elevation with a wonderful slow burning edgy intro which went on for about a minute until it suddenly exploded into life taking everybody in the crowd with them! Two songs later and we had a break returning after 10 minutes with the classic Where the Streets Have no Name from “The Joshua Tree”; City Of Blinding Lights and the hypnotic, pounding drum beats of the political Sunday Blood Sunday from War.

And last but by no means least Vertigo signed off with the twangy; funky Mysterious Ways; the ethereal anthem of One both from the experimental Achtung Baby and how any band could give tribute to U2 unless they played the song that touches on something deep within in the human heart With Or Without You.

Vertigo brought a different dimension to the whole U2 tribute band genre by giving fantastic attention to detail to all the songs. They not only play the right chords but manage to remind you of an actual live U2 performance. I thought Derek P’s (the front man) vocal interpretation of Bono’s voice was amazingly accurate & powerful. They had a contagious energy about them which very quickly transferred into the audience who soaked up every last drop!

What’s the name of their song, Even Better than the Real Thing? And while it may not quite reach those dizzying heights, it does come close!

VERTIGO ROCK THE MUSIC CENTRE!

Review By Sofia Lechler, "The No. 1 German Fansite", www.u2tour.de

An undeniable fact for every U2 fan is that we love the way they can make every single member of the audience at a concert sing along with every word, every lyric and every tone! You won’t miss that at all... Vertigo’s brilliant performance provides you the same amazing atmosphere when they tread U2’s (big) footsteps.

We, that’s a bunch of U2 maniacs, came over from Germany to join the show and celebrate one of our mates birthday which was even on the 4th. Could someone ask for more? It was perfect, a great trip to Dublin combined with a sensational gig! We had a fantastic time and an unforgettable night - thanks lads!

The location was a good choice: not too big, not too small and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This was great place for an ultimate performance with a very good acoustic, light show and video screen play to underpin the songs.

During the shows intro “Wake up” you could see the band walking along backstage ready to enter the stage on the video screen. The whole concert was a mixture of the new; Vertigo, Beautiful Day, The Saints are Coming, SYCMOYO, Elevation, City of Blinding Lights, and the old; Out of Control, I Will Follow, Sunday Bloody Sunday, The Unforgettable Fire, Bad, Pride and few in between; Where the Street have no Name, Mysterious Ways, With or Without you.

Vertigo as opener was perfect to get everybody on their feet followed by “Beautiful day” to continue the high energy. This carried away the crowd after a few tones. Mysterious Ways was played in a groovy, funky way and made everyone dance. Bad… chapeau for that .. simply excellent!

Even the hoary old Sunday bloody Sunday which often sounds dated holds still its epic power that night.

The band got the crowd on their side which was in high spirits throughout the gig. Some girls next to me had to take off their high heels to continue dancing after a while…they obviously had fun like everyone else while enjoying the show.

One highlight for us this eve was definitely Pride which “Bono” dedicated to our birthday mate… “this is for Robby from Germany”. Derek I still owe you one, won’t forget!!!

Closing with Out of Control was very unusual but gorgeous and left you back in high spirits.

Before the guys left the stage Larry came over to us and handed over his maltreated drum sticks to Markus because he wore a “Larry Mullen Jr. Band” shirt. He insisted that I should mention that! Here you are… Thank you John; and “Happy belated Birthday”! We hope you had an enjoyable time and a great birthday party in Berlin?!

I think Markus still feels pampered…

Vertigo left the stage with an absolutely deserved rapturous applause after approx. 2 hours.

What really stands out is the balance of the band which is amazing; I don’t know how much time they spent to achieve this but it was worth every minute!

While Bono (Derek P.) is front playing to the crowd accompanied by the Edge (Brain M.) with this distinctive flashy guitar playing and the rhythm section of Adam (Mark D.) and Larry (John K.) they are providing a foundation for playing those songs that authentic.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see them play if they’re somewhere around your place and you want the grand gesture and the grand moment and the grand feeling that’s what you can expect.

Vertigo has extended their fan community to Germany too! We are looking forward to see you guys in Germany next year!!

All the best!

VERTIGO TO ROCK FORUM WITH SUPERB U2 TRIBUTE SHOW

Preview Waterford Today

Due to phenomenal demand, Vertigo return with their brilliant “Live” U2 tribute show to the Forum, Waterford on Thursday, 28th December. Vertigo bring to you all the magic of U2 with awesome accuracy, not only capturing U2's unique signature sound but also their look and stage charisma, in a two hour extravaganza that is simply not too be missed.

With a reputation as one of, if not the best, U2 tribute bands in the world, Vertigo perform songs from every period of U2's career. From the early days of New Years Day and I Will Follow, Vertigo then catapult you forward to songs like Elevation and Beautiful Day, passing through the unbelievable period of The Joshua Tree, with Where The Streets Have No Name and With or Without You. And in keeping bang up to date, Vertigo have added a rousing interpretation of the current U2/Green Day single; The Saints are Coming Home Now, to their two hour set.

Just like their musical heroes, Vertigo hail from Dublin which gives the guys an instant advantage over other U2 tribute bands, but it doesn't end there. All four members are also impeccable and experienced musicians and the utmost attention has been paid to detail. It's not enough these days to play music to the note, which this band does second to none. Vertigo - Live, recreates a live U2 show. Frontman Derek P. as Bono is superb, his searing vocals are extremely powerful and moving. In addition to paying tribute to Bono's unique vocal style with incredible accuracy Derek P. looks the part too, leaping about the stage with real passion and intent, occasionally sinking to his knees to deliver an emotional clenched-fist salute. When one experiences a Vertigo live show, they come away feeling as though they've just seen a live U2 show in an intimate setting - complete with a superb lighting and sound system.

Touring both nationally and internationally, Vertigo have surprised and delighted U2 fans with its authenticity. In this two hour extravaganza, Vertigo recreate the live U2 concert setting with a truly memorable performance from start to finish, proving just why so many rate Vertigo as THE premier band celebrating the music and spirit of the great U2. The return of Vertigo to Forum, Waterford on Thursday, 28th December should satisfy the many who have inundated the venue with requests for their return.