Watch U2 - Island 50 Festival: Live

U2 - Island 50 Festival: Live from 2007 captures the exhilarating live performance of the legendary Irish rock band U2 at the Island Records' 50th-anniversary music festival. The concert was held at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire in May 2007 and was organized to celebrate the iconic record label that launched the band's career over three decades ago.

The concert begins with the band's opening act, "Vertigo," a song that became one of the biggest hits of their career. Lead vocalist Bono's electrifying presence immediately energizes the stage and sets the tone for the entire performance. From "Vertigo," U2 launches into anthemic sing-alongs like "Beautiful Day" and "Elevation," which the audience eagerly chimes in on.

The concert is not only a celebration of U2, but it's a testament to their long-lasting collaboration with Island Records. During their set, Bono pauses to reflect on some of the tracks that the label has released over the years, including Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry" and Roxy Music's "Virginia Plain." He also takes the opportunity to pay tribute to legendary Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who he credits with giving U2 their first break.

As the concert progresses, The Edge's signature guitar riffs and Adam Clayton's thumping bass give the performance an irresistible energy that keeps the audience dancing and singing along from start to finish. Other highlights include "One," which Bono dedicates to the people of Burma, and "Sunday Bloody Sunday," which the band performs with exceptional passion and intensity.

The concert is not just about the music, however, as U2's showmanship and stage presence are also on full display. Bono's charisma and commanding presence dominate the stage, as he engages with the crowd, encourages sing-alongs, and waves to fans in the upper balcony. The Edge's cool and collected demeanor complements Bono's energy, while Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. keep the rhythm tight and steady.

As the concert approaches its finale, U2 slows down the tempo for the classic "With or Without You," a song that still resonates with fans over 30 years after its initial release. The band then picks the pace back up for "Bad" and "Where the Streets Have No Name," closing the show with a stirring rendition of "I Will Follow."

U2 - Island 50 Festival: Live from 2007 captures the timeless energy of one of the greatest live bands in history. From Bono's soaring vocals to The Edge's iconic guitar sound, the concert is a testament to U2's exceptional musicianship and their enduring legacy. The film is a must-see for fans, as well as anyone who appreciates great rock music.

U2 - Island 50 Festival: Live is a 2019 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4 and a MetaScore of 83.