U2 The Fly Live Boston 2001

U2 The Fly
Elevation Tour, LIVE Boston 2001

[@Galactic123]

"Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief, all kill their inspiration, then sing about their grief." - One of the most amazing lyrics U2 has ever come up with.

[@jonathanmooney71]

or anyone

[@justincredible.]

Let's not forget the complete lyrics to "One". 😉

[@alexei95]

@@justincredible. and don´t forget "Until the End of The World" lyric.

[@clarkarnold5431]

The lyrics all the way through this song are fantastic. It’s no secret at all..

[@brettscott8288]

The Father is definitely close to them in this concert. I pray He reached MANY here

[@stevewright6290]

I watch this clip about every 10 days.. Why you ask , why the f&ck wouldnt I. This is an all time band at the height of their amazing powers..

[@Timbo318]

Amen!

[@elizabetharmstrong3205]

I like you

[@kevinknuth6117]

I watch it every day!

[@jackfisk2840]

'It's no secret at all..."

[@giannagarcia4937]

❤❤

[@cjc2]

U2 in peak form. They were about 40-41 years old. I wish I could go back in time and re-live these concerts. Those shows were amazing.

[@mariehelena2364]

I was at one of the Boston shows here with my best friend at the time, 15-16 years old. We ended up just outside the tip of the heart. It was nothing short of incredible. ❤

[@Timbo318]

I saw them in Ct for this tour. Definitely one of their best!

[@Standard_Jay]

Was at the Slane gig

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

Not quite peak. Their peak was ZooTV and (to a lesser degree) PopMart. The reason I say that is because Bono‘s voice is already fried by the time this tour came around. In fact, when I saw them in Philly on this tour, he could barely even sing at all. You can see it throughout this show they have to change the songs to make them easier for him to sing. Beginning on the next tour is when they basically transposed down a lot of their work.

[@cjc2]

@@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078 good point. I’ve seen videos of the zootv tour and he sounded fantastic.

[@mrchfrn6066]

I could listen to this version a 1000 times over and still have friggin' chills

[@kingroos4706]

Me too

[@spreadthelove77]

Same🍀👌🏼

[@tallpaulrobertson]

yep i have .man id have pee'd myself if i was there its perfect

[@irakperez]

me too

[@peytonmcpherson2328]

Mrc hfrn I already have lol

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

Hands-down best live version of this song ever. Also a top 15 live moment for the band. The crazy part about this version of The Fly is it only came about out of necessity due to the significant vocal issues Bono was having at the time. That’s why they cut out his falsettos and transposed the chorus. Because his voice was fried. So they arranged this one in order to play it on the Elevation tour. What they came up with is absolute perfection.

[@aninhbenevides]

So true!!! Just perfection!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@racey1979]

What they created was the best version of The Fly by a mile in my opinion

[@AlexSmith_Rhysand]

I didn't know that about Bono's voice. "Necessity is the mother of invention" as they say. This is really the best live version of this song.

[@carlosnovais3165]

​@@racey1979cxx😍😴🤠🤠😔🤖☠️👹😹💨😸😸🙋😰👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

[@PatriciaBozeman-q1d]

I loved the song I want to know what love is I still listen it today sometimes 3 times a week. Great Song and great memories. I remembered when it was released in the 80’s good times. Patricia

[@craigwharmby7386]

Guitar solo 3:58 to 5:00 gives me chills every time. Absolutely awesome! Rock and roll perfection.

[@jamesmartinglover3761]

Only the Edge could deliver this solo ! Perfection !!!!!!

[@jamesmartinglover3761]

Must agree with you Craig! Absolutely mental version of an amazing song ! Edge on fire, up there with Hendrix

[@leonardoduranti5646]

It just feels like jumping on a spaceship and going through a psychedelic/mystical Galaxy...and who could make it better than an ALIEN like the Edge! 🎸👽🛸

[@cwocky]

And remember, Adam and Larry are letting him by keeping that rhythm so as to play over the top them

[@petarmaksimovic4048]

4:03 For me, the best solo ever recorded.

[@petarmaksimovic4048]

***** Ah the Acrobat, I swear one summer, around 2002. out of nowhere it was on repeat in my discman. Every now and then I return to Achtung Baby and rediscover one single song. It's magic.

[@megasvennen]

Best solo?? Never heard of Pantera/Dimebag Darrell?

[@thief257]

this is a total M*****r F*****r of a solo. ....... ufffff ?!!!!

[@petarmaksimovic4048]

megasvennen Pantera is heavy metal band so I don't know hot it even fits in this story. I guess you are implying a guitar tehnique, I don't give two cents about it, only guitarists care about that. I'm talking about the emotional impact of a solo.

[@mpn7jxc]

+megasvennen Pantera is great but the only comparison I can make is for the passion of the music by the fans in comparison to U2.

[@U2martcom]

Was lucky enough to have been inside the heart for this very show!!! Mark my words...the LOUDEST most jaw dropping performance of the night, hell of the tour!! My ears are still ringing lol!! EPIC!!!

[@eoinreilly3925]

Lucky guy!!

[@carlalampreia2090]

You're so lucky.....

[@rodfranco5045]

U txt y TG i

[@candybanks8717]

IKR! Saw this tour at America West Arena in Phoenix! The Fly was the loudest that evening but still not as loud as it was at Sun Devil Stadium for the Zoo TV tour! That loosened my teeth!

[@juliedunne4523]

It's no secret, this song is still growing stronger after 23 years.......

[@MassEffectGER]

Timeless. Especially this version beats by far today's rock music.

[@antonellacervone1693]

This is actually the best live performance of all the times

[@LeeMillerMatsos]

Quite possibly

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

It’s very good. But it’s not the best. In fact, it’s not even *their* best live performance.. That would be their ZooTV tour(1992-93) That show is up there with Pink Floyd’s Pulse and The Wall, The Who: Tommy, The Rolling Stones tour of America, Queen News of the World, etc. And it’s virtually impossible to give any tour a bigger compliment than being ranked amongst those.

[@LeeMillerMatsos]

@@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078 I've watched this video so many times. They are clearly in a blissful zone here. If you watch Edge playing the guitar part in particular, he's not just feeling the song, it's as if he's in the song. This is what inspires me to do music myself, these guys doing this. It's incredible. Apparently, all the haters can't handle how incredible it is. because it makes zero sense to hate on the guys that have given us this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZnQeoaogtB_r68si=awxRmFiVdtu-Vyjn

[@thatonenerd6650]

This deserves like 100m likes but U2 doesn’t have a big fan base on KZbin :/

[@markusmichalak8082]

Definitely my favorite version of this song. In my opinion, it's even better than the original studio recording.

[@jackjohnson3024]

completely agree

[@ShazadAtcha22]

Would you say it's Even Better Than The Real Thing? Baum Tiss!!!

[@watsing123]

yes

[@Vampire.Vegan.]

Played in a different key to the album version too. Brilliant!

[@tone743]

Without a doubt the best ever version of one of there greatest tunes

[@cw9817]

"The Fly" is the best little four-minute pop/rock ditty ever written about the fall of humanity. Oh, wait-it's the only one.

[@carlosalves4444]

The Edge just smashed it up, its out of the park, man that guitar sound is a sonic masterpiece

[@jaripynnonen6404]

So beautiful and raw at same time.

[@derekdiez5494]

Hands in the air, no cellphones. Bring back the old times yeah! Best version of the song!

[@ivanizmir]

"Achtung Baby" was released twenty years ago this year, and it's even more relevant today. "Everything you know is wrong"

[@vinniesmyyth334]

Thirty years next, still the same..

[@thefly2045]

@@vinniesmyyth334 Exactly!!! Achtung Baby is For Ever!!!! Especialy THE FLY!!!!

[@eder.masgalhaesalcantara8242]

Massa os caras U2

[@amadan34]

2020

[@davewilson4765]

Every more so in August 2020.

[@terrykinsella8084]

one small school in Dublin one note on a notice board and 4 stranger 's meet up thank you larry mullen Jr thank you.

[@scottmacduff9613]

history made thanks larry

[@fundamentalification]

Hewson was the loudest.

[@Growing513]

It was really larrys father that told him to post that note.

[@candybanks8717]

#whats the best use you ever made of a post-it?

[@alfredcarpenter7578]

@@candybanks8717 awesomely said

[@dereklasker5350]

guitar solo gets me every time

[@MultiMikey81]

Me to

[@brent6483]

The Edge with the guitar solo in this song is simply stunning. You don't see this in today's music.

[@jonwar9435]

today's music: shit for fucktards

[@goldenhourkodak]

@@jonwar9435 You're the lazy fucktard who cant find any of the great new rock music of today

[@1untamedwolf]

Was lucky enough to see this show in person...drove home not feeling gravity, not feeling the "pain" in my life at that moment and wanted to give that feeling to everyone I knew, even those that I didn't...watching this video some decade-ish of time ago and a lifetime of change within me and the world around me, that same desire to share this anti-gravity moment with the world resurfaces and remains as a true as it did the first I time was fortunate to hear this live. Thanks for being Timeless!

[@jonprimer9662]

I've just read your comments and have to say I totally know where you're coming from! It effects the soul, gives reason to everything, and makes life worth it! God bless U2 I say.

[@Stratman389]

This version of the song sounds slightly different, possibly because it sounds like it's played half a step higher in key than the live version they played at the zoo tv concert.

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

Yep. You’re correct. Its does seem to be played half a step higher. But it also sounds quite different for what I would argue is a bigger reason.. They cut the falsetto in this version. Typically the chorus is performed in falsetto. So this version is both higher in spots and lower at other spots. They arranged it this way for the Elevation tour because Bono was experiencing significant issues with vocal cord polyps at the time. Its why after this tour he began singing quite differently live on every subsequent tour.

[@LeoxJambalaya]

I’ve watched countless lives in my existence, and this is one of the best piece of live music I’ve ever witnessed

[@Mustaffa-Ahnus]

Guys are on fire here and the edge....WOW!!!! Mans an fffffing guitar genius.

[@elliottshaw488]

Wow, too many incredible moments to mention in this performance! 👏🏻 From Bono and Edge’s soft 90 second intro-lude and the way the song rips into full rock’n’roll mode to Edge’s perfect guitar solo and Bono crowd surfing towards the end before finishing pressed up against the colourful screen like a real life fly! #U2 #TheFly 🤘🏻

[@llesnam1]

I've listened to this more than the album version. This rocks and must be one of the best live performances recorded ❤

[@TheChenny73]

That’s what makes them so great.

[@marioreitano8366]

For me the best performance recorded to the U2 for "The Fly"

[@Giantsfan2104]

In response to ESTHEROOHJEAHH and leebee226, Bono's father was still alive, but very ill at the time of this concert. This concert was filmed in June 2001. Bono's father died in late August, a few days before they filmed the concert at Slane Castle. (The first show was actually a day after the funeral.) I'm not belittling U2 in any way, just sharing a bit of info.

[@bozoned]

classic example of how they can take a good song and turn it into one of the top ten performances ever!

[@bramyam]

Though U2 are not my fave band the question is simple: how could any other band top this live performance? Simply put, this is 7 minutes of pure perfection.

[@TurboJimbo]

September 25, 1990 I fell 3 stories thru skylight, waking up, to this kick ass song playing on air !!! Any U2 fan had to see in concert we’re U2 brings songs to life !!!!! TopJimmy

[@schlungoberlin]

joined their 2001 tour at berlin waldbühne. the best gig i´ve ever seen in my life. then... the fly... well, fell off a dustbin i was standing upon, got badly hurt - but didn´t f++kin cared about. what a song. punkrock.

[@TurboJimbo]

“Love” shine like a burning star fallen from the sky……..tonight It’s no secret !!!!

[@paultiplea]

Larry be looking the same from 1985-2001

[@rainerschaefer6623]

So unbelievable good! I have been there 2001 in Cologne! Best concert ever!

[@guyinjeep16]

4:03----- its just NEVER GETS OLD, been listening to this guitar solo for 18 years now and the goosebumps come as fast as the first time I listened to this song

[@earlchatterton9133]

The Fly may not be U2's best song, but goddamn, the music is so spectacular. Maybe my favorite opening guitar work ever.

[@skadooshly]

it's fucking up there! if they re-recorded it like discotheque it would sound amazing

[@gregvinson1]

Earl Chatterton man I remember seeing it for first time on MTV in 92. Became a fan in 84 around War but gotta say hearing the Fly after playing Rattle and Hum for 2 yrs was weird. Achtung Baby was a sonic masterpiece and once u heard it a couple times it was also U2 most serious record.

[@Astronomynatureandmusic]

@@gregvinson1 Yeah. Even more than a reinvent - they were reborn. I was shocked. 'Is this U2? Really?'

[@eriadin]

I personally enjoy it, thanks to Edge's work with the guitar - the way in which he modifies the sound is amazing.

[@juanarjuan]

Fell in love with U2 through this song. Best Edge's solo ever.

[@psell8628]

This is the power of live performance. What you hear and see in this video is miles ahead of the song on the record. U2 is especially good at this.

[@hollandcowger9030]

This version of The Fly came up on my random song yesterday. Haven't heard it in a while and HOLY CRAP I forgot how amazing it is. My opinion the best version of The Fly ever!

[@nicknick1974]

The intro is amazing... Back when U2 didn’t suck

[@coderedex]

This is by far the best performance I have ever seen from U2. And I have been with them since 1980

[@newdarkeyes]

you need this kzbin.info/www/bejne/oojdq62djK-Zj80 and this kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmfQqYSGbK2GbqM

[@kennyc6327]

The music is just so magical in this version. Goosebumps everytime. Wish I had this chemistry in a band

[@diy76]

Probably one of my favourite live performances in general

[@davemccrea9000]

you have great taste!

[@diy76]

David McCrea thanks :) I feel sorry for bands today that have to live up to this

[@davemccrea9000]

diy76 they can't! Pearl Jam u2 the stones ac/dc nobody today can touch them..

[@davemccrea9000]

diy76 you look damn attractive in that photo too.. just sayin

[@hahdhsjsjrkfn]

@@davemccrea9000 that's not her, lol

[@Amrepdude499]

During the solo you can see Larry, and Adam staring at Edge like “Dam, ur a god”

[@14niki07]

Only the EDGE can come up with something so simple and perfect. Best version of this song EVER.

[@hanstonk]

Heaven me, this has to be the most coolest and badest verson of the FLY. Still love the track since 1992 ACHTUNG BABY.

[@realitycheck1589]

was at thisshow. the audience and the band had huge energy.was great being there.

[@JoshOrtiz88]

Maybe Bono is arrogant or ego-maniacal, but as far as I am concerned he has done more goodwill that me, you or anybody else will do in this lifetime. And that is not insult to you Paul, I don't know you but I am sure you are a great man.

[@sunset986S]

Always thought the Zoo TV version was the best until I heard this one...they have ramped this one up so much you can feel electricity in the air! And the B-Man splattering himself on the screen at the end like a fly on a wall...I just want to burn down the house every time I hear this version!

[@brettscott8288]

wheyboy1 I can't agree with you more...beyond description how good this is...(wiping tears off face) AMAZING...not as good as WOWy but that's another song lol...

[@petergreen2552]

Can you believe this is 18 years old? Unreal.

[@davewilson4765]

Frickin mind blowing song....lyrics, guitar, drums and bass all colliding together to make a perfect song....WOW!!!!!!!!

[@luieu2]

You walk out into the sports hall Love Lights go down It's a whole different scene Light and motion Love Light and motion Lights up the motion of the sky It's hard to walk away Love But you could have it all We could have it all Love We could have it all some day But love, we shine like a burning star We're falling from the sky tonight Love And love, we fall like a burning stary We're falling from the sky tonight Love

[@zoozoo7523]

Why do people write the song lyrics on the comment section? odd.

[@mickfunny4185]

+zoo zoo they think people need their contribution. Try visiting a KZbin video of a Trump rally, those "lyrics" (Trump free styling) are crazy

[@urosmilic3613]

they do it because the non-english spoken folks have sometimes a hard time understanding the lyrics, especially the ones that you cant find on the internet (like this intro that isnt part of the album version)

[@claytonsantosdelfino7689]

Thank you!

[@zsinxs]

Thx :)

[@Marikioable]

This is by far my favourite version of "The Fly"...Even better than..."I have a vision....I have a vision.....TELEVISION"

[@BelgianBono]

Wasn't that Desire ?

[@MarcAl79]

BelgianBono Yess

[@Marikioable]

Marc Al Yeah sorry guys.My bad. Being a huge U2 fan (which i am) i should get things right about them.

[@MarcAl79]

Mark O'Donnell You're a lucky man I was just on the phone reporting this huge and terrible oversight to the fact police when I saw your reply. This is totally unacceptable young man, but since you're sorry, I will let it go this time. Now you just go up to your room and think about what you have done. ;) That being said, hope you have a great day Mark :)

[@Marikioable]

Marc Al Thank you for such a nice reply (You made me smile) Same to you and i hope that everything is going well for you in your part of this wee world. I'm standing in the corner now thinking of my terrible mistake.(!) :((

[@thegeologist7501]

U2 music reminds me of all my travels through the west.

[@AlessandroPalamara]

Quante emozioni che trasmette questa canzone...thanks Bono, thanks U2!

[@petergreen2552]

Edges guitar having a nervous breakdown at the end of that barrage. Brilliant

[@ejret]

the guitarsolo is amazing.blues from space.

[@johnnyb1]

this is by far my favorite version of this song! They have transformed what seems at first glance like a cynical song to a song of hope in this rendition. Absolutely amazing!

[@joshuapeterson6072]

Love it when Bono does his exaggerated "Charlie Chaplin Walk"

[@ruddyroo1]

Of all of the great U2 songs throughout the decades, this ranks as one of the best. Edge is amazing on that guitar. Amazingly, on many top guitarist lists, he's missing.....criminal.

[@Damoes]

I've been at POPmart in '97, vertigo 2005 and 360 o in '09 but no concert felt so intimate yet so grandé as the Elevation tour in '01. Songs like New York, Gone and especialy this version of the fly!

[@symonvolgan]

best live performance of this song ever

[@creejohnson]

U2 is my favorite band and this is my favorite video. Fly isn't even in my top 10 U2 songs. Brilliant

[@haydenquinn3898]

I Love how they just totally reinvent there songs right in front of you ! I don't know if they planned on playing the song like this or just improvised the opening vocals and guitar part but it's amazing and the energy is on some other level. There one of the best live bands hands down !!!!

[@paultiplea]

It's definitely rehearsed, but amazing nonetheless.

[@rty977]

my absolute favorite video on youtube, amazing. Run Bono, Run!!

[@monikacutz4173]

" Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief All kill their inspiration and sing about their grief "

[@cliffordwilson1936]

Monika Cutz Bono writes some cool stuff along with the rest of the guys.

[@V1CT1MIZED]

Like until the end of the world. "In my dreams I was drowning my sorrows, but then my sorrows learned to swim"

[@morand-gw7xn]

Well , let's hope he isn't speaking for himself there ..... His deception runs deep ..... globalist, luciferian,...pretty certain he ain't no vampire

[@MUSiC-world-20986]

@Justin Credible what about All I Want Is You, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, With Or Without You?!

[@obiang24]

Dynarush333 deep stuff

[@flavioferreira6677]

Na minha humildade opinião,é a melhor apresentação ao vivo do U2 nos últimos tempos. E isso já a quase 18 anos atrás.

[@scottlucidi6476]

This 10 years past peak, but still good. 1987-1993 was U2 peak. If you saw them from Joshua Tree through Zoo TV, you saw their best.

[@cannondale7791]

The best Guitar solo in the World

[@U2met86]

after this song in New York in June 2001, they went down for the 2nd encore break, and the crowd chanted in response to the vocal recording at 6:40 "gotta go" - "NO!" "gotta go" - "NO!" "gotta go" - "NO!"

[@Muchamuchacha]

Oh my God this is an amazing live! I love this song

[@mrdave4714]

Just a mind blowing live performance!

[@Daniel-lc6xc]

This is the most beautiful version of this song...it's magnificent

[@TheKingofRockMusic]

I know, I was there....this concert, and all over the world, I was there....the last 30 years....( I saved the ticket stubs) What memories I have....61 concerts.....I'd do it again, only more....

[@kovy274hart]

When this first came out, I never cared for it much. But as time went on, it grew on me. It's just a really awesome song. The Edge's epic solo is amazing. It's so much more complete than I ever imagined.

[@habibhussain825]

I don't know how edge does it...god he makes that guitar sound like a shooting star racing through the galaxy, like a sound that the whole earth is just a microcosm in the grand scheme of things...that guitar sound is the sound of the world being overwhelmed by an outer world force.....relentless, brutal, unforgivable, spiritual, RUTHLESSS , MERCILIESS .....just...AWESOME.....

[@brokentoy91]

Whenever I have to justify why the Edge is my favourite guitarist I show people this video...

[@tomislavbresic4701]

Wow, great live version especially the slow intro that just evolves into some kind of sonic musical explosion towards the end.. headphone meltdown

[@iluvyomumma]

The bit at the beginning where bono is singing the chorus to a quiet guitar is magic. Loved it

[@randyjames6991]

What an explosion of pure heavy rock n roll when that riff first kicks in

[@davidevans6052]

Think that's the greatest performance Iv ever seen.... The energy was crazy

[@yurivasconcelos13]

It's the best tour ever, it's the best version of The Fly ever!

[@ullasimonewallergeb.fiegle3951]

yuri vasconcelos let go

[@billmoore277]

saw the tour you speak of...didnt get to see zooTV...yet cant help but think zooTV is their best tour...and the best tour of ANY BAND...still, the elevation tour was incredibly awesome, and this version is incredible (duh, obviously...sorry!)

[@DMcCU2]

This performance epitomizes the quality of what a rock performance should be. Truly exhilerating. U2 is nothing short of superb.

[@jarablue]

These guys raised a generation. What good electrical love they fused us with. The edge is jammin here! Thanks U2!

[@kenshiro6961]

The first two mins alone is beautiful

[@muckle8336]

Love these guys. This is pure brilliance - but it makes the Shpere all the more painful to watch.

[@godlovesU2ANDYOUTOO]

EDGE EDGE EDGE EDGE, BEST GUITAR PLAYER EVER. WOOOOOW THX , MY FRIEND 👍

[@sleekronald5940]

These guys are legends , They play so many versions of their songs. Masters of simplicity !

[@petergreen2552]

Good God what a powerful ballsy playing of this track. Bono on the sheer edge.

[@godlovesU2ANDYOUTOO]

Absolute fabiously. The best The Fly performance. Thx leds.

[@kristianduff7775]

The intro makes me cry.

[@MadRob360]

Watch these all the time, then like random comments so you guys come back too 😂

[@bruno3833]

if i could i would like this 100 times

[@OldGregg8282]

heheh i see what you did there...bad

[@bruno3833]

Old Gregg Dont understand?

[@bruno3833]

three years ago I wrote this comment. I remember that moment. Time flies if you dont truly live

[@brettscott8288]

Surrender... dislocate....

[@tomarama3000]

The best live intro to a recorded song ever

[@stewdogg42]

Achtung Baby is U2’s greatest album

[@padrechillin]

Back when U2 was still at the top of their game musically- you see why the Edge is one of the best guitarists in R and R history- cannot be duplicated

[@phil4002]

How can anyone dislike bono, he's a peace advocate its like hating mother Theresa

[@BM-xd7cm]

You need to do a bit of digging around re Mumma T. See what the Hitch had to say,

[@mariamyers5834]

There are so many incredible musicians and bands in the world. Hands down! Truthfully we have never lived in a world where so many talented and beautiful songs have been rendered upon us. And then, every now and then, a jew descends upon us. This rendition, "The Fly", is nothing short of magic. They were firing on all cylinders, rocking' it out like it was the last the night on Earth. Gracious amigos!, oh so much!!! (. :

[@enggabrielpinheiro5155]

best version

[@petergreen2552]

Saw this tour at Slane. First show. It was incredible. Along with the Zoo TV and recent Joshua Tree tour,the best I've ever seen them