I've never been to a U2 show before, but since it's supposed to be 360, the back seats might be better. Maybe someone else here has behind the stage seats at a show before you, and they could fill you in?

(Reply) (Thread)

I've really enjoyed sitting behind the stage. I've only done it during arena tours and not stadium tours, so I don't know if it would be as good. Bono did a really good job playing to the crowd behind the stage though.

(Reply) (Thread)

There are pros and cons either way. You'll get a better overall view of the show as a whole from across the field, but the band will also be tiny and far away.

Behind the stage you'll obviously be a lot closer. You'll also be staring at their backs for the majority of the show. They'll turn around and wave a few times, but that's about it. I'm basing this on one Vertigo experience (the only time I've ever sat behind the stage), so I don't know how different it will be this time. I personally did not like sitting behind the stage, but some people swear it's a good place to be. You might like it better than I did. I was in the lower level behind the stage, so I don't know how much worse a $30 upper level seat would be.

Ideally, go to both shows and see it from both vantage points! :)

(Reply) (Thread)

I did behind the stage at MSG and it was amazing....

(Reply) (Thread)

there was just a thread about this the other day. there's some more opinions there.

(Reply) (Thread)

I was clear across the arena for the Elevation tour, and behind the stage for the Vertigo tour (one concert upper level behind the stage, another concert lower level on Edge's side, ever so slightly behind the stage).  Both had their strengths and weaknesses.

Across the stage, you could clearly see the video screen.  This was nice because, unless you spent the whole concert with binoculars pressed to your face, it was nearly impossible to see the band as they were little more than specks from that distance.  This will be even worse for HUGE stadium shows.  Also, the people around me weren't very active - most of them stayed in their seats for the entire show and didn't bother to sing along with any of the songs.

Behind the stage for the Vertigo concert, it was nearly impossible to see what was showing on the light curtain.  At times, said curtain was in the way, making it almost impossible to see the band.  However, when it wasn't in the way, I had a MUCH better view as the band was much closer.  Unfortunately, the band doesn't interact with the people behind the stage all that often other than Bono tossing a few "hello there!" comments over his shoulder.  It was rather interesting to see some of the "behind the scenes" view though - the teleprompters with lyrics, actually being able to see Larry playing the drums, and so on.  Side stage was a bit better - I had a clearer view of the band and the screen, but wasn't so far away I felt I might as well be watching from the parking lot.

Of course, all of this may be a moot point depending on how the 360° stage works.  The screens appear to be over the band rather than behind them, and if they employ any sort of rotating stage design, there will be no "behind the stage" seats and those that appear to be behind will actually be some of the closest seats available.

If I were you (and assuming you can afford it), I would go to both shows.  If you can't afford both, consider looking around for places to trade your tickets.  Surprisingly enough, I saw more than a few people on the Interference message boards during the Vertigo tour who had GA tickets but wanted seats instead.

(Reply) (Thread)