Playing U2

Where the streets have no name, With or Without You; I Will Follow; Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me — there are no points for guessing that it’s U2 rocking our play charts today.  And while it might be quite the distant dream yet to have the band perform here, fans of U2 can by far experience the next best thing tonight. We are talking about the Seagram’s 100 Pipers Tribute Tour - Elevation, a tribute to U2. Formed in 2002 in Canada,  Elevation have a huge repertoire of songs that range from U2’s first album, Boy to the most recent No Line on The Horizon. Known for having the most authentic sound close to U2, Elevation  have come a long way to be called the most successful U2 tribute band in the world.
And now, here they are on their first-ever India tour...

To begin with, when did you all become fans of U2?
We all became fans from their first single — Out of Control in 1980.

Why and what made you decide to be a U2 tribute band?
Our individual musical style and the challenge made it a natural choice.

What are the things that you admire most about the band?
The consistency of their song writing — their unique sound and the moral principles.

You are known to be the most successful U2 tribute band in the world. What kind of responsibility does  that tag of being “the most successful” come with?
The obligation to meet high performance standards means we always push ourselves to deliver the best U2 experience possible.

How different is your style of playing from that of U2? Do you guys have to put in extra effort to suit or match up to the style of such a big band?
Our original style is actually very suited to U2. A great attention to detail goes into replicating U2’s unique live sound.

How do you guys prepare for your performances?
We like to be together for a period of time before each show to focus on each performance/ venue.

One of your band members resembles Bono — who is it? And does that work as an added advantage for your  band?
Stuart, the vocalist bears a remarkable resemblance to Bono and it  has clearly helped us replicate U2.

From playing in smaller venues to touring across the globe — you have come a long way and have a huge fan following. Which has been your most memorable show?
Fans are always very enthusiastic. They appreciate our efforts and energy. The most memorable show was the Mathew Street Fest, Liverpool in 2008 where we had 30,000 people singing the song 40 back to us.

Finally, performing in India for the very first time...
It is a privilege to be here in India and we hope the crowd embraces the occasion to experience U2 live.

Elevation will perform live at the Catholic Club, 8pm onwards, tonight