Unforgettable Fire: A Sense of Nostalgia at The Cutting Room
Unforgettable Fire, the longest touring U2 Tribute Band, returned to a place that holds a very special place in their hearts, The Cutting Room NYC. It was here at this incredible venue, almost 8 years ago, where the band was joined on stage by two members of U2, guitarist The Edge, and bassist Adam Clayton. That night will forever be a part of Unforgettable Fire’s lore and goes down as one of their greatest nights ever. It can be seen here: https://youtu.be/61jx9VlWkqg
Walking into The Cutting Room (for my first time) you are immediately transported into a theatrical scene of color and music. Walking around the multi-level venue, the main stage has a grand appearance, with long, red velvet curtains draping either side and intricate detail in all the woodwork. Locally crafted artwork showing the likes of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston and more cover the walls, their music playing in your head as you walk by each piece.
A last minute decision to remove all the tables and chairs from the main floor was the correct decision. As the crowd started to fill the room, guests started claiming their stake to the front spots closest to the stage, in anticipation for another surprise guest appearance. Playing on the screen behind drummer George Levesanos was footage of that famous night. By the time Unforgettable Fire took the stage, people were shoulder to shoulder, buzzing with excitement for the show to begin.
As they expertly do, the boys played the best of the last 40 years, hitting on songs from the debut album Boy, all the way through Songs of Experience. Most U2 songs are grouped into two categories, The Joshua Tree and earlier, and Achtung Baby and newer. Tonight Unforgettable Fire focused a lot of their set on the first group, with two thirds of the set focusing on the early catalog. Electric Co. made its return to the setlist after an extended absence, and the crowd approved with cheers and fist pumps.
Being in NYC, combined with it being St. Patrick’s Day, many of Unforgettable Fire’s long time fans showed up to show their support. All three front members of Unforgettable Fire tend to interact with their fans, old and new alike. Whether its lead singer Tony Russo reaching out to touch fingers and bump fists, guitarist Mick Normoyle giving out guitar picks, or bassist Craig Kiel throwing a nod or smile, the band knows how to keep its fans involved in the show.
While lightning didn’t strike twice with any guest appearances, that didn’t take away from a magical night of nostalgia and great music. After the show, the band chatted with their friends and fans, as they always do, reminiscing about old times and speaking of what’s to come. Unforgettable Fire’s upcoming shows can be found here: https://uf2.com/shows
About The Cutting Room*
At its new location on East 32nd Street between Park and Madison, The Cutting Room builds on a decade of history that includes some of today's top performers - John Mayer, Lady Gaga, Sting, Sheryl Crow and David Bowie are just some of the artists that have graced the stage of the Cutting Room at its previous location.
Whether you're looking to catch a great night of live music or just cozy up to a 30-foot guitar and grab a drink, we're here for you.
*Taken from The Cutting Room website
