Unforgettable Fire Debuts at The Suffolk
For a band that has been together and playing for over 28 years, it is exciting to play a venue for the first time. Last night, Unforgettable Fire, the longest running U2 Tribute Band, continued their St. Patrick’s Day weekend of shows by making their debut at The Suffolk theater in Riverhead Long Island.
There was an excitement in the theater as soon as the band arrived. Executive Director of The Suffolk, Gary Hygom, greeted the band and expressed his enthusiasm for them to be playing tonight. Gary himself is a long time U2 fan, so his own personal history of the music added to the anticipation of Unforgettable Fire taking the stage.
The Suffolk has been a staple of Riverhead for 90 years, with a long history dating back to before World War II. Despite closing for a number of years, it’s restoration was started in 2011 and was successfully reopened in 2013. Stepping into the theater for the first time, I was in awe of the size and setup of the main room. Walking around the tiered seating design, I was surprised to see that there was not a bad seat in the house. Every table was candlelit, adding a timeless elegance to the room.
Unforgettable Fire opened their first set with City of Blinding Lights, graphics of NYC playing behind them on the visually spectacular screen which would provide a backdrop of images and storytelling throughout the show. Images of Las Vegas flashed on the screen during Desire, which was then followed by I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, coincidently the song whos video was filmed on Fremont Street. Song For Someone has become a welcome part of the setlist, the newest song form U2’s immense catalog to be played.
A fifteen minute intermission allowed me the opportunity to interact with the audience. Brad and his wife Annette, two very active live music and concert goers, were first time attendees. Brad shared his story of meeting the entire U2 band at a Sirius Radio event., and his excitement for seeing Unforgettable Fire tonight, as he is another big U2 fan. He was seriously impressed with the look of the band, especially lead singer Tony Russo, who’s years of performing has allowed him to perfect playing Bono onstage.
Where the first set saw the majority of the crowd remain in their seats, the same wasn’t true for the second set. Drummer George Levesanos opened with the hard crashing drums of Sunday Bloody Sunday, which immediately had people jump out of their seats. Two U2 staple songs followed, New Year’s Day and Pride, which had images of Reverend Martin Luthor King playing behind them, the band giving pause to show their respect to the fallen activist.
Throughout the crowd you could see couples holding hands during All I Want Is You, segueing into the crowd favorite Where The Streets Have No Name, which had a crowd of people rush to the stage. Even in the upper tiers of seating, people were dancing by their seats, others raising fists to the air as one of the most powerful songs in the set was played. The show ended with two Achtung Baby hits Mysterious Ways and One.
No Unforgettable Fire show is complete without some encore surprises. This night, the crowd was greeted with Vertigo, a high energy song that now had the crowd smothering the stage, screaming the lyrics “Hello Hello” in unison with lead singer Tony Russo. The perfect ending to a magical debut show was the top song from U2’s catalog Bad, with the snippet of 40 in there, the crowd singing along "How long to sing this song?” The band took their bows and the crowd was sent home satisfied with a performance that they are already requesting to return to The Suffolk.
I complimented Gary Hygom, Executive Director of The Suffolk, on the lighting, the sound and acoustics of the theater and an amazing staff, which provided a level of hospitality above and beyond what is ever expected. Thank you for an exceptional and memorable night.
Thank you to Panzyler Entertainment the Artist Management, Booking, & Publicity group for your contribution and work with both the venue and artist.
