Classic Albums Live: U2's The Joshua Tree

U2’s The Joshua Tree

Released in March 1987, The Joshua Tree is frequently listed as one of the greatest albums of all time, and launched the band’s stature “from heroes to superstars” according to Rolling Stone. Classic Albums Live will be performing it exactly as you remember hearing it—with hits like “With or Without You,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” and “Where the Streets Have No Name”—following the harder-hitting sound within the limitation of conventional song structures that U2 aimed for.

Classic Albums Live

Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live takes the greatest albums and recreates them live on stage—note for note, cut for cut, using the best musicians. “Think of it as a recital,” says Martin, “these albums are historic and stand the test of time.” Forgoing costumes and impersonations, Classic Albums Live has found success in concentrating solely on the music. “We don’t dress up or wear any sort of costume. All of our energy is put into the music. We want the performance to sound exactly like the album,” says Martin.

With 100+ shows a year across North America, Classic Albums Live has seen massive success in performing arts centers and theaters. Fans in Texas, Florida, California, New York, and central and east coast Canada have all continued to support the series and make it a sustaining, successful show. “We grew while others withdrew,” says Martin, commenting on the decline of concert ticket sales. “We created something that endures and connects. These albums are sacred to people. We deliver exactly what we promote: ‘note for note, cut for cut’ accuracy.”

It’s this type of accountability that works for the series.