U2 Baby at MK11 delivered an unforgettable night that felt far more like a concert experience than a tribute act.
The room was absolutely packed, teeming with U2 fans and buzzing with anticipation, enthusiasm and shared love for one of the biggest bands in the world. From the moment the band stepped on stage, it was clear this was something special.
The likeness and attention to detail were phenomenal. Every mannerism, every tonal nuance, every movement captured the unmistakable essence of U2 so convincingly that at times it genuinely felt like you were watching the real thing. Swept along by the crowd, voices united, it became easy to lose yourself in the music, the memories and the emotion. It was more than performance, it was craft and truly, it was art.
The sheer work and dedication that goes into achieving this level of authenticity is unreal and sits just shy of perfection.
The set, lighting and overall production were brilliant, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and stadium-sized at the same time. Spanning nearly three hours and celebrating 50 years of U2’s catalogue, the setlist was remarkable.
Energy levels were off the scale throughout, fuelled by pure passion from the performers that made the audience believe in every note and lyric. They captured the look, sound and attitude flawlessly, moving seamlessly between anthems like With or Without You and Sunday Bloody Sunday, and deeply emotional moments that held the entire room in rapt attention.
A standout highlight was my personal favourite, One, delivered with sublime sensitivity and power, drawing the crowd together in a truly special shared moment.
The band also demonstrated U2’s signature live technique, cleverly interspersing song lyrics with references to other artists, adding another authentic layer to the performance.
The closing of 40 was executed exactly as remembered from many real U2 concerts, a nostalgic and spine-tingling finish that left fans in awe.
There was also a wonderful surprise crowd moment that sparked a selfie frenzy and perfectly showcased the band’s connection with their audience.
Meeting them afterwards only reinforced the experience. They were gracious, warm and genuinely passionate gentlemen, happy to chat, pose for photos and engage with fans just as enthusiastically off stage as on it.
U2 Baby paid true credit to U2. Judging by the reaction of the hundreds in attendance, myself included, nobody left disappointed and for a few hours, it truly felt like we were with or without you, lost inside the music all over again.
Reviewed by:
I’m a proud MK resident of over 46 years watching it grow from a new town to a bustling business, social and cultural city.
I work in the NHS and enjoy an eclectic social life exploring everything Milton Keynes has in the diary.
