U2's Iconic 'Save the Yuppies' Concert at the Vaillancourt Fountain: A Defiant Moment in Rock History
The iconic Vaillancourt Fountain in San Francisco's Justin Herman Plaza is being dismantled by the city due to safety concerns and deterioration. The controversial fountain, known for its stark modernist design, has faced criticism over the years for its appearance. Despite being a divisive piece of public art, the fountain gained notoriety as the site of U2's "Save the Yuppies" free concert in 1987, organized by famed promoter Bill Graham in less than 24 hours.
U2, at the peak of their success with "The Joshua Tree" album, surprised fans with a free performance in front of the Vaillancourt Fountain. The concert, titled "Save the Yuppies" in jest of the stock market crash, drew a crowd of 20,000 people. The band's energetic set included covers of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" and the Beatles' "Helter Skelter," culminating in Bono climbing the fountain to spray-paint a message during their final song, "Pride (In the Name of Love)."
The act of defiance by Bono, spray-painting the fountain, sparked controversy and led to charges of vandalism and "malicious mischief" by then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein. Despite the backlash, U2 paid to repaint the fountain and issued a public apology. The incident highlighted the band's rebellious spirit and their commitment to artistic expression, setting the stage for their subsequent shows in Oakland where Bono defiantly proclaimed, "We're U2. We're the Batman and Robin of rock and roll." The Vaillancourt Fountain may be disappearing, but its legacy lives on through U2's memorable performance.