Comments: U2 begins a run of eight shows in New York City over the next two weeks. Rumors abound in the afternoon that President Obama and/or Bruce Springsteen will be in attendance, but neither is there (as far as we know). We do know that Salman Rushdie, Jon Bon Jovi, Harry Belafonte, Christy Turlington, Spike Jonze, Mario Batali, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and probably numerous other celebrities are at the show.

A new wrinkle as the show is about to start: With Patti Smith's "People Have The Power" playing over the PA, Bono is shown backstage on the video screen in the arena.

After "I Will Follow," Bono reminisces with the audience about U2's first visit to New York City: "Welcome to innocence and experience. When we first played a club called The Ritz in this great city, we thought of ourselves as a great punk band. We still do. A band of equals with an audience of equals."

Tonight's show uses the same "The Fly" intermission video that debuted at Boston #4 three nights ago.

Bono brings up a fan from Chile named Veronica during "Mysterious Ways." She's the co-founder of the U2Chile.net fan site, and was also on stage with Bono in Dublin during the 360 tour.

Bono dedicates "Ordinary Love" to Nelson Mandela on what would've been his 97th birthday.

Adam and Larry leave the stage after "Ordinary Love," and the piano rises on the e-stage for what fans assume will be "Every Breaking Wave." But a shock: Bono and Edge play "October," it's first performance since November 11, 1989.

Before "One," Bono praises New York City for its strength in facing terrorism and refusing to live in fear from threats. He dedicates the song to Salman Rushdie (who knows something about living in the face of threats).