by Allen Stephens

What a difference 7 months makes. Since seeing the band in Vegas in April, I had wondered how the show had progressed over that time. It was after the music kicked in, though, that I had to wonder no more. The show was tight and flowed very well. The stage design remained inspiring and subliminally motivating, even though I knew what to expect...I couldn't help but get wrapped up in the kitsch and cheese of "POPMART"! The sound was much better and the band was as relaxed as I have ever seen them. I think that carried over to the crowd and they responded very warmly.

Even though I love the new album and believe that the new songs sound great live, I was also glad to hear some of their older songs, particularly The Edge singing "Sunday Bloody Sunday". The show was a great mix of old and new, and was worth much more to me than the money I paid to see them.

A very poignant moment occurred during the concert when Bono was talking to the crowd. He began telling the crowd that U2 have been feeling restless and searching for new directions musically. He then mentioned the unfortunate death of Michael Hutchence of INXS (whose music I have loved since Shabooh Shoobah) and dedicated the next song, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", to his memory. Up until that point I had just been going along and enjoying the show. But from then on the concert became a spiritual and emotional one for me. I realized that no matter how much the stage changes or how big the screen behind them gets, they remain true to themselves and to the music they have written. Their songs are still personal and emotional, and I for one was deeply affected. A great show that satisfies not only visually and audibly, but touches the soul as well.

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