by Popgirll

I've had some time for the concert to sink in and I haven't read the previous posted reviews so bear with me if this is repetitive of what they have posted. I arrived in Honolulu Friday night and didn't make it to the arena until about 10 pm, securing me a # of 637 in the line. I was disappointed that I was so far back. However, I was very impressed on how the line was handled and thought security did an awesome job keeping it in order. Clean restrooms were made available all night, as was the snack bar. The weather was perfect and I was warm and comfy in my sleeping bag, despite sleeping on the parking lot blacktop. We were allowed to leave for two hours at a time, checking in with security when we got back. Scott (U2 Security....not Nichols...but the Scott from Detroit) came down the line and briefed everyone on how we were going to be let in. There would absolutely be no running...which was great news for me due to my bad leg. Only a few people will be let into the arena at a time and we were promised to be let into the inner circle. And it all came to be that way. We walked down a long ramp and was let onto the floor a few at a time. We secured a spot right in front of Adam. Two people were in front of me. It was a great spot. There were people there from all over the world. Around us was a group from Italy, a guy from Spain, a German duo, and some girls from Utah. Just so neat to talk to everyone from all over the world. It was extremely moving for me to see everyone in their RED campaign clothes. Just so wonderful to see the whole world come together for something worthy. Rocko and the Devils were awesome. They sang a bunch of cover songs that got us ready for Pearl Jam. PJ rocked! It was my first time ever seeing them live and it was just pure rock and roll. Then it was time.....All the tour dates were scrolled across the giant screen and the last one was listed.....#131 Honolulu and then the show began with COBL and Edges guitar and Bono apears with a huge American Flag....waving it. It seemed like COBL, then Vertigo....then Elevation....it all went by so fast. I Will Follow got everyone jumping.... Bono brings a guy up on stage and says something like...."Edge, we have a fan here who has some very specific requests.... Do you still know the chords for Wild Horses?" It was funny. He got to play keyboards. "The First Time" was beautiful. Slow and acoustic. Seeing the COEXIST in red letters on hte huge screen just humbled me more. Streets is always my favourite...I flimed an MPEG of that.... Sends chills down my spine everytime. And brings joy to my heart as well. Such spirit and energy in that song. My all time favorite song. One was awesome, seeing the "Christmas Lights" of cell phones around the arena.. I opened my phone and had a RED background....(just got the new RED phone). I always love to hear Bono talk about the half million people who have signed up to the ONE campaign....he seems so proud. The Fly is always a favourite of mine also just because I absolutely love Achtung Baby . Seeing those messages flash on the big screen takes me back to 1992 and ZOOTV. Billie Joe coming out to do Saints was kind of expected since I had learned Green Day as there when I was in the GA line. Nevertheless amazing of course. Eddie Vedder and Mike McCreedy did Rockin in the Free World.....with U2.... I love the way they change the lyrics to "Gonna Make Poverty History!!!" Ending with All I Want Is You put me into tears. I didn't think I would get so emotional, but I did. Just remembering the beginning of the tour (Whom I began with Chris....), the trouble I had with my leg that year, going through two surgeries.....still trugding along to U2 shows that year with a cast, boot, crutches, wheelchair or all of the above.... Going through a difficult divorce that was expensive and emotionally unforgiving..... Exhausting at times. Trying to raise two boys with Autism on my own.... Going back to work (which has saved me in many ways.....) Matters of the heart..... it is these four men that have played a huge role in my life, being the crutch and the step that I have needed oh so many times. The personal level of ownership that each song plays to your heart. To your soul. It is these songs and lyrics that have gotten me through. I thank God for this band and for what they do for each of us. You all know what I'm talking about. It's why we love them so much. I can't believe it is over for the next few years. Off with the horns....on with our lives.....

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