by Mark Baker

If you give the Elevation Tour book a read, the band talks about the importance of culture within the music. Music is important...but without touring and connecting with the fans, there is no culture of the band. This weekend solidified the notion of "U2 culture" that I and many others experienced. After seeing the show in Toronto 1st leg, Hamilton 2nd leg, NJ 2nd leg, I ventured on a plane from Toronto to Miami to see the last show of the tour. I really felt that I needed to go. So...with my bags packed and my sign "Our Church" and "I Have Been Blessed", I made my way to the airport.

I met so many people from Wire and previous shows....that it felt like family. Waiting in probably the best GA weather ever, I was able to listen to bootlegs, exchange stories, look at pictures and above all reminisce of tours past. You see...I thought I was a fan...it is plain to see that there are others. Just a note to the GA line fans in Miami....never do I want to be in a position where I have to organize fans again by numerical order in the GA line. I didn’t realize that a Canadian from Toronto would have to do that kinda job. Thank we all pulled together as it was starting to get “Outta Control”.....ok..sorry about that one.

On to the show... Garbage rocked the set again. The last song had Larry come out and hit the skins. It was fun to see. Larry even went up to the mike and said "Give it up for Garbage!!"

Bono and the boys came out and rocked the show with high energy and lots of spunk. Inside the heart is hot when you are in Miami...so Bono decided to cool us down by kicking two cups of water into the crowd. Did that ever get the front row going. It was neat being in the heart with people who you hang out with all day. A shout out goes to Lisa and Julie for putting up with my jutting elbow while I took pictures.

Big props to hearing “Mysterious Ways” again. Glad the boys brought it back. “Stuck in a Moment” sounded wonderful as well as “Kite”. “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” was well done with “Jesus” playing guitar. That dude has been to so many shows....I am sure Bono recognized him finally. *um...for next time....Adam..I play bass*

As with most fans...I get shivers when I hear “Bad” so it was excellent hearing it in the set list again as well as “Wild Horses!” Bono interacted with the crowd so many times...pulling Tattoo Boy on stage....as well as my female GA officer in crime.

“BTBS” was also funky stuff. Gotta love it when you hear Bono rapping those end lyrics.

My “Our Church” sign even got some recognition during “ISHFWILF”. Bono made comments about “coming to the church”. I immediately turned the sign around to show him my “I’ve Been Blessed” side and a huge grin appeared on his face. That felt damn good!

Our hero also made mention of his wife and children when singing a few lines during “Walk On.” He stated that home was where his wife and kids are. It was during this time we all held up our papers and plates with the number “40” on it. Bono belted out some of the lyrics of the song in time with the “Walk On” tune. It was totally spontaneous. We deserved it.

As Bono said...”We started this thing in Miami and now we are gonna end it in Miami.” I am thankful I was able to see the ending. I flew home the next day with vivid memories as I slept on the plane. Thank you guys for elevating my spirits one more time.

I will post pictures soon....check out my sign on the Reuters post with pictures.

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