by Brendan Bolles

A better-than-expected show in the sleepy city of Sacramento, the first time U2 has ever played there. They apologized for "Taking 20 years to get out this way."

While the set list bore few surprises, the crowd was into it, making it another great U2 show with energy on par with what I saw in Oakland. Nice musical moments included Bono singing more of 'Wild Horses' and 'Peace on Earth' than usual. In fact, when the WTC names were displayed, the list ran out before the song finished, leaving a blank screen. It was also the first time I heard them do 'Stand By Me.'

A funny moment in the beginning was when Bono brought someone on stage for the bull fight in 'End of the World,' but grabbed a news camera man instead of a regular fan. The guy didn't know what to do with himself, but kept tape rolling from on top of the Heart.

The female fan brought up to dance with Bono during 'Angel of Harlem' had been lobbying for the priviledge the last 9 shows from the tip of the heart and it finally paid off at this, her last show. She took advantage of the opportunity and grabbed his rear end, Bono protesting a little at first. But smiling, he later placed her hands down there himself.

This was my second time electing to go to the outside tip of the heart and I really love it, as it provides a great view of the whole show without all the crowding, pushing, and rudeness I have been experienceing in the Heart lately. And you get very close to Bono and Edge sometimes, with a virtual guarantee of touching Bono at some point if that gets you going. The front rail inside the heart may be a bit better, but you have to camp out for that these days.

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