by BG

OK...after reading the San Diego reviews I was ready for the show to start with City of Blinding Lights but once the lights went out and each band member walked on carrying a flashlight around the entire stage and settling into position, I knew we were in for a different treat.

They cranked right into Love and Peace or Else and ran through that whole set of the political/anti-war songs: Bullet and Sunday. It was very powerful. Hearing Running to Stand Still live and acoustic was amazing, my favorite Joshua Tree song. Beautiful Day is always good and Vertigo's energy was a real highlight, another cool highlight was when Bono grabbed a girl dressed as MacPhisto out of the crowd during Mysterious Ways, she clearly was schooled in professional dance and played off Bono perfectly almost making it feel like she was part of the show, she was not but it was very cool (Bono was obviously impressed and let her sit behind Larry on stage for the rest of the show) but the most moving moment was Bono's acknowledgement of the Pope's detiorating health right before breaking into 40. He took off his Rosary, kissed it and left if hanging on the mic as he parted the stage.

A couple of low-lights was the fact that we did not have an encore. It appeared they were running behind schedule and played a solid two hours but the crowd was expecting an encore. And they had some sound glitches which were obvious during One. But not having an encore before going into 40 left the crowd confused...we were all singing along but were expecting an encore. The house lights did not come on for 5 minutes after they left the stage which made it feel as if they were going to come on and do more, but they did not. Clearly many were disappointed and we heard some 'booing' which made it impossible for the faithful to continue singing the chorus for 40.

All in all, good show, a let down at the end, but I'll take a good (versus great) U2 show over any other concert any day. Can't wait to read how this concert continues to evolve...I've already got my tickets for November!

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