by Chelly

I am in the unique position of seeing this show through two sets of eyes - mine, a long-time (first saw the band live while I was in high school on the Joshua Tree tour) U2 fan, and those of my husband - who was attending his first U2 show (he has always "liked" their music, but wouldn't go out of his way to listen to it, if you know what I mean - not a true fan of the music, but he has always respected and admired Bono).

All I can say is we both left blown away by the concert tonight. Me, because I can't believe how this group has not only managed to contine to produce relevant music, but in my humble opinion they just seem like they get better with age! And hubby was just blown away by the whole show, he was really amazed at what a production they put on, Bono's voice was fabulous tonight, the vibe feeling they put out to the audience (and we were in the "cheap" $100 seats) reached all the way to the back of the arena. Needless to say, U2 made a new life long fan tonight.

The one thing that truly surprised me about my reaction to the show (because I thought I would be content jsut hearing them play the oldies but goodies) was that I wish they had played even MORE songs from HTDAAB. The songs they played from this current CD were fabulous, especially touching was Miracle Drug, it was a beautiful heartfelt version of this song, plus Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own was phenomenal. Vertigo was great also, and Yahweh was moving. Overall, the music from this disc just proves what a fabulous band U2 has remained over the years.

The only part of the show that lacked as much energy (from the audience) as the rest was the set from Boy. The only reason it lacked was because I think the audience was not as familiar with the music, still it is interesting to hear them play 25 year old music that still rocks.

And the classics they played really rocked - Sunday Bloody Sunday sounded as good as I have ever heard them perform it. Mysterious Ways was a good addition, I have always loved that song, the only song I thought they could replace was Zoo Station - it just didn't sound that good, but as a lead into the Fly, it was ok.

They did have to start 40 over, I'm not sure why, but I thought it was great to see them as normal guys working out the kinks. My only wish was that they could play even longer (don't we all wish this), but I understand (as I age along with them LOL) that they are running a marathon here - they have to stay in shape to make it through this almost year long tour they have in front of them, and there is no way, at their age they could play 3 plus hours a night and make it throught the whole tour.

I have seen them through 4 different tours, and I honestly think this was about the best I have ever seen from them, maybe because as I age, I really appreciate the energy they put out, the relevance of the music to my life, and most of all the message of unity, hope and peace Bono spreads to the crowd. Those of you who get to see them on this tour are in for a treat.

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