by Kenneth Ryan

I can tell you truely that this was the concert of the year and along with ZOO TV the concert of the decade. U2 took Vancouver and turned it on its head.

They exploded onto the stage under the sonic barrage of Pop Muzik and just started rocking. Mofo which is probably U2's most ambitious track was recieved very well and the show got off to a great start. I was right by the catwalk and was within about 6 feet of the band when they came along it. Bono's voice gave out early on through the show but he got tons of help from the audience and when he needed it he managed to soar and reach those high notes that he is famous for.

The first lucky individual on stage was a young girl about 10 years old. I am not sure if U2's family was in town for the show but it might have been one of Bono's daughters. He sung the girl "If You Wear that Velvet Dress." Edge was cooking on his guitars and Larry who gave me the thumbs up as he walked by me was in fine form. Adam looked as relaxed as could be and he was smiling the whole time. I don't think that Adam and Larry get enough recognition. They are fine musicians and are an integral part of the U2 sound.

Of the crew I got to chat breifly with Jerry Mele the security chief who was knocked with a gun by a security guard of the president's son. I asked him how his head was and he said "much better thanks!" I also talked to Dallas Schoo, Edge's guitar roadie, and Joe O"Herlihey the sound man who looks like ZZTOP!

They blasted through ther main set anyways and it was over before you knew it. Then came the long awaited Lemon gig and it was funny but also quite striking. B.C. Place, the venue is a big white dome and the reflection from the mirror ball was something to see. By the way, SmashMouth were a great band. They were kinda ska/punk and I applaude U2 for acknowledging such budding talent.

During the first encore some guy got to dance with Bono. Not quite as poignant as Bono's first dancing partner. At the end of the night Bono dedicated One and Wake Up Dead Man to Amnesty International because tomorrow is a special day for that organization. Two great songs. Other great songs were Edge's rendition of Sunday Bloody Sunday, Gone, and Please (although Bono was off key for most of it). I have to say that I am still in awe because I was so close to the band and truly this was one of the most amazing moments of my life. It is the U2 fans equivalent to having a child, you buy the ticket and you have to endure nine months of anticipation and finally it is upon you. Not a great analogy for a guy to be using but I mean it more along the lines of anticipation.

The crowd at the show was great, it was by no means a sold out show. The last time they were in town they sold out the venue 55000 twice and this time they only sold 35000 seats. Probably due to ticket prices. I think it was worth every penny. Anybody disappointed with tonight's show was not in it for the music which, by design came first and foremost. The props just made it more of an event.

I have said enough and I will say on record that U2 is the biggest baddest bestest,' most sugar poppin,' rock and roll band on the planet. Pound for pound U2 can beat any band out there now and ever more. It was a great night of Craic agus Ceol. God Bless U2 and Ireland.

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