by Dave Bennett

So here we go, first U2 concert in years. Are they up to the magnificant standards set so high on previous occasions. Honest answer, erm, yes (I think!!). Well at least the band are but i'm sorry Manchester you were poor.
Bono may be an ageing rocker but still shows the entusiasm of a spring chicken and knows how to work a crowd, but boy, it needed an atomic bomb to wake this one. The tune selection was spot on with a mixture of the best of the new and the best of the old to entertain, however the usual expected bounce of a U2 audience didn't arrive until Streets was pumped out an hour after arrival on stage.
The set list was perfect, performances by each of the band were immaculate, the sound though seemed to be muffled and strained. As for the lighting effects they were lost through starting too early. I am fortunate to work nearby and managed to listen in from outide the following evening and to be honest the sound was more clear from my car. It also seemed to get darker earlier, which I hope will have improved the visuals from inside.
Verdict? U2 rock, Manchester didn't. Best song? Streets (of course). Reccomendations? Get to a Dublin gig for real atmosphere.

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