by Dan M.

I have been a fan of U2 since 1987 when I heard With or Without You one day and said to myself "that's one of the most incredible songs I have ever heard in my life." The rest is history. They quickly became my favorite band, which has never changed.

Tonight's show was my sixth U2 show overall and third from this tour. I saw the two Philly shows as well, and while those were tremendous shows also, this one was probably the best of all time, even better than Zoo Tv in Philly in 1992 when i had floor seats. Maybe it was because it was their last night in the U.S., I don't know....but the boyz were on their game tonite!

The Jersey audience was incredible. They were up standing and cheering on almost every song, both to the classics and the new songs (unlike Philly). It was heartening to see that and I think Bono & company really fed off that energy. Bono's voice seemed to be in top form tonite as his past troubles from the tour weren't apparent at all, in my opinion. Anyway, this was a bittersweet night for me personally as my friend who was going to go with me is in the hospital with cancer. He really wanted to go and was looking forward to this show....so my thoughts are with him, as well. get well, bob.

Anyway, highlights:

1) Streets - What an absolute religious experience during the intro when the lights go on and 20,000 people are clapping and dancing. At that moment, it doesn't seem like anything is wrong with the world. The best live song ever in the history of rock and roll.
2) Wild Honey - What a treat it was to get to hear that song. It sounds great acoustic. I hope they continue to do it in the next leg.

3) Kite/Walk On - Two of the most beautiful songs on ATYCLB which sound incredible live. If WOWY and One were the anthems of the 80s and 90s, respectively, both of these songs could be U2's anthems for the new millenium. Kite is so emotional, deep and beautiful and Walk On is very uplifting, catchy and a great closing song. They may have written it for Aung San Suu Kyi, but it can apply to anyone. Just leave all your troubles behind and "walk on."......awesome!

4) Elevation/Beautiful Day - Great one/two punch to start off the show. Elevation just gets the joint jumping with the house lights still on and the show just takes off from there like a speeding bullet.

5) The classics (Streets, Bad, Pride, SBS, I Will Follow, WOWY, One, Mysterious Ways, New Year's Day) - Just great anthems that get the whole crowd singing and dancing in unison. To be able to sing (scream, haha) "How Long to Sing this Song" from "40" at the end of Bad is just bone-chilling.

Other tidbit highlights: Bono pays kudos to Michael Stipe, The Beastie Boys and Bill Clinton, who were all present for the show. Adds a snippet of REM's "Everybody Hurts" to Bad, (Bono paid tribute to REM in Atlanta, as well in March); Bono taking the character role of "The Fly" and sticking to the screen at the end of the song. great stuff.

Overall, I sat in section 127, Row 15 which was a bit away from the stage for $130 seats, but it's about the music anyway. My only complaint? I didn't get to hear The Sweetest Thing, Out of Control or 11 O'Clock Tick Tock in any of the 3 shows I attended. Oh well, I can live with it. Just a memorable night. Thank you, U2, for 20 years of incredible songs and wonderful memories. Here's hoping for 20 more!!!!

See you in the Fall....I hope!

-Dan (Dan8678@aol.com)

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