by Tim

I just got home from the nightmare that is getting to and from FedEx Field. This was my first show on this tour and thirteen show all-time. Overall it was a good show. Not the best I've seen them play, but still good. I've been following the set lists for each show and watching videos posted on YouTube up until now. I think that does take a bit away from the experience of seeing the show in person though.

The claw is very innovative and is an improvement over the end stage stadium tour. I think they could do more with using it for effect than they do, but I guess that would take away from focusing on the band. The crowd stood all show and sang along loudly for things like Still Haven't Found and With or Without You. Overall they were a bit reserved but that's DC crowds generally. Bono pulled a boy up on stage at the end of Unforgettable Fire and kept him up on stage through most of City of Blinding Lights. He had him walk and jog with him around the outer walkway and ended up giving him a pair of his shades.

This show didn't have as many songs off of No Line as they've been playing with No Line and Unknown Caller not making the set this time. It also was shorter by one song than any show on the North American leg. Your Blue Room was a nice addition, though most of the people around me had no idea what it was and many headed for the bathroom or concessions. The newer songs got a mixed reaction from the crowd I thought. Crazy Tonight didn't get much reaction with Bono trying hard to get people to sing along and take the chorus. Moment of Surrender got a better reaction than I expected, though I still don't quite see it as the best song to end on. New Year's Day seemed to get a very good reaction around me, though it's an oldie that I think could use retiring for awhile. As usual for DC shows, Bono talked a lot and thanked the many politicians at the show. He spread it out throughout the show though rather than saving it for one or two long speeches like he did on the Vertigo Tour at Verizon Center in DC.

Overall a good show, but I hope they mix the set up some when I see them in Charlottesville and Raleigh the next few days.

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