by Brian Miller

The show at Fed-Ex field on September 29 was my third U2 concert. I saw them twice in San Diego at the Q, once for the Zoo TV tour, and once for the Pop Mart tour.

This show probably falls in the middle in terms of my favorites of the three shows I've seen personally, Zoo TV being #1 by miles -- actually, that remains my #1 concert of all time.

I thought the band did a terrific job of trying to get the audience engaged, but it was a real slog. The play list was very solid, with a rrespectable smattering from at least eight different U2 albums. I enjoyed the new tracks, especially "Get on your boots," and "Magnificent," although the crowd seemed to take these tracks in with polite indifference at times -- too bad, because this is really great material.

I was surprised they didn't play, "Pride, in the name of love," but I hate to admit it, I was not disappointed. I'd rather hear them play "Walk on by," from the same album. I also think perhaps New Year's Day is a little tired, although their playing was spot on terrific. I'd rather hear "Electric Co," or "something else from October or War.

The stagecraft was spectacular as everyone has described -- another masterpiece for the band!

I also thought the political messages were thoughtful, not overwhelming, and poignant without distracting from the show. The band really tried hard to create catharsis, but again, the crowd just wasn't very receptive -- you could almost hear them asking themselves, "Where is Burma again? Why should I care?" Which is too bad.

The biggest issue, however, was the sound. I was in the upper deck, and the sound was abysmal. When Bono spoke you could hardly pick out every fourth word, and the music was a muddy wash for half the set. It got a little better about half way into the show, but only a bit. The echo was absolutely out of control, and really detracting from the experience. I know it isn't just the venue either, as I saw Paul McCartney in August at Fed-Ex, also in the upper deck, and the sound was much better -- of course Paul's music is less big and boomy, so perhaps better suited to a hard venue like Fed-Ex. Still, I really wish the sound crew had mixed the show better.

Thanks to the band for what otherwise was a terrific show, and for 30 years of amazing music and performances.

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