by Grace

U2 rode into town riding a Nor’easter.

I have been a fan for 23 years. This was my seventh show. I’ve been reading reviews and watching set lists (as any U2 fan does) since the start of the tour. Now, every fan has that one show that it like coming home and going to heaven all at once for them. Mine would be Larry’s 40th birthday in Providence. I was in the front row of the Heart. I think everyone in that arena felt like they were part of the band that night as we sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to security of the band. I’ve heard fans say that there was nothing like those post 9/11 shows and I’m lucky to have been a part of 3 of them. That being said, I will have to agree that last night lacked something. Maybe it’s because ATYCLB was them returning and stripping down from Pop and all the side projects that occurred. They had a hunger and eagerness to bare their soul.

Last night, I took my fiancé to his first U2 show. I told him it was like religion. The congregation was there – ready to hear the word. The ministers took the stage. I just felt like the message was lost. I didn’t feel the love and the hunger I felt 3.5 years ago. Were they musically perfect? Absolutely. Did they rock? Of course. I would have to agree with a few reviews that I’ve read from this show and others that they seemed bored. I wish they would sit down and say to themselves, “What do I want to hear tonight? What do I want to have fun playing?” Anyone that was willing to plop down the money that was spent on seats – from $49 to the ultra expensive $165 (where I sat) would be more than thrilled to hear them play and really watch them enjoy it. I wouldn’t care if I didn’t know every word to every song. I think they might be staling on some u2 staples like Pride, One and Streets (which I love live). I think songs like If God Would Send His Angels are just as timely as One. And I would burst into a dozen fruit flavors if I ever hear Surrender live.

That being said, I did like Electric Co. and Ocean. I wished they played An Cat Dubh-Into the Heart and Gloria. I can hope for Dublin and the October shows for those gems.
Highlights:
The moment they walked out on stage, City of Blinding Lights, Elevation, Love and Peace or Else, Running to Stand Still, the mobile phone ‘lighters’, Mysterious Ways (even if they seemed to be going through the motions) and ‘40’. Hearing that drum solo after Adam leaves the stage made me want to cry. Cry for the beauty. Cry for the sadness that they were leaving the stage. Cry for the pure fact I was there.

Return to previous page | Post a Review of this show!