by NealP

I've posted reviews here over the years trying to share a little more than just what songs or visuals came across best. For this tour I was really concerned that the band would not commit to the new material, if they didn't get the lift off Bono says is so important. And I knew that many of the fans wouldn't be as passionate for Iris or Cedarwood Road as Sunday Bloody Sunday or Pride. So, I went to the last 4 shows paying close attention to the new material more than anything, both in terms of how the Band seemed to feel about it...and the crowd. Well, mission accomplished for sure. There is no denying that this material comes alive live and the band is fiercely into it. Further, though some left for a beer during new songs, there is also no denying the sing alongs starting with Miracle and through the " see yourself, be yourself" of Iris. Bono closed his eyes and listened each night and smiled when he heard that we knew what to sing. And that is critical if our favorite band doesn't pull a 360 tour and one by one drop new material. That won't happen on this tour because not only do they look and sound as vital as ever but I found myself humming a different song after the show each night ( even invisible, which surprised me), and they were ALL from the new album. because the new songs are truly classic U2 songs even if they won't chart like the older favorites, and are very bit as sing along able. Which leads to last night which may prove to be a pivotal show.

I went nuts during Volcano and I wasn't the only one. For almost half the show to be new material and the energy to be as good as it was means the band will stay committed to it and the show will be the better for it. Further, Bono's mix of humor, insight into old songs ( I never knew I will Follow" was inspired by a friends brothers suicide), and what inspired the new ones made for an enjoyable show that reminded me of something I witnessed the first time I saw this great band in 1986 in this same Forum....a connection with the fans that is unequaled in music. We came away from these shows feeling rejuvenated in the power that is U2. Power that comes from a band that is still vital and won't be just a greatest hits band. Thank God

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