by Jim Lawhead

Alles Goed? Yes, U2 Everything is OK? As an American on Holiday to see the U2 shows in Holland and Belgium I interpreted Bono asking the crowd ‘Do you like the music?’ The Dutch crowd roared their approval. It is apparent that the Dutch love U2 and U2 loves playing in Holland. All three shows were outstanding with a great mix of songs over the three nights in Arnhem.

The second night saw many changes from the first night including 11 O’Clock Tick Tock early in the show which surprised and fired up and already charged crowd. Sunday Bloody Sunday was very passionate with Bono talking about civil and human rights and peace in Ireland. The middle sequence when they go semi acoustic included a version of a Herman Brood song (who Bono made references to on all three shows), Sweetest Thing, Staring at the Sun (awesome), and one of my personal favorites, The Ground Beneath Her Feet. The band then segued into All I Want is You. It thought to myself it doesn’t getter any better than this. I was lucky enough to be in the outer ring of the heart and Bono and the Edge played their acoustic set right in front of us.

The special bonus was coming out again for a third encore and playing Out of Control That was a special treat. I can say I am very happy I took this holiday and met so many very nice Dutch people at the show, especially Daniel, Petra, Corky, and Ruben (who lifted me onto his shoulders to take photos during Streets Have No Name). Thanks Ruben.

The only thing that disappointed me was how rude some fans were to the opening band Kellis. There was a small set of fans who threw beer, whistled, turned their backs, and gave them the middle finger. The lead singer who is very talented in my view and was so upset she returned the middle finger gesture and gave the fans the moon. I say good for her.

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