by Alex

I hate to say it, but for a moment, I had my doubts about the show. My fear had little to do with the band, but 80% due to the spastic gyrations of a 40-something lady in front of us in 325 who looked like she was being tazered working her mojo into a frenzy, AND 20% Bono’s temporarily reclining on or dangling off the catwalk like he was reflecting and relaxing.

After seeing Vertigo and the Joshua Tree, I wondered, is this it? Could the band top those amazing shows? Did they expend themselves on Thursday? Are they exhausted from the previous night, which the city raved about? Nope. What followed afterwards (and actually the entire night) was a screamin’ smokin’ sonic blitz that left us emotionally drained and energetically numbed.

The songs were incredible with highlights being Pride, Streets and Sunday Bloody Sunday. Also, the Electric Co absolutely rocked. I won't describe them because many were beyond words, but the scenes with the electronic flags streaming down were inspirational. The stage was great, and when the lighting gear retracted, seemed to grow to close any distance. And the comments about their friend the paralyzed poet, and our PM the PM were meaningful and encourating.

And the band, well Bono is the best vocalist alive and was truly awesome as he orbited the stage. Larry was a powerhouse demon delivering focused thunder that (and with respect to Peart and Collins) proved he’s arguably the best drummer in the world. The Edge seemed to invent new notes and sonic shards as he bounced around yet always in key. And a personal highlight was Adam, who strolled or glided around the stage with a “large” presence and zentensity reminiscent of Leonard Cohen. It was great as thousands of us have always wanted to say “we love you too Adam” but now he knows.

On any given night, these guys are mesmerizing and push each other to the edge. Tonight the Edge pushed back – hard, and so did the others. They were bigger than themselves, not because they were arrogant, but because the sum of their efforts was stunning and solid. Albert Camus said “live to the point of tears”. Tonight, 18000 people did just that … and all because of you (or all because of U2), we did. As well, thanks to the sound dudes and the guitar jockeys and the video and sound wizards that kept all the instruments in order.

And the gyration station lady? We all forgot about her. After the initial distraction, it was like she disappeared, or I understood, or maybe, just maybe, she did get her mojo working. The show was phenomenal and truly awesome. Thanks

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