by ethanshoe

Hello everyone! Well I must say from the start that this was an amazing show; however, it has taken me a couple of days to digest it. I will explain. I saw U2 for the 2nd time back in 2000 for the Elevation tour. At that show I was, pardon the pun, elevated or lifted up with the strength, spirituality, and power of not only songs but the performance of the band as a whole. I left that show feeling a spiritual connection had been made and cultivated. This tour, Vertigo 2005, is much different. I was left with a very different feeling, not a bad one, just different. This tour is not all about re-applying for the job, but more so about expressing how U2 views and feels about our world at this current point in time. As I am sure many will agree, this is not the most peaceful time. Keeping that in mind, this show was gritty, explosive, and passionate in a way that you will not see from many bands. In a way, the boys are still wearing their hearts on their sleeves, but this time expressing something much deeper and richer.

Okay, now onto the show. The musicianship of the band is second to none. The Edge was very aggressive and propelled the songs to new heights. Adam, whose ventures around the ellipse were a great highlight of the show, was as strong and solid as ever. Larry kept the pace and energy high, thus displaying his skills as one of the best and most musical rock drummers in the world. Bono's performance was also one of his best. If anyone is questioning his voice, you need not worry. He owns these songs (although after two days of singing prior to this show, he may have been a bit tired, juding by the amount of water he drank).

All the songs were played well, despite a bit of feedback early on during the show; however some highlights for me were Zoo Station (with complete lyrics), Pride (the "oh oh oh" at the end was breath taking and powerful), Streets, Electric Co.(it just rocked!), SYCMOYO, All Because of You(again rocked)!, City of Blinding lights (Just and amazing song live), LAPOE (Very gritty and moving) and 40. Yahweh was turning out to be one of the most tenderest moments of the show, however the girl brought up on stage sort of killed the mood by being a bit too frisky. Bono was a good sport about it all though.

All in all a great experience. Thank you to the couple sitting next to me (in section 308, who didn't have to be split up, you guys were great! Thanks for getting into it so much!

Thank you Larry, Adam, Edge and Bono for such a great show and the memories that I will never forget it!

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