by Mark Lee

If anyone was having any doubts, let me clear them up for you right now. POPMART rocks! U2 delivered 2 hours and 15 minutes of rock, er, POP, at its finest.

While many of the songs were off of the POP album (and done very well, I might add), U2 included classics such as "New Years' Day", "Pride", and a mesmerizing version of "Sunday Bloody Sunday", which was handled admirably by only the Edge and his hollow-body Gibson. And, for those not familiar with the newer material, you need not fear - the production, perhaps one of the largest and most extravagant ever, will more than keep you occupied.

One of the most touching moments of the night came when Bono dedicated "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" to "your boys" in R.E.M. "Michael, Mike, Peter..." (obviously excluding the recently departed and sorely missed Bill Berry). "We're restless souls," Bono added. "That's why we're constantly trying new things, like all this. Thank you for coming along with us."

The night's other touching moment was during the latter part of the encore ("One", a rousing version of "MLK", and "40", all done in tribute to the late Michael Hutchence). Haunting images of a young and carefree Hutchence were displayed alongside other deceased legends such as John Lennon and Princess Diana. Also, INXS's song "Never Tear Us Apart" was played over the P.A. at the set's conclusion as a parting reminder. All of this was done in a tasteful and positive manner, along with Bono assuring that Hutchence was "oxygen...He lit up the room he was in..."

All in all, U2 gave us a marvelous set. I felt that "Bullet the Blue Sky", despite its revamping and a hip synth bassline, hasn't aged very well. Also, both "One" and "40" seemed a little sloppy and passionless, for whatever reason (maybe they were tired, maybe it was Hutchence). And, I know I'm nitpicking here, but the mix was mediocre at best, leaning too much on the mids. But who am I to judge? U2 has rightfully reclaimed their place as the greatest live show on the planet (as if they ever lost it!)

Oh, and Smashmouth was not bad. A little on the long side (40 minutes), but not bad.

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