by Bob C

Ok I admit it. This was the first time seeing the band I listen to and enjoy immensely. Not being a big fan of arena shows, I reluctantly coughed up the 140 for a pair. Getting to the stadium from central NJ was a breeze. Left exit 80 area at 4:30 and smooth sailing right to 16w. Just missed the main parking lot but got to park on the grass real close to the stadium for $25. Tailgating was a little weak.

Entered during the Muse performance, had to walk around the stadium to the far side for the seat. Thought we were in for terrible view but to my amazement, the claw was everything advertised and more. Fans around us were really into the Muse, which helped make the performance enjoyable. It annoys me that such a fine opening act, who were putting on the best show they could, were on an island of a stage without access to the 360 walkway. The video screens were incredible and made it as good as it could but I can't stop thinking about how much better their performance would have been. They made this casual listener a fan.

After the $8 for a beer, the show started. Not being into much of the new stuff, I sat in amazement of how they could deliver such strong music in a large arena! Kudos to the $300 million or whatever the stage costs.

Although we remained standing through almost the entire performance, I thought it to be one of the weaker crowds. Yes, everyone did their part by singing, waving the hands and the "pull out you cell phone" part, but to me it felt luke-warm, not the hot exciting event I hoped for. It was good, not great.

Beside for some technical glitches, the performance was solid. The set list kept everyone guessing what might come next and few were disappointed. There will always be songs that don't make the list, but it was an enjoyable mix of old and new, not too much of either.

Again, this was my first u2 show and if I had to pull the biggest negative for me it would be all the snippets of songs. I personally would rather hear the band jam an extended version of a song then hear three minute versions of several songs. I think all the transitioning from one song to the next was interesting, but they never got the crowd to maintain and build up the excitement. I think back to all my favorite shows and almost everyone had the 15-minute super version of a great song. U2's 15 minutes were wasted on watching a video clip while the band caught a quick break. Not unforgettable for me!

Like many others, I am not into hearing a band's political message. I knew I would be subjected to the foundation and the support and save the world garbage but it was not as bad as anticipated. I really think if they continue to tone down the message, it will resound and become more powerful to us hard to reach souls. Bruce Springsteen seems to have gotten the message that we want to hear him, and it looks as if U2 are learning the same thing.
Say it once, don't preach it!

If I had to rate on a 1-10 scale,

Sound (for arena show) 9.5- Best I have heard to date.

Visuals- 9 Dropping the screen was cool, but I wanted to see all the members together work our section at least once. Too bad the drums weren't on wheels! That spaceship claw is unbelievable!

Energy – 8- We were ready, but the 3-minute song shifting to another and another didn't let us get over pumped.

BTW, that was my first review ever written. I typically don't do this!

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