by Jake

I went to the April 20, 2001 show the last time U2 was here in San Jose. It was a magical night that I'll never forget. In fact, reading the reviews of that show, Bono apparently said it was the best concert of his entire career.

There was no magic tonight. It was a very good concert, not great. Can't really pin down exactly why this tour doesn't have the magic of Elevation. Maybe the stage is too similar to Elevation and there is nothing new and fresh about this tour? Maybe the ticket prices are too high and there is a different demographic attending the show? Maybe it is just too hard to catch lightning in a bottle two tours in a row. Bono seemed a little more human and humble last tour. Now, he is back in "rock star" mode and it isn't quite as endearing.

The setlist definitely doesn't flow as well as last tour. The new songs are very good, but not live classics in the same category as Beautiful Day or Elevation from last album. Streets still gets the loudest response, but doesn't produce the same euphoria as we are used to. I don't think Streets works well following Pride, and where were is the flood lights at the beginning?

All in all, a very good concert, but a little below my very high expectations. I look forward to seeing them again in November and will hope for better.

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