by Corey P.

Another intense performance, and a nice change of setlist from the previous show I'd seen in Toronto (9/16 - also amazing). It's pretty odd that it was snow somewhere outside of Buffalo (the Boston snowstorm) that delayed their arrival, the Buffalo weather was cold but cooperative. :)

Most people (self included) weren't aware that the band wasn't in town yet, things ran smoothly as Institute took the stage. Gavin Rossdale tipped his cap to the man of the evening ("God bless John Lennon"). Their set included two Bush songs, and yes, I'm secure enough to admit that Gavin's one good looking man.

After Bush, sorry, Institute's set it didn't take long to find out we had a hip crowd - more than a few people were cheering Dallas's name each time he soundchecked out near the tip of the ellipse where me & my friends were perched. From the opening chords of The Arcade Fire's Wake Up and then the first notes of City of Blinding Lights everything took off and stayed in orbit - Edge especially was really animated, constantly smiling and vibing off of the crowd. He had everyone in front of him jumping along at will.

Gloria was a huge highlight in the early set, and again surprisingly well known among the crowd. Bono called an audible and they followed with a personalized-to-Buffalo take on The Ocean, where Bono showed a surprising amount of knowledge of and compassion for what Buffalo's going through as a city (very tense political climate right now), but then again it's hard to be surprised when that's his thing... :)

Still Haven't Found was a welcome inclusion and a big sing-along, and Beautiful Day featured the insert of a nod to Live 8 with the inclusion of Sgt. Pepper, which along with the mention of "We love you yeah yeah yeah!" and Happy Christmas (War is Over), spelled out who was on everyone's mind.

Edge's guitar sound was it's hugest during Bullet, which really showcases how bluesy and pure his guitar tone can be - no one-trick pony, that guy!

Miss Sarajevo was the highlight of the main set, with Bono nodding to the "fanciful shit" the band were able to indulge on the Zoo TV tour, recanting the story of the live satellite feeds and the inspiration of the beauty pageant that gave the song its name. Everyone really responds to Bono's operatic Italian, he might just be in the wrong genre. ;)

From there came the one-two punch of Pride and Streets (can't get enough of Adam on the ellipse!), and this brought the decibel level to a point Bono observed simply with "Wow!" One led to a rather impromptu sing-along of Help! to close the main set. The warmth of the crowd really nullified the effect of the temperature outside on Washington Street - you really did feel a part of something at the show.

Until The End of The World was HUGE, it's less matador and more footrace this time around, but one of those songs that demands to be played live, and thankfully U2 obliged. A gorgeous and authentically outfitted belly dancer was plucked from the crowd for Mysterious Ways, and Bono, having a weakness for them, sang nearly all of With or Without You while embracing her.

Stuck in a Moment got off to a quiet start, Edge's acoustic wasn't through the PA when he initially walked out already apparently playing - I'm guessing everything was normal to him in his monitors because he didn't seem shaken when the sound suddenly came in. It was a heartfelt rendition and Larry and Adam joining in at the end from the main stage was great.

This led to Instant Karma, which everyone responded to in a big way. Earlier Bono'd shared the story of U2 playing in Buffalo 25 years ago when they'd gotten the news of John Lennon having been shot and it was a big moment a lot of people were ready for and very much into, singing along full force. Larry especially was animated during the tune, hitting the drums full force like a man possessed; it was a highlight within a highlight. Bono alluded to it needing a little more practice at it (Adam seemed a little confused in the section before the last chorus), but none of us would've agreed with him - passion beats out perfection every time.

Yahweh followed and 40 closed things out perfectly - a great end to a great night, this show rates up there with the best shows I've been to - there's always the fear the band might have lost "it," and I love when they prove me wrong.

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