by Jeff Bradley

(*if you are looking to put this review in context...I encourage you to read the review of the first Toronto show on the 24th, by Jeff, me)
1. My Thoughts
I have been to several concerts in the past 7 years or so...but I can state with confidence that this one was likely the best. I saw both Toronto Popmart dates and thoroughly enjoyed them...I have seen Radiohead 3 times, Oasis twice, DMB 3 times, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page...The Cure, Duran Duran...lots.
There are few bands in history who can put together a concert replete with an amazing emotional/musical performance, lined with the showmanship of good staging and a top notch front man, and topped off with a musical catalogue such as U2s. Today, there may only be one...U2 of course.
I say all of this because the show I saw last night in Buffalo was so perfect. What was missing in Toronto (the passion that Bono can invoke when his voice is ON) was present in Buffalo. Both shows were great but Buffalo was unreal. Why...
2. The Setlist
Outstanding choice of songs. Probably one of the best sets if seen listed on this site from this tour so far. Sure, older specials like Out of Control and 11 Oclock did not show up...but here is why this set list was choice:
- The early momentum was maintained by keeping Mysterious Ways near the start and by playing Even Better than the Real Thing. Discotheque and Staring at the Sun was cool (in Toronto) and I really like POP so...but the crowd enjoyed the substitution of EBTTRT.
- In My Life before Stuck In a Moment was touching. A true moment...possibly one I could get Stuck In (sorry). Bono mentioned that 20 years before when the played in Buffalo (and were happy that people showed up) John Lennon was shot. A very nice tribute. FYI - you could see the lyric sheet on the stage.
- Desire. Wow. Not my favourite U2 track. But...all four members were out near the tip of the heart. Larry had one drum that he used to create diverse and simple percussion. It started with Edges bluesy guitar and then everyone kicked in. I think Bono threw in some Not Fade Away and definitely some Gloria at the end (G...L...O...R...eye eye eye...). Very cool.
- In A Little While was superb...Bono could hit the high notes. A NOTE: The band played this song too. In Toronto and I think on most shows so far this has only been a Bono and Edge piece. Hmmmmm. It started with Bono and Edge and the Larry and Adam joint in from the main stage before their intros and Desire at the tip.
- Stay. Bono says that this song (written in Berlin) is likely one of the best they have ever written. I agree. Only Bono and Edge on this one. Bono belts out the STAY 2 thirds through the song in sweet style (see Live in Sydney ZOO TV for what I mean). This song was one of the pinnacles of the concert for me.
- Bad. Passion. Passion. A compelling song that needs heart when delivered...my goodness. It came throught tonight, whereas it was only half sung in Toronto. What a song. I think Bono drops a verse, because it seems shorter than the album and Wide Awake in America version. No one has commented on this so far, to my knowledge. But what a song.
- Streets and Pride. After Bad the show just takes off from its already elevated plateau. Streets is unbelievable and Pride closes the first set. Before the Early Morning, April 4 line...Bono gives a long speach backed my Prides music about Africa. He spoke of taking action, perhaps to the streets to prevent them from being flushed down the toilet. Well placed...during this song. He said something similar before One in Toronto...but here it really resonated. It got through, too...lots of people were talking after (Bono, if by chance you ever read this: THANK YOU for your conscience and your use of your stature to help the world...it works).
- With or Without You. Great. Bonos voice was on, on, on. If you want to debate U2s ballads: this live performance would place WOWY ahead of One, All I Want Is You or any. It moves to a peak and just moves you.
- The Fly: I love how this song begins for Elevation 2001. You can find this on Napster. It is sooo good. Bono adopts (as previously noted in other reviews) his character. Similar to some comments from Montreal...he laid down with a girl for the last bit of the song before he has to go. He struck the pose in front of the screen a la Fly on the wall to end the song. What a cool move.
WOW.
3. Extras
When the guy was getting the boot for crowd surfing during In a Little While and Bono saved him...great. Although a note to that over rewarded schmuck. Crowd surf for In a Little While...get a life. He got pulled up on stage with Bono, too...some people have all the luck and then he stage dove (to prove his good decision making skills, no doubt). Bono made a comment about him being to big for this stuff. A classy move by Bono to help a not so classy fan.
ANYHOW...sorry for such a long review. Hopefully reading my thoughts has been intersting. I was soooo impressed by the show last night. U2 is a band for the ages, and I am glad I witnessed a show for the ages. Cheers. And for those who still have a show to attend: I am envious.
A parting thought: I closed my eyes for about a minute during Kite. Kind of made me revel in the moment and the music. Whos to know where the wind will take you...

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