by Brian Yeager

The show was simply amazing. This was my 5th show, 4th of the Elevation Tour.My buddy (the other Brian) and I arrived at Notre Dame around 5 AM local time, which we overlooked was an hour behind our (eastern) time. We basically drove over from southeast Michigan, and we ended up being about 7 & 8th in line. Not bad. This was the most organized show I've been to yet. At least at the beginning, security started letting us in by groups of 4 people. No one was rushing, no one was losing their spot, nothing like that. Of course I was at the front of the line, so I don't know what happened after me. But cheers to the staff for good organization.

Garbage was a pretty good act. I'm not a big fan, but I have liked almost all of their singles so far. And they played most of them, too, in addition to a few new ones off of their new CD. I enjoyed Garbage much more than PJ Harvey.

We opted to stand at the very tip of the heart, OUTSIDE the heart. For those who may have took pictures, my friend was wearing the "55" shirt, and I was wearing a blue U2 Elevation Tour hooded sweatshirt. Being rather experienced in the Elevation Tour, we knew that Bono would step out on one of the ledges out there and then we could touch him. However, that never happened. He never once stepped out on those ledges, only once on the pole in the inner part of the heart. That was VERY disappointing. I don't know what the deal was. The only thing I can't think of, is maybe that it had to do with the webcast. Perhaps Bono was advised not to step out on a ledge for safety reasons, and maybe so he didn't get hurt or anything while it was being broadcasted.

Before the show we yelled for Dallas while he was tuning Edge's guitars. He walked around the heart and gave my friend one of Edge's picks, but I'm sure he'll tell you all about that in his own review.

The best parts of the show, I thought, were (1) the crowd was OUTSTANDING. Only 11,000 people, with a voice like double that. (2) "What's Going On" being played at a concert for the first time. That was AWESOME, I only wish I had the lyrics down all the way. (3) The intro to Peace On Earth...amazing, another 1st to be a part of. (4) I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (full band), what else can I say about that? (5) The added verse during With or Without You...nothing more emotional... (6) the NYPD and NYFD on stage during the "Halleluja" ending...that was a shock...and a patriotic moment, as well. We, among many thousands others, could be heard chanting "USA USA USA!"

The small Notre Dame venue was outstanding as well. There wasn't a bad seat in the house. The mixed up setlist was a nice change too...they didn't start with the usual "Elevation," although I think it worked out better at the beginning of the set, rather then in an encore.

Overall, the show was awesome. I can't deny that. But I can't help but be disappointed Bono never stepped out to where we were (outside the tip). And I have this feeling some things may have gotten messed up at the concert...for example, after the show I saw the security pull Larry's acoustic drum away from the tip of the heart...an acoustic drum that was never used. Previously they used that for Desire. Another thing...I saw someone with a setlist...and let's just say that I read at LEAST 3 songs on that list that weren't even played. I'm not complaining, I just think there may have been some last minute decisions.

Needless to say, I took a roll of pictures, which I'm sure will be awesome. As soon as I get them developed and scanned, I will add some to this site, and I will put them all up at my web site (http://www.umich.edu/~byeager). I already have some previous pictures up there.

Less than four hours of sleep in two days just isn't cutting it for me...now it's time to go to class. Enjoy the shows, and rock on!

Brian
byeager@umich.edu
http://www.umich.edu/~byeager

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