by sky

the U2 show last night was a gift. a friend of a friend offered a last minute ticket and next thing you know i'm being dropped me off at Key Arena. on the way my wife and i talked about the last U2 show we were both at, (was it 3 or 4 years ago?), All That You Can't Leave Behind... it was in portland, oregon, easter morning, and we were like the 5th and 6th person in line. we ended up in the heart, dead center stage on the rail, about 5 ft from the band most of the show. it was the greatest rock show i've ever seen... i was so awed by the band's sheer GENEROSITY. it was not about rock stars from on high patronizing with three chords and amibiguous 'truths'... it was about giving to each other what music makes possible, artist to ear, with a profound respect given by the band to the art of listening. in other words, U2 really does love and respect their fans. they do it with and in the music.

OF COURSE the difference between last tour and last nights show was the seats... last night i was in the 200 level behind the stage... the sound was muffled and dull. but even so, the show last night felt a bit forced, not as coherent... the guys seems like they were going through the motions a bit. and when they played the early songs, like 'An Cat Dubh', and 'Into The Heart'... songs where - judging the audience reaction it felt like maybe there were only 20 of us in the Key Arena who could sing aloud and be taken back to U2-back-in-the-day... a young band from ireland that made you freaking BELIEVE.

but still, last night... 20+ years later, you could see them making the effort of Generosity... and even though the effort seemed a bit self-conscious at times... the music certainly wasn't, nor were the 4 musicians. i mean, c'mon... Where the Streets Have No Name, One, Pride, New Years Day, Miracle Drug, Running to Stand Still, ELECTRIC CO!... need i say more? those songs alone really say all that needs to be said.

last comment: i think Streets is the all time greatest arena concert rock song ever written.

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