by John Kinney Jackson

With a cool ocean breeze blowing, the LA Memorial Coliseum played host to what had to be the largest and best Popmart show yet, with nearly 90,000 people in attendance.

This was my 4th visit to the Popmart (Las Vegas, San Diego, & Phoenix) and was easily the best. The boys were more animated than ever. Bono was his usual self, running up and down the catwalk teasing fans with a touch of his hand. Edge was rocking as usual but had an emarassing moment when he sliped and fell while walking to a lower stage level durring "Until the End of the World". He was not hurt but perhaps a bit embarassed. Bono played off the mishap by singing "kissed your lips and broke your fall" instead of the usual lyric. Even the normally calm Adam was quite active, using his bass to battle Bono's umbrella during "Bullet the Blue Sky". Adam also played to the audience by jumping around on the B-stage during Discotheque.

All of this energy came to a feverous pitch when Edge's Daydream Believer rendition was altered by special guest Davey Jones. Edge responded to Jones's arrival on the b-stage by simply saying "Oh, I'm busted". Seeing Davey Jones singing with Edge was an absolute riot and definitely a highpoint in the evening. An unexpected arrival into the setlist came in the acoustic set. Following "Staring at the Sun" which was amazing acoustic, came a complete rendition of "All I want is you". I'm not sure but I don't think they've played this song complete since the Love Town Tour. Played on the b-stage with Just Bono singing and Edge on guitar this was simply incredible. The usual favorites were played in great form with hits such as Pride and Still Havent found... receiving great audience support in the sing along. I must say it was very moving to sing along some of your favorite songs with 90,000 other people.

I was once again pleased by the new songs off of Pop. "Last Night on Earth" prooved that it is a great guitar rock'n song. Bono played the mirror ball Les paul guitar during the song and jumped off the stage towards the end of the song. He then ran along side of the catwalk to the b-stage where he jumped into the crowd, all the while he continued to play the the song while Edge played his lead. The energy was high, the sound was great and the setting was something out of a greatest hits movie. This was easily the best concert I have ever been to. All the kinks of the Popmart tour have been worked out and the band is in great form. If you haven't seen them, Go Go Go to you nearest Popmart.

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