by Joe Zemla

Well, after three shows, the previous two were in Las Vegas and Tempe, I am finally satisfied with POPMART. This was the show I was in search of. All the glitz and glamor justified with a solid performance. The guys were not so distracted with equipment problems and an unfamiliar set. They finally concentrated on the music.

Bono covered the entire stage, running side to side and down the b-stage. Adam took more than two steps and Edge tore into solos on songs old and new, at times signalling the band to keep playing. The new songs have gotten tighter and the flow between songs, smoother. After returning to Phoenix, I was happy to learn from friends from LA that reviews have been positive. (Please let me know if they're lying.) The dreadful Coliseum was packed and the crowd responded much better than the lame crowd in a once U2 favorite, Sun Devil Stadium.

The one real surprise was Bono and Edge playing All I Want Is You on the b-stage. To my knowledge this was the first time for this song on POPMART. The rest of the set was the standard, with a few snippets.

Thanks to KROQ for embracing U2 and generating such excitement with a wonderful two-hour live broadcast with the band, all day coverage from the venue and an after-show party. The party had some great nonstop, mixed tunes. If the POPMART tour continues to mature at this pace and local media provides k-rockish coverage, we are gonna see an awesome second U.S. leg. Thanks KROQ.

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