by Lunch Boy

How long must we sing this song?

Indeed.

From kicking off the concert with a new U2 classic, Elevation, the setlist ran through U2’s best songs on life and death and as their new disc is aptly titled all the things you can’t leave behind. Moving on is only made easy when the proper time has come.

Bono in fine form, his voice getting stronger and more emotion laden throughout the two hours plus show, reminisced often and loudly on U2’s relationship with New York. A homecoming of sorts. Joey Ramone was mourned for by band and fans, ensuring if only for another day his spirit was keep alive while allowing his work to continue to be valuable and meaningful. The Edge chose to speak loudly, fluently through his majestic guitar work. Larry shined by providing part of the U2 signature sound on such gems as Sunday Bloody Sunday. Adam underrated or ignored as always once again proved all these claims false, delivering bass work which rattled the foundations of MSG.

But as Bono indicated to the crowd if they do not come back in the Fall, it’s been a good run. Yes New York has been good to the boys.

From seeing on television broadcast news images of a group called U2 on top of the Million Dollar hotel singing Streets to last night in New York city the end always loomed as a possibility. Everything on this planet has arrived at its conclusion, though not always naturally. Not that I was continually pessimistic but rather aware that sooner or later a conclusion loomed. Last night in New York, U2 finally signaled the progression towards that conclusion.

While it may not be the end of U2, surely new discs will continue to sweeten music stores shelves it could very well be the end of U2 on the road. How fitting to conclude on the Elevation tour. What a majestic culmination of their life on the road, all the lessons learned from 20 years of various stage set ups and crowd interaction. Last night’s Fly with its more gentle information melt down from Zoo TV. The Streets, with Psalms read over the introduction, signally the bands continued connections with the Almighty and it’s red screen from the Joshua Tree Tour. The heart stage, the exaggerated stage presence of larger than life symbols a reminder of Pop Mart. Even members of U2 have a heightened sense of awareness as they leave the stage, with Bono and the Edge, looking back, soaking up the crowd, the noise, enjoying the moment.

They could do no less. Last night was an amazing show. The Spirit moved quickly and powerfully as He always does. It is a shame to see it all end but it is inevitable. But while one group’s work comes to an end another begins. Bono pushed, prodded, lectured, and spoke to the crowd about human rights, about humanity and ultimately the state of the world. His certain belief that something positive can be done, even by the likes of you, is infectious. It remains to be seen now just what will occur.

How long must we sing this song?

Not much longer. But if things go well the tune will change. It’s hard to wait for the future patiently when the present is so sweet.

Lunch Boy

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