by Garrito

How do these guys do it--show after show? Thank goodness that we've got a group like U2 that sells out arenas but keeps the show fresh every night. And what a night this was.

I had an amazing time tonight because of the sheer power that U2 brings to every song. But it was an unsettling experience compared to the last time I saw them at the Garden, on June 19. On the one hand there's the brilliant music, the catchy songs, and the transcendent ideas in the lyrics, but on the other hand, tonight, there was the tragic context which I couldn't forget. And Bono didn't forget, either: a fan gave him an NYPD or FDNY hat (I couldn't tell which) which he put on backwards for half a song; the inside of his coat had an American flag sewn into it; towards the end of the show he begged a fan to the left of the stage to throw him an American flag (the fan resisted or something, because Bono begged for a while); and he changed many lyrics to fit the current state of affairs in NY and the US.

Tonight's show was a melancholy one for me. During "One," I couldn't help but get very sad as the names of the airline and resuce victims scrolled on the monitors behind the band. I cried a little bit in confusion and anger. But back in June, the emotions I felt during the same song were of bittersweet lost love as the song reminded me of an ex-girlfriend and the times we spent listening to the song.

Times have changed in a few short months. Things are not the same. (hm--'we're one, but we're not the same')

No question, they put on another great show, but it wasn't as joyous as the one I saw on the 1st leg. As it should be, I guess. At least I'm lucky enough to have tickets for Saturday, too.

(And I wish they played 'Bad.' 'Stay' was nice. 'New York' was incredible.)

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