by DHR

To give you an idea regarding my perspective, this is the first Elevation Tour show I've seen, but my 8th U2 show overall. I was standing about 5 people to the right of the heart's tip, one row behind the railing.

(1) From a theatrical standpoint, I couldn't believe how good the show really was. The most recent concert I saw was the Dave Matthews Band in Charlottesville (his home town) which was supposed to be an amazing event since it was his home town (at least since his late teens). However, I thought that show really was too quiet, lacked energy, and dragged. Thus, it was a welcome change to experience this show. The only other band I've seen that can maintain that level of energy throughout a show is the Rolling Stones.

(2) Bono's voice was excellent. He definitely shys away from hitting certain high notes, but he needs to save his voice for the rest of the tour. In general I thought his voice held up very well, and really exceeded my expectations.

(3) The set list was interesting . . . I really like 11 O'Clock, Tick Tock, but even though it was exciting for me, the crowd didn't really get into it as much, because I think it's a bit foreign to many of the middle-of-the-pack fans. I agree with one of the other reviews in that the momentum was lost a bit in the middle with the combo of slow songs and this electic old song. However, I don't think that the momentum hit a brick wall, but the show did ramp down a notch for a bit. I think I would have preferred Out of Control or I Threw a Brick but it was cool to hear, "It's cold outside, but so hot in here . . ."

(4) Word of advice regarding the GA seats close to the heart. This is the second time I've been as close to the stage as this. It is truly a different experience to see the band from up close, where you're almost incorporated into the show, rather than watching it. However, many fans in this area have, in my opinion, a very unhealthy obsession with the band, and will do anything (including pushing you and shoving you out of the way) in order to get their piece of the band (whether that means touching Bono or whatever). I am amazed that these fans, because they consider themselves "superfans," feel ENTITLED to get as close as possible, even if it is done at YOUR EXPENSE! Those people should be ashamed. I expect to be pushed around as the crowd waves left and right, but to be grabbed and shoved, or really pushed so someone else can get their chance, is ridiculous. Instead of being wrapped up in the band, these people should follow Bono's advice, "Dream up the world you want to live in, and dream out loud, at high volume." Instead, most of you are just dreamers. Stop living through the band. In addition, as a 6'1" person, I felt many short people felt I should let them get closer. This is a ridiculous assumption. As a GA seat, you get what you wait for, and we waited for half the day. If you're short then you either get there early to ensure a position on the rail, you buy a seat in the stands, or you suffer the consequences. After all, they don't make amends for me on airplanes. U2 fans should behave. Thus, while the experience of the show is something entirely different up close, superfans can actually DETRACT from the experience.

In the end, there is nothing I'd rather do for entertainment than attend a U2 concert, and as far as those go, this one didn't dissapoint in the least.

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