by Jeff

Friday night in D.C. was our third show in five nights. We were at both Philly shows, on Monday and Tuesday. So we were both very tired, but very much looking forward to the D.C. show because Tuesday's gig in Philly was a downer because Bono was sick.

I'm happy to report Bono was feeling much better Friday in the MCI Center!

After paying $22 to park (yowza!), we found our seats. On the overhang, about halfway back, row 5. I'm happy to report that our section was pretty rowdy. Practically everyone stood up the entire show, and only a couple of people sat down (sorry folks, but if you sit at a U2 show, you're just not a fan).

First thing I noticed was the sound. The MCI Center had wonderful accoustics, and even though there weren't extra speakers in the back of the arena (unlike the FU Center in Philly), the sound was simply awesome. No reverb. No feedback. Good bass. And Edge, well, you could hear every note.

Since it was the 2nd of two D.C. shows, we got the standard 2nd-night setlist; New Year's Day was back. No Bad. No Follow. But 11 O'Clock Tick Tock was cool. A bit heavier of a version, but great, nonetheless.

The crowd flipped over Desire, which they switched a bit. Instead of reprising the song after Bono's harmonica bit, Larry simply stopped playing, tossed his drum sticks into the heart and headed back to the main stage.

Ground Beneath Her Feet was back. Not bad, but Edge was plugged in; not accoustic.

Bono introduced everyone. Our first manager, Larry. The poshest member of U2, Adam. And (my favorite), "wearing the 55 shirt tonight ... he has more children than Abraham. Even his mother calls him, the Edge."

All I Want is You was great. They really have this song down again. And it's very, very powerful.

Streets was great. Again, Bono went back to the "What can I give back to God" bit, but he missed his que and had to rush it a bit.

The Fly is so, so great. But too many people were sitting down. Not sure why people don't get this song. And we absolutely LOVE Bono's "gotta go" loop.

Bono didn't go on his rant during Bullet. He waited until the intro of One. He went on and on and on about third-world debt ... which is fine. And he thanked several politicians.

It was funny. Every time it looked like Bono was going to start singing, he'd go off about something else. After about 4 times, he says .... "I could go on all night if you'd like!"

Walk On is such a great closer. It was wonderful once again on Friday.

The crowd was great. The sound was incredible. And despite having to pay $22 to park, a great, great night.

Four down, one to go: Meadowlands on Friday for the tour capper. Can't wait for that one.

Thanks

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