by Steve and Mimi

This was the ninth or tenth U2 show I have seen and maybe the best. It's hard to top front row behind the stage on the Joshua Tree tour with Bono performing three feet away on a platform, but five rows off the floor at the tip of the heart with perfect view, great sound, no obstructions, it was truly amazing. All That You Can't Leave Behind was a perfect comeback to the days of lemons and arches, and the band seems in top form at this point on the tour, with all four members sounding better than ever. With the lighting stripped down, the music is what matters, finally. I loved ZOO TV and POPMART, don't get me wrong, but it's always about the MUSIC. Adam and Larry were as steady and powerful as ever. The rhythms they laid down were booming. Edge was on fire, a huge part of the show with his unqiue stylings. But of course, Bono held court at center stage, from the tip of the heart to running around the length of it,
to dancing on the outstretched hands of adoring fans, to a healed voice that soared,
he was all that a lead singer should be and more. With Plant's career over, Jagger on the end of his run, Bono has assumed the mantel of rock's king of sing. Highlights for me: all the new material, especially a perfect all-lights-on opener of Elevation,
a stirring Kite, great Stuck in a Moment, moving closer Walk On; a ripping Pride and Streets; great surprises in 11 O'Clock Tick Tock and an intimate Stay Faraway So Close at the front of the heart with just Bono and Edge. Also the classic bullfighting act between the two of them during the end of Bullet. Other than not getting Bad (they played it the night before) or perhaps another surprise like In God's Country or The Unforgettable Fire, it was a perfect show quintessential U2: moving, powerful, fun and ultimately hugely dynamic. The key was that I actually missed them when it was over. Cheers U2, it's so great to have you back. See you again soon.

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