by Shevn

I took my wife along to Cardiff, her first ever U2 show, and I was desperately hoping for a good one that would make her see what all the fuss is about. I needn't have worried, it was an awesome show, better than any of the others I've seen on other tours going back to 1985, and she loved it.

We were in the middle tier, bang in line with Adam's side of the stage. In our area of seats everyone stood for the whole show which to me is an indicator of a damn good gig. The NLOTH songs got an already fired-up crowd really into it, and the sound was A+. I was pretty stoked early on in the set when, after a barnstorming Beautiful Day, they opened up with the first bars of Mysterous Ways a setlist departure that seemed to indicate we might hear Bad a bit later as well (as happened on some earlier gigs), and indeed we did - brilliant!

The band was well into it and seemed to really enjoy themeselves. Edge especially seemed to be having fun being back in the Evans family heartland, and his Wales t-shirt and snow-dome were nice touches. Bono's voice was good considering what he's put it through on this tour, though he did seem to either forget some words on Bad or (as another reviewer suggested) swallow a fly and he definitely had a bit of a croak for a few lines.

They worked the circle pretty well, and clearly made an effort to work the back of the stage, perhaps acknowledging some earlier tour criticisms. When they played Stay, Bono was at the front and Edge was at the back, and they turned in one of the great moments of the night - superb!

Highlights for me were Unknown Caller, a raucous Vertigo and an epic Bad. The old staples were all delivered with energy and passion and the Cardiff crowd loved it. Total kudos to all in the GA - they were loud and proud! Have to say I didn't think Unforgettable Fire was a setlist highlight as it sucked a bit of energy out of the night, although it was great to hear it live. In fact, City of Blinding Lights straight after seemed to fit the night much better and really got the place rocking again.

On a slightly bizarre note, a fight broke out two rows directly in front of us during One, of all songs! A clearly drunk guy had toppled forward onto a girl in front, and her male friend took umbrage. Some punches were thrown. Respect to the drunk guy's mate who pulled him off, gave him a clip and sent him outside to cool down. One life, with each other.....

Anyway, loved the show. Am still buzzing two days later. The Snow Patrol lead singer said recently on U2.com that this is the greatest show on Earth. I for one don't disagree.

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