by Joel M.

I've been checking out this site throughout the tour and found it very entertaining. I thought I'd return the favour by posting some of my thoughts on the first Montreal show. I won't focus too much on the stage setup/ 'hollow heart' as it has been discussed in great detail already. 'Stripped down' sums it up pretty well and it is clearly the music that is on display on this tour- not the props. From the opening 'Elevation' it was a rocking show and Bono clearly had the crowd in the palm of his hand right from the start. Highlights for me included, End of the World, Bad, Sunday, and Streets (probably THE highlight). The lighting was also extremely well done and added to the songs without overpowering them.

The other thing I have to comment on was the crowd- LOUD and totally into it!!!!! Bono even commented that their equipment indicated that Montreal was the loudest stop on the tour thus far and I believe it! I've heard that some people felt the crowd was too loud but, come on it's U2!. If people are into the music and want to sing along, scream or whatever- GREAT!!! If you're worried about perfect acoustics, in my opinion, you're missing the point and should stay home (with your headphones). A U2 show is an event, plain and simple and that's all I'll say about that.

Moving along, if I had to find one thing to be a little critical on, it was Bono's voice. Don't get me wrong, he still has the power but, in my opinion, the tour is starting to take its toll. He didn't attempt many of high notes ( Pride's, "…in the Memphis sk-YYY" for example). But that's IF I was forced to be critical. It was a minor, minor thing.

Also, for those of you with seats behind the stage don't worry, they're still decent and Bono makes it a point to give every vantage point a little attention. We weren't able to see the screens that pop up towards the back of the stage but big deal.

Anyway, that's it. Enjoy the show!

Joel M.

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