by cdehnert

I guess the downside of a U2 show is that no matter what you do, you can’t capture the experience. Maybe not being able to capture the experience is what makes it so great. You just have to make the most out of your two hours with the band.

Last night I got into the Ellipse for the first time this tour. I was about two people deep, in front of The Edge’s mic stand. I saw four U2 shows in the Heart on the last tour – all great – but this was the best show I’ve seen. Being that close to the band, and the fact that the played very little out on the Ellipse (good for me, bad for those out on the Ellipse), made for an incredible evening.

Being so close, you see all sorts of things you never notice from a few rows back. Seeing the way Dallas hands The Edge his guitar each time, holding the strap in a way that allows him to just slip under and start playing (even noticing the patterns on the straps), or seeking Rocko occasionally put replacement glasses for Bono on his amp so he can change them out each time he wipes his face. At one point, before the show started, a tech was spraying and wiping what I thought was one of Bono’s monitors, but I could see the face of the monitor on the opposite side of his mic stand and there was nothing to spray and/or wipe, so I wasn’t sure if it was a monitor or not. Later, during One, Bono kept glancing down at it while he was playing the guitar. It must have been some sort of video monitor, but I have no idea what information they were feeding him. I’m sure he knows the words by now! Last night was also the first time I could actually hear Bono’s guitar. I was starting to think they didn’t let him plug it in, but sure enough, sound was coming out of it, at least for the first half of the song.

You could see Larry’s drum tech holding a flashlight in his mouth to light the way back to his kit each time he had to sit down. You could also see some sort of patch Larry had on both arms (right forearm, left bicep). I’m not sure what those were for. Oh, and his drumming during Streets. He earns his money during that song! I also didn’t realized how much Adam smiles during a show. He seemed to enjoy everything. I could also really watch his bass-work and The Edge’s guitar-work, which was incredible!

Anyway, great show! Great set list! No favorites! Just another great experience I’m trying to hold on to.

I have high-resolution versions of these photos and the ones from last night. They are not great, but if you want me to send them to you, just email. It might take me a day or two to get around to it, but I’m happy to do it.

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