by Heffalump

To start on the few negative things – the problem is not new, but here it was definitely a problem: as long as it wasn't entirely dark outside, in the beginning the show felt strange, a bit like a dress rehearsal or something, definitely not "the real thing". Additionally the video screens didn't work for the first quarter of the show (they started in the middle of Beautiful Day) so a lot of people in the stadium's infield couldn't see anything. Soundwise, later on the guitar got extremely loud for a couple of songs – thankfully this got sorted out with All Because Of You where otherwise the guitar would have sent a lot of people into stasis.

But from City Of Blinding Lights onwards it was a marvellous show. Passionate is perhaps the best word to describe it. My fun level (and apparently that of Bono, too) was highest during the Zoo TV part with Bono marching and stomping around with a train conductor's hat on – too bad half of the audience didn't seem to know "Zoo Station". I have never seen anything like it and don't expect I ever will again.

Overall it's magnificent how brilliantly U2 keep the balance between those "fun" elements and the earnest and heartfelt political commentary that came along with One and Running To Stand Still.

And Bono callled our town the "sexy city with sexy people". Hmm, thank you! And you're absolutely right!

On a side note: During the soundcheck the guitar solo from Even Better Than The Real Thing got played, and I would have peed my red pants if it had been on the show. Sadly, I went home all dry (except for the armpit region).

Another side note: Snow Patrol had a massive gap in their set due to the nasty rain shower that came down shortly before the Kaiser Chief's set. But the bass line from Another One Bites The Dust helped a lot and it all got very charming.

Return to previous page | Post a Review of this show!