by cjnemec

Detroit, May 30th, 2001 Well, let me first say that the Palace of Auburn Hills has a very good chance of going down as the most unprepared venue for GA on th entire Elevation Tour. Yes, thinks did work out for me and my friends, but let me explain that the Palace had no idea until 6 PM what they were doing. We saw them and I we were the first ones in line, attempting to sort out the GA scheme at 5:45, talking with staff, and everyone seemed to think it was someone elses responsibility. Terrible. So, we arrive at the palace at 11 PM TUESDAY NIGHT, no hotel, no place to stay, but an understanding that possibly, maybe the Palace was right when I called at they said, 2 AM we are letting people in... so we went, drove, 8-9 hours from near the MIssissippi River in Illinois and we saw the security truck parked at the gates of the South Entrance, and sure enough 2 AM. Great! So we were right, which makes me happy, so we go to an Arby's down the road, sit there, brush our teeth, have something to eat and relax. At 1 AM we go back and the a new security guard tells us subtly, to wait on the other side of the road, so we do, and sure enough cars begin to line up behind us and at 2 AM the security guard lets us in. At 2 AM, with probably 10-15 cars behind us, we were the first in the line-up. So they said at 6 AM they would let us line up officially. Well, no, it was 7AM and they weren't really sure and kinda said, just drive up there and someone else will park you... but we did get to the line up first and that made me very happy. There is a particular spot on the Edges side of the stage that we really wanted, so it was important to be #1 in line and take no chances. So, we were #1. Let me tell you that all the fans in the front, from our group of seven to the about #20 were awesome! You guys are really cool, and as cold as it was down there in the morning, everyone was really awesome about dealing with it. Getting food and drink for each other, watcing spots, etc. It was a really neat thing to see a bunch of U2 fans working together... So we wait, and wait and wait, everyone who has been in the heart, and waited in line, knows the crazy attitude of U2 fans and knows what I'm talking about, just trying to pass the time, relax... and by the way, My group of 7 up front were the ones with the Boom Box which was playing U2 and no one else seemed to mind. In Lexington, we also had the boombox, people asked us to turn it off and we did. If someone had a problem, all they had to do was ask. It was just something to get fans pumped a little. I do understand that some don't want to hear U2 before the show, and that's fine, just let the people with the boombox know. At 4:30 everyone put their stuff back which was fine, because we expected to be wristbanded, or something, but no, we look inside and they are trying to explain to personnel how it works. And contrary to some early reports stating there would be two lines, that was not the case. There was only ONE line, not two. But now it's 4:30, then 4:45, then 5:00, then 5:15, and so on, and nothing, 5:30, 5:45, no one is telling anyone anything. We are just standing. Finally at about 5:45, personnel begin to set up inside and they just keep looking, very scared at us in line, waiting since 2 AM to get inside, in the cold, and through people' s boomboxes, such as ours. Finally, they open the doors at around 6:10-6:15 and a mad rush ensues to the wrist band area where they ask us to fill out a waiver. Now, I don't know if since Lexington people have been injured or what the deal is, but that was rediculous. We filled it out and went for the spot near the Edge, and I ended up right in front! Yes, me and six of my friends, we're right in front of the Edge. For those of you who stood in line with us, I hope you found the spot you were looking for as well. So we were in the front row of the heart, on the edges side, and we had about 12-15 signs, ranging from "Dreaming With Tears in my Eyes" to my favorite, "Will you take me slow dancing." which My friends girlfriend had. And by the way, to the fan who said that signs, asking Bono to dance, don't work. They do... in Lexington, my friend had the same sign, and Bono saw it and took her on stage, during Stuck. But the signs were ready, the security guard in fron of us was really cool, and here comes PJ Harvey, who has grown on me as this is my third show. The mix is still a little loud on the treble side, but not as bad as Lexington. She was at her best I've seen her tonight. So we wait and out comes Dallas Schoo doing his guitar soundchecking stuff which I think he does just for fun and to make the fans nuts. No, I'm kidding, but it was really neat to hear the little rifts. Then, the intro songs, with the great Elevation theme... all that Higher Love stuff is great! Take me Higher and higher and higher... yeah... Then comes that spectaculer Elevation Remix... and "SOOOOOOOUL!" Elevation! Elevation! WOW... I was in tears! Everyone knows the setlist so here are some personnel highlights... Bono's security guard, the one who follows him from the stage to the tip, gave all of us guitar picks! Awesome and I thank him again, very cool guy... Edge taking my friends rose, after Pride. Bono reading my friends "Dream Out Loud" sign, and mouthing, "Amen" during one. Adam looking at us, while the Edge and Bono we're doing their thing during "End of the World" and coming over to us, and playing in front of us, smiling and nodding at us. THE FULL BAND VERSION OF DESIRE... WITH Larry on ZOO TV acoustic set drum, and Adam out there with the bass.... awesome. Unless I'm wrong that is the FIRST FULL BAND VERSION of Desire since 1993... Stay, and Streets. Two of my friends have never been in the heart and I was watching their faces and it was amazing to see their eyes, when these two songs were played because they were their favorite! Amazing. I also had a chance to see the setlist, and after Pride it was written in Marker, END?, and we looked at Bono and his eyes told me differently. Sure enough, Bullet, WoWY, FLy, One and Walk On. Mysterious Ways/In My Life/Stuck spectacular! I'm sure there are a ton more, but it's 1:15 and I'm really tired... Lots of driving and lots of happiness and joy! My six friends and I graduate from College Saturday! That was the best finish to college anyone could have! WALK ON! CJ

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