by Jim Mancuso

After the previous show - some redemption. The band was considerably more relaxed and the show had a more 'Elevation' feel to it as well as (for reasons unknown) reminding me of elements of Popmart..

I posted a review yesterday that generated a number of responses - and I think that last nights concert was a good contrast to answer some of these with: (not that my answers/comments are important, just want to be polite and get in touch with you who took time to comment...)

1. Song mix will never satisfy anyone, but I would guess the fact that they are playing from a relatively small set of songs has removed the spontineity of previous tours (perhaps as the tour goes on this will evolve - especially outside in Europe?)- the catalogue grows but the song selection doesn't!!! The result is that it is a SHOW first and foremost and the lads just need to work harder to create the 'spirit in the house' feel. In show 1 there was little interaction - last night right off the bat Bono started a conversation with the crowd - it helped alot - he was thoughtful (young boy), funny (men need to learn how to wait... / blame the Edge if things don't work), honest etc.; we were given intros to songs rather than a 'slogan' approach. Also last night Bono really toned down all the goofy walks/personas from the previous night - I think it helps to avoid a separation between him and the fans when he is just himself. This was further necesary last night when the Edge was plugged in for the whole show (equip probs?) and so did not venture around the walkway once - I bet Adam has never put on so many miles in concert - ever!!! Also i think this prevented the playing of Yahweh since they could not all meet at the front - oh well.

2. I loved Elevation because it was hopeful and euphoric because it was about faith being real but also cool in a sense. I guess Bono is at a diffrent place - faith in action; hence the elements of justice and the One campaign - it's fantastic. However, justice (rather than redemption) is a hard topic for a rock concert, and last night by building bridges in the first half, the second half works much better. Bono's call to action came across not as a sermon or an aside, but a continuos thread that links from Running to Bullet to SBS to Pride to Streets (still miss the Bad / Streets combo ...) that worked last night. Lets face it, u2 has a diverse audience, some just want a rock show, some want to see a cause, some want to dance; they are at there best when they are able to say the "Spirit's in the house' - it unites all the groups - last night achieved it. I knew I wouldn't have two crap shows in a row (to paraphase BONO about U2's albums...) - it has never happened in my 21 years of watching them live. Perhaps the tour is growing to the goal... of soul?

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