by BDizzle

U2 had a lot to prove when they came to Cleveland last Saturday night. I watched U2 get inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame live at the rock hall via satellite from New York earlier this year. They had to prove to “the City of Rock and Roll” that they were worthy to be in our hall of fame at their first opportunity. So they cut us in on one of their soon-to-be-legendary John Lennon tribute shows.
Well, this legendary quartet more than proved themselves, they set a STANDARD. They trimmed all the fat from the set list such as the songs “all because of you”, “miracle drug” and instead included many snippets of Beatles songs and a full band version of “Instant Karma”- the trademark highlight of these John Lennon tribute Vertigo shows. The website doesn’t say this, but they also played some “Sgt. Pepper’s” at the end of “Beautiful Day.” They also played some parts of "All you need is love" and "Happy Xmas."
Bono was vibing with the Saturday night crowd and perhaps most amazingly, enjoying the night as much as the crowd. It was as special to him as it was to me. He revelled in his accomplishments with Africa (the Nobel Peace Prize nomination- which he of course didn't mention),standing in for the Beatles with Paul to open and play Live 8. He and his band delivered one of the most rocking near-flawless performances in history of cleveland the home of the rock and roll hall of fame .Bono proclaimed that it’s been the band’s lifelong dream to be in the rock hall. During vertigo Bono changed the line “no one gets hurt” to “everyone gets out of here alive.” Rocking the city that has the Rock Hall for the first time since their induction and having a great Saturday night were appearently of the utmost importance to Bono AND I. He also mentioned drinking Guinnes in Cleveland (How cool is that?)
In my opinion, this show completed a great year for the band. Bono talked about stepping in for John Lennon with Paul at Live 8, as well as the progress we’ve made with African Debt. Rocking Cleveland for the first time since Rock Hall Induction officially made U2 the rock stars that everyone (including themselves) always hoped they COULD be. I had the pleasure of watching this transformation- It’s U2 – finally at the top of their game.
The show was nearly flawless. “Miss Sarajevo” was literally better-than-ever. Bono stepping up to Pavorotti’s role in that song blew EVERYONE away. My only criticisms are that I didn’t like that they completely avoided songs from the albums Boy, Rattle and Hum, Zooropa, and Pop, and that the setlist was pretty predictable if you keep up (although not entirely). Honestly someone who’s a moderate fan might have had as much fun as a huge fan Everybody’s happy though- and that’s the goal- happy customers. Personally I would’ve loved if they switched “Elevation” for “Hold me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill me,” or played anything from those other albums, or “The Fly.”
I was with 2 of my friends and we were about 30-50 ft. behind the edge of the ellipse and I had a GREAT view of the band for most of the night, except Larry who I couldn't see at all behind the massive drum kit. I had many close-up views of Bono AND Edge. It was great watching the band that close to me performing on the edge of the ellipse, they all came out there at some point.
Best concert I’ve ever been to- watch out for the really messed up and really drunk people though

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