by Blair

A first for Nebraska. Like so many others, going to a U2 concert is somewhat like going to church. It has the potential to inspire you, challenge you, entertain you and even offend. Like the two prior concerts this tour I have been fortunate enough to attend, I found the whole experience inspirational in spirit and technically a triumph. I read a prior review that spoke of a crowd that uninvolved, and I'm sure that was the case in the spot he happened to be. I do know that there were many people who came to this concert just to see what all the buzz was about. That's okay, sometimes that's how people discover the greatest band in the world. Sometimes, for what ever reason, they aren't up to the challenge, or simply don't care for the music. There are enough of us disciples to carry the flag.
We arrived at 7:45 a.m. and there were already about 40 people ahead of us in the G.A. line in sub zero temperatures. Thankfully, a couple hours later the arena officials decided not to have hypothermia as a part of the coverage and let us in the arena to wait. As always, meeting fellow fans is part of the experience. I was there with my wife, and best friend of thirty years who surprised me the night before by flying in from Las Vegas with his wife and GA tickets in hand.

After two prior trys to get into the elipse, the third time was a charm as my buddies wife landed the three red vertigos on scan and the U2 folks allowed all four of us into the inner sanctum. We were front row, Edge side, and it was such a joy after twenty or so years to enjoy a U2 concert next to the main stage. It was such a different experience, not watching the video or light effects, just the men doing there thing. Of course the crowd from my vantage was wonderful, engaged, rowdy, noisy, and committed. The set list was awesome, and we all thought it special to catch both "Original of the Species" which was dedicated to the late Susan Buffet, estranged and late wife of the richest man in the world and "Crumbs from Your Table." I will mostly never forget the thundering applause after "Streets." I have seen U2 eight times over my life time and I have never seen them cover the ears and look at each other with such surprise at the show of appreciation. It was deafening!
I know for the rest in my party, my best bud will not forget the wink Edge gave him or the wave from Larry. My wife will always cherish the way Bono nodded and smiled to her after reading a small sign she made saying Miracles Happen with a picture of our children who are truly a miracles of God and medicine. And just to top the night off, Dallas gave both my wife and best friend one of Bono's guitar picks. What a wonderful year on the road with the most important band of all time.

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