by Matt

Incredible! I've been to about 10 U2 shows in my life. Zoo TV had been the reigning champion for a long time...but no longer. What an "event" last night at the Rose Bowl!

Three highlights:
(1) Sunday Bloody Sunday had a fresh face and a new perspective. I had always thought of the song in the context of the struggles in Northern Ireland...and while I love the song and the sentiment, it never really hit me. But with the band's intro and reference to all of the conflict in Israel & the middle east, I was blown away. How long must we sing this song?

(2) Unknown Caller - an incredible new song! If you haven't done so, spend some time in the chat rooms and understand some of the band's intentions for the song. It was the most powerful song of the night for me. Absolutely stunning!

(3) We had a fun moment as we left the show. We were sprinting out of the Rose Bowl to beat the crowds (brutal logistics for a crowd that just didn't fit in the stadium), but we were stopped just outside the gate by the band's caravan. Apparently someone tipped off the boys that they better get out quick or spend the night at the Rose Bowl...they must have gone straight from the stage to their cars. We stood at the side of the curb and cheered as the boys and their crew made a quick exit under police escort. An exhilerating cap to the show.

Oh, and btw, who knew that the Black Eyed Peas would rock so hard! They were GREAT!!

I've come to think of U2 shows as a pilgrimage that I make every 3-4 years. They are mile markers in my life and so many of the songs act as a theme song to something I've experienced. I always think of a certain girl, a friend's wedding, or my first son's birth when those songs kick in. And now I'm thrilled to remember an incredible night in Pasadena when, for a little while, 100,000 people left planet earth and lived as ONE. Thank you to U2!

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