by Bert

Hi,
I have so much enjoyed reading all the reviews as U2 has journeyed around the world, and so I am happy now to recipricate as I attended tonight's show in Portland. For me, it was a major "comparison" show, as I had seen the two Seattle shows at the very beginning of the tour, eight months ago. While many of the songs in the set were the same, there was a much different feel. The early shows, to me, felt more like ragged energy. This Portland show, in contrast, felt emotional. And, I have to tell you up front that I have enormous expectations. I've seen U2 on every tour since 1983, and usually see multiple shows each tour.

I was looking forward to the songs that seemed to be regulars since the first leg: I Still Haven't Found, With or Without You, Sarajevo. Still Haven't Found is one of my favorite U2 songs, and it was great hearing it again - it was a nice version. With- on the other hand is a fantastic song and, in my opinion, either needs to be retired from the live set or retooled in some fashion. And, Sarajevo blew my mind- even though I have seen a video clip of it. Wow!

Other thoughts: What was up with Beautiful Day? Last I heard it in April it continued to be the great live song it was on the Elevation Tour. Tonight it really dragged, with little energy. Hmm.

I liked hearing Original again- I think it was first played in Seattle- but that made it special then. Interesting that tonight Bono felt the need to introduce it the title before playing it. In my section most folks sat down while this song was played.

Love and Peace continues to be one of my favorite songs from the album and such a tremendous live version. Even though I'd seen Bono blasting away at the drums before, I think I had a huge smile once again. What a great concert moment!

Instant Karma was very enjoyable. It appeared to be an audible as the band members were about the leave the stage, and there was some scrambling about to get instruments. The version sounds very guitar-heavy compared to the Lennon version-fun, nevertheless. Bono said something to the effect of: "Recently, we've been remembering John." The crowd was really into both this and into "Help."

Until the End of the World was great! I love that song- and I enjoyed Bono's twice popping the champagne bottles- once on the main stage and then again at the front of the ellipse.

Oh, I should note that he pulled a young girl on stage during Sunday - seems similar to other shows. For Mysterious Ways he pulled up two women, and he kept noting they were sisters. After that song ended continued to embrace both of them in kind of a large group hug while beginning to sing With or Without.

I forgot to mention the crowd holding up "Thank You" signs during Elevation. I had a great view of Bono's reaction. He was just grabbing for a bottle of water and was so shocked he put the bottle down without taking a sip. He said something like, "What's this?" with some amusement and interest. He and the rest of the band seemed genuinely moved. Bono said, "No, thank you." Then, throughout the show he kept rattling off names of people who had helped with the tour.

It was nice to hear 40 again. Still, I was hoping, of course, for something special for this last night of the leg- at least, Bad (and my wish list: Desire and God, Part II.) But, alas, like a lot of tours, the last nights seem to be more about bookended a tour.

So, all in all, it was a good, but not phenomenal show. It was emotional. It wasn't a party (like perhaps the Boston shows were.) It didn't have the excitement of the early shows of the tour. But, of course, you can never go wrong with this band!

Bert

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