by Garrett

I really don't understand some of those who are posting for this show. First off, I've been to 4 concerts on the Vertigo Tour (Seattle 1 & 2, Vegas 2, and this Portland show).

The band was really into the show and the length of the show was about 2 hours and 20 minutes - longer than any other show I've been too. So I didn't gather they were in a hurry to finish. They even went beyond the 11pm curfew.

I also don't understand how people say the crowd wasn't into it. It was probably the loudest crowd this tour (with Seattle 2 coming a close second). The audience sang the words to the songs much better than any other U2 concert I've been to and that includes Popmart and Elevation concerts in addition to the Vertigo concerts I've been to. If you check out U2's website, they mention that this show was probably the loudest of all American shows this year and I couldn't disagree based off of the 4 shows I've been to. I will say I enjoyed the Vegas 2 setlist the most though.

I loved hearing Bono's reference to the missing lyrics and their return. I loved the crew going out on the stage. I loved the champagne sprays. I loved the extended editions of One and Sunday Bloody Sunday to name a couple. I loved how Bono put the mic up to those in GA asking them how many shows they have been to on this tour (42 was the highest if I remember correctly). I loved how U2 responded to the "Thank You" signs. I loved how U2 shook things up at the last minute (was not planned) by playing Help and Instant Karma.

I do agree that the transition between Pride and Streets isn't the best and it takes away from the power of Streets. Beautiful Day did lack some substance. I get a little tired with the political stuff, but I think Bono chooses his words carefully as to not offend anyone regardless of where they are on the political spectrum. I still love hearing their older songs and don't find them stale at all - keep up WOWY, ISHFWILF, and Mysterious Ways.

Overall, it was a great concert and I don't understand some of the issues people have. I think we are becoming spoiled if we nit-pick certain aspects of the concert. I paid for the ticket and I enjoyed every moment of it. Sure there are things I'd have liked to hear instead, but I realize I'm never going to go to a concert where I pick the setlist. Overall, it was well worth it (as any U2 concert is) and I think Portland should be proud for sending Vertigo 05 off with a bang.

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