by Peter

I am just back from a massive road trip that involved a great U2 show in Lexington and some horse race in Louisville and I have a brief but very important message for all the U2 die-hards out there.

Early in the tour, I know there were rumblings about U2 having lost something. Scattered in the reviews for most shows were statements about how Elevation was not living up to the standard of ZOO TV and Pop Mart. I witnessed a show in Charlotte about a month ago that confirmed these fears. Since then, I have spent way too much time worrying that my rock and roll heroes may have stumbled over the hill and into the valley of rock and roll mediocrity. It is no coincedince that during this month I have noticed the first gray hairs on my 22 year old head. Bono looked old. The set didn't flow. They were playing the wrong songs. There wasn't enough variety. between nights. The songs sounded good even great but that magic that I had felt so many times before at U2 shows was absent. Did I mention, Bono looked old?!?!?!?!

And the reviews that followed did little to ease my fears. I heard a lot of good fans expressing the same doubts. Friday night in Louisville I experienced something I never have before in the 15 years and 12 shows since I took the U2 plunge. I was more nervous than excited. I was scared that I would have to accept a U2 fall from grace.

But today I have a message of hope for the loyal masses of U2 faithful out there. You are right to believe. U2 still have it! The magic is still very much alive and U2 is still very much the best live act in the world. Friday in Lexington I saw that band on an entirely different plane than a month before in Charlotte. Most of my concerns from a month ago have been addressed and worked out. Several times during the night, those great goosebumps of U2 inspiration emerged on my arms and neck and at one point, I even felt tears of joy and relief well up in my eyes. The Elevation Tour is a celebration. Enjoy it. Don't worry. And if you haven't seen it yet be very excited. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Return to previous page | Post a Review of this show!