by Jason

A couple of things I've wanted to get off my chest...

To those who have complained that U2 has just played a greatest hits tour and need to "dream it all up again"... Please stop complaining. Ask yourself, "Did I shake my arse?" If yes, then please can it and let someone else who wants to get tickets get them.

To those who are overly reverential of the band... Hey, if the cheapest seats are $50, then U2 had better play a damn fine set. If I'm going to drop that kind of cash, they had better at least play a good show every single night. And if they play a stinker, admit it and say so.

On to the review.... If seen U2 twice before (both in St. Louis, Zoo TV and PopMart). And I've seen a fair number of concerts by other artists. Last night was the best concert I've ever been to. Nothing else ever came close. My wife (Sonia) and I were on the railing in the upper deck and had great seats directly across from the stage (thanks for the seats Jeff and April!). The visuals were fantastic and the sound (for an arena) was excellent.

The set list was quality. U2 did a good job of plugging the "new" album while covering their old material. Like anyone, I would have liked to have heard a few other oldies ("I Threw a Brick Through a Window" for "Gloria"). They played the hits (Streets, Still Haven't Found, etc...) and album tracks (Until the End of the World). The new material sounded great. The energy from the audience took a few songs to build, but was at a fever pitch after about 1/3 of the set. Personal highlights... The run from Love and Peace or Else through Miss Sarajevo was blistering, Bullet being the best (for me). I don't care what your political persuasion is(right or left), the UN Declaration of Human Rights has to move you. Great visuals for the Zoo TV encore. Bono's voice was on, nailing SYCMIOYO and Miss Sarajevo. Is there any doubt Edge is in the conversation for best guitarist ever? Great "naked" intro for Elevation. And, finally, I got to hear 40. The place was LOUD from halfway through the set on.

There are a handful of bands in the conversation for best ever based off their studio work. Live, however, there is no debate. U2 puts on the best shows, period. I know my wife and I won't forget this show, and we helped introduce the live experience to our friends (Jeff and April). It was like going to church, only better.

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