by Caito

The U2 machine just keeps on picking up momentum. Hard to believe the tour is winding DOWN. After the searing "Until The End Of The World," I was half expecting another hour or two of material. They played St. Louis, not like a band exhausted by the monotony and rigors of an extended world tour, and nothing left to prove — but like a band fresh out of the gate, with everything to prove. There was not a minute of the show, even at the end of the night, and at the near-end of this tour, that you ever got the feeling that these guys just phone it in. i.e. Bono's vocal on the soaring crescendo of "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own," was flawless, a testament to the greatness of his singing ability (and how hard he works). He's no Pavarotti, and he may not even be a Bob Hewson, but I defy anyone to find a greater voice in the history of rock (okay, maybe Freddie Mercury). But you get the point.

The Lennon tribute was appropriate, nicely done. Personal highlights: Gloria, Bullet, Original of the Species, Stuck in A Moment, and will we ever forget that little kid singing "no more" during Sunday Bloody Sunday.... and Bono's "only in America" comment. Classic.

This show was, begining to end, a lovefest between U2 and their loyal legions of fans. In my opinion, St. Louis really showed up. I've seen four concerts on this tour, and no crowd (that I've been a part of) can touch St. Louis for its enthusiasm, its participation, its volume. I think St. Louis, with ITS performance Wednesday night, all but guaranteed future tour stops by U2. Watching Bono cover his ears after "Streets" said it all.

Only complaint of the night: the late-concert booing of Kanye West. Pretty disrespectful. Sad. Don't like rap/hip-hop? Don't like his politics? So he's young, outspoken, maybe has some growing up to do.... did we suddenly forget that whole "COEXIST" thing?

On a scale of 1-10, I give it a 9. The inclusion of "Bad," would have made it an 11.

Great night.

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