by Jeff

I have to start off with a few facts to let you know the point of reference that my comments are coming from:

I'm 39 years old.
St. Louis was my first U2 show.
Fan of U2 since early 1980's.
I have attended many concerts in the last 25 years.

Anticipation/pre-show
The buzz for the U2 show was growing in the office since a co-worker had her tickets and was anxiously awaiting her first U2 show. The venue was much more appealing to me than the previous three that U2 had played in St. Louis (St. Louis Arena/Checkerdome – now gone, Busch Memorial Stadium, TWA Dome). My appetite was whetted by the performance on Late Night with David Letterman (which I taped, thankfully). My wife wasn’t interested in going to the show and my short search for another person to join me for the big event failed. That wasn’t an issue for me as I don’t mind attending events solo. As I stepped in the Savvis Center doors I was tapped on the shoulder by my childhood neighbor whom I hadn’t seen in several years (expect for his surprise 40th birthday two weekends ago). He was with his 12 year old son and had a very nice camera with him. He knew that still cameras were allowed. A benefit that I assumed was not allowed due to the conditioning of strict policy at so many other rock concerts. What a nice tough for U2 to allow us to go home our own souvenirs documenting our time with the band. He was waiting for my best friend (3rd grade to high school) who was called to fill in for someone who couldn’t make to the show. My best friend squeezed into my isle seat space along side me (without incident or concern of surrounding fans). It was treat to share the experience with him. Likewise, for the neighbors to my left who saw the Kansas City show the night before. They were into the night like it was their first time too!

The People
I have attended several Bob Dylan shows in recent years but not many other concerts of late. I have gotten used to a mixed crowd of older fans (some even in their 60s & 70s) and younger fans. Many of them are there to witness the legend and were not familiar with the set of songs Bob plays as he mixes up the setlist nightly. He plays the obligatory minimum number of hits even though they can be quite different from the studio versions. So the crowd is often not “into” the show the way many longtime Dylan fans are. The fans that attended this U2 show were a pleasure to talk to before the opening act hit the stage. The people around me were excellent fans. The entire house of fans were on their feet for U2 from beginning to end. That was amazing to me. They were so into this show!! I haven’t experienced that crowd energy and participation (in a large venue) in years, if ever. The band did their part but the people pushed this night into the upper echelons of St. Louis concert events, IMHO.

The Show
It was a rainy day and the streets remained wet as we drove to the event. It took me 60 minutes to drive 20 miles on a major highway. Rush hour traffic and the mass of West County residents bottled up the main eastbound thoroughfare to Savvis Center. Garbage opened up to many open seats as fans filed in late. They performed a perfect set as an opener. The lead singer thanked the crowd and seemed genuine in her pleasure to be so well received.
They played approximately 45 minutes. The break lasted another 45 minutes (unofficially) which allowed more time to visit with my neighbors and my old school buddy. The sound was outstanding for both groups. Someone knows how to put it all together at the soundboard. Bono’s casual swagger on the ramps made him accessible to the side section reserve-seated (but standing) crowd. It must have made it better for those at the back of the center too. The show seemed very “fresh” to me. I haven’t seen previous Elevation shows (live or on TV). Bono was enjoying the night and the crowd. It was wonderful to see him lean into the crowd, shaking hands with fans at the tip of the heart. What a wonderful connection for them that resonated throughout the venue. For me, that shrunk the size of the place down to an intimate club setting. Fans around me responded as if Bono was within reach of our section. I was in section 117 row G that offered a very good vantage point. Slightly positioned above the stage height I had an excellent view to snap several photos with a friends auto-focus SLR with a x230 lens. I haven’t seen the photos yet but can’t wait to see them. The tender moments were so real. Bono knows when the crowd is under his spell and he doesn’t abuse the power. He is an “everyman” that has an extraordinary gift to communicate with people on (and off) stage. The night ended and I walked out in wonderment how every element of this show was the tops!! My only regret….this was my FIRST U2 concert. I will see them again if they pass through St. Louis.

Thanks to U2 and the crowd for making this a night to remember!!

Jeff
Khoury2000@aol.com

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