by zjokke

It's such a pity that we don't have a decent indoor arena in Belgium. Still, the Sportpaleis is so small that every seat in the house is a good one. But the sound, it was so poor… U2 deserved better than that. Opening act 'The Stereophonics' had a lot of trouble dealing with their sound. U2 found an acceptable sound, Stereophonics didn't and that was such a shame 'coz they are a good support act for a band like U2. The crowd clapped their hands from time to time. They shouldn't have expected more those monophonics.
It's written over and over again so I won't repeat it. This show starts very powerfull with the trio : Elevation, Beautiful day and Until the end of the world. But most of all, you should be impressed by the simplicity of this show. And still the whole stage looks so impressive. Wow !
Playing Discothèque they first used the 'popmart' screen in the back. Again, they made use of it without giving you a big smash on your head, confronting you with a stage that would make it to the Guinness book of records like the Popmart one did.
Kite is nice, so is New York.
I was surprised by the huge reaction from the audience when 'Out of control' started. The quality of the sound didn't matter anymore at that time. Have I already mentioned that ? As soon as they start playing 'Elevation' you're off and won't come down 'till the outro music plays : Grace. Who cares 'bout sound quality. This is U2.
You can imagine the rest. The audience went crazy. The show was by time spectacular, simple, mind blowing even…
Then came the new song. Suddenly the Sportpaleis was very quiet. I tried to figure out if it was some cover of a song. Hmm, never heard it. As I stood there, it sounded like a rock classic. The morning after I found out it was a new one. Very impressive song I think, and altough it ain't finished 'yet, it made sense at the concert.
A big thank you goes out to Eric Naulaerts from U2vl.org. I know he'll read this report too, so Eric, thanks for having them playing a snippet from 'She's a mystery to me' . (The sportpaleis was the last place the Big 'O played before he died).
Conclusion : U2 played a fantastic show. Great music, true perfection. They bring along a spectacular show that surprises you all the time, the crowd that's the only thing they can't bring along, that's where you, the U2 fan is needed. Make them having a great live if you're still 'bout to see them somewhere.

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