by globaljosh

I've seen U2 9 times now, in hometown Tampa as well as in Miami, Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Denver.

Last night's show at the Forum rocked! For those complaining about the so-called lackluster response from the crowd, worry not. You couldn't tell from the GA floor, and I'm sure the band couldn't tell either!

What we saw from the floor (on the rail outside the elipse, just left of center) was an arena full of loud and appreciative fans! The crowd was roaring from the moment they struck up Arcade Fire's "Wake Up", right on through Larry's last drumbeat to close out "40".

We were waiting for the band to arrive for soundcheck (we were lucky enough to meet Bono in Denver back in April) but they never arrived and we had to return to the GA lineup. Apparently they arrived pretty late - just before the show - and didn't even have time for a proper soundcheck.

During the first encore the band was in the middle of playing With or Without you and the crew was already running around with flashlights and cordless drills, dismantling the stage mid-song. So, I guess they were on a tight schedule!

Still, they gave us over 2 hours and 10 minutes of music, and an incredibly fresh setlist. I know everyone has their warhorse favorites, but The First Time and Miss Sarajevo certainly added some unique character to the show.

Of course the intro 1,2,3,4,5 punch was incredible. This setlist just rocked from beginning to end and the crowd sure seemed appreciative. People were singing along the entire time - even to the new songs - and kept the volume way, way up even during a pretty lengthy encore break. I'm sure there were plenty of halfhearted fans out there, they were drowned out by a large crowd that was quite loud overall.

I laughed out loud every time Bono would point up to some obscure section of seats way up in the rafters, and immediately the crowd went into a frenzy. What would it be like to be able to summon that level of adoration from total strangers?

So, for those (like me) wanting to make sure their favorite band gets plenty of love from the hometown fans, don't worry. Bono & Co. probably didn't even notice any of your fuddy-duddy neighbors! Besides, we'd have to slide a lonnng way to get worst-fan honors. (In my book, that distinction goes to Detroit - particularly the Elevation show in May '01 at the Palace of Auburn Hills).

Rock on Tampa U2 fans, and thanks to U2 for another great show.

J.

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