by Gene Davidson

This is the first time I've seen U2 where I've been confined to my seat, well, at least confined to stand on the small patch of grass in front of my seat... With ticket prices high and the best seats going long before I got to the ticket window back in September 97 I had to make do with floor level about 90 metres from the stage - with, I might add, a giant sound tower blocking my view of centre stage...

But this is not going to be a negative review. Despite all the misfortunes conspiring against me this was an absolutely fantastic concert. Even the weather, thundercloud and rain... only added to the unparalleled atmosphere in the stadium. U2 played a set from the heart this time. Gone was the need to pick songs to set the scene for tv images. The more simplistic set of the giant, no humungous, POPMART screen was a perfect backdrop. I heard songs that I didn't think I'd hear. The Edge performing Sunday Bloody Sunday was a highlight. Although some of the newer songs didn't come across so well and raise the crowd, I feel this is more to do with unfamiliarity and the awful confinement of the seats, rather than any fault of U2's. A more emotional than mental barrage this time. I don't think it's fair to compare this concert with the Zooropa one I saw in Auckland in 93. Apart from the fact that last time I was standing right next to the b-stage and had a girl pulled from right next to me to dance with Bono, the whole musical experience was totally different. Without the visual effects demanding your attention you could get totally absorbed by the songs.

I still find it amazing that U2 are managing to bridge that gap between themselves and the 40 000 odd fans. If they can keep this up I'll be happy to see them again from 90 metres away next time (but preferably a little closer...).

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