by Peter Burrows

U2 rocked the football stadium - despite the rain, the lemon that didn't work and the pretty poor acoustics (from the nosebleed section a lot of what was said was inaudible) they gave a good rock n roll show - it was less of a mind-blowing exercise - popmart seemed to concentrate more on art and images than the more dialogue driven zoo tv.

The boys still know how to have fun but Bono in particular seemed much more humble (perhaps cos he's not playing the devil this time?) I loved the Popmuzik/Mofo intro, but the crowd seemed to respond best to the oldies - and there was a lot...highlights included the Edge's solo version of Sunday Bloody Sunday and a mid-concert brief acoustic set where Bono and the Edge duetted on Desire and Staring at the Sun.

"One" was a fitting finale, and, in a way, it summed up everything that is best about U2 - Bono ordered all the lights and Popmart to be turned off during the song - Sydney was stormy that night and the sky was lit up with thunder, it was nice to see that amidst all the technology and the world's largest tv screen that Bono knew Popmart was no answer for the force of nature. I didn't mind paying the big bucks cos I feel like I got my money.

My only sticking point is this - yes they put on a great show, and to make a stadium intimate takes work, and effects, and money. But the audience got off most during songs where nothing happened on the screen.

I believe U2's music can be for all - but I think they priced some people out of the market - as Bono says, ultimately the people come for the music - so why not just do that? A memorable night nonetheless...

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