by Michael

I've seen U2 numerous times since the mid 80's. I must agree with a number of opinions here, they seemed slightly flat Saturday night. Love and Peace or Else was a great opener, but I had a problem with the pacing. The first half devoted to new/recent material (with the exception of the Boy selections)and the second half devoted to the"classics" seemed alittle static to me. The new songs played very well (Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own was magnificent and All Because of You was amazing (they had all the heart an energy of a young band on that one!) I would have preferred hearing the new and old better integrated into a greater whole. Past tours seemed to have a clearer theme (Elevation was truely elevating). Following the Love and Peace opening with Bullet the Blue Sky and Sunday Sunday Bloody Sunday would have established more of a theme...or opening with Streets with the African flags and message certainly would have etablished the tone. U2 has been around so long and has so much material they can easily drop favorite standards and few people would notice. With all of Bono's references to one world and elimination of third world poverty, A Sort of Homecomming would have been more effective than Pride. Each song was performed well, but with the material they have to choose from, I think they could have fashioned a more dramatic and effective show.

The staging was beautifully done...and not overdone. The light curtains never wore out their welcome, and the light up stage was used to great effect, but never to the point of distracting.

I was one of the lucky ones who got to see the fabled Zoo TV show at the Rosemont Horizon. That show has gained the reputation as one of the greatest concerts ever, and I certainly would agree. Achtung Baby and the Zoo TV tour are probably U2's finest achievement...the Zoo Station/The Fly/Mysterious Ways encore was WONDERFUL. It gave just a hint of what Zoo TV was and boy did those memories flood back.

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