by MRN

This was my 9th U2 show, and I have to say it was one of the least thrilling. Don't get me wrong, I had a great time and I jumped around on the floor (I had GA tix) like an idiot. But, at the end of the day, it was just a safe, sort of generic U2 show.

The "genericness" of it most likely had to do with the fact that it was being filmed. All four shows will be filmed and then edited into one show for the DVD. So, you can't really have any surprises for something like that in the individual shows. So, expect more of the same for the next three shows in Chicago. That's why no one got pulled on stage and there were very few "unscripted moments."

I think some of the other fans and some reviews from Chicago papers are right on when they say that the show had too much of a jukebox feel to it. After nine shows and countless trips through the CDs, I've heard the old U2 standards so many times that they've lost their edge entirely for me, even live. It's a law of diminishing returns kind of thing. I know you can't satisfy everyone all of the time, but why not switch out "Pride" or "New Year's Day" or "Sunday" or even (I hate to say it) "One" for something we haven't heard live or haven't heard live in a long, long time? They did this with "Running to a Standstill" and "Zoo Station" and I thought it really worked.

Again, don't get me wrong . . . I love U2 and the are the best, and I can't wait to see them later this year in NYC and DC. But when you're the best, everyone holds you to a higher standard.

For the peeps who've only seen them once or twice or maybe never, this review probably doesn't mean much. But for the old U2 veterans like me, I bet a lot of you see my point.

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