by Am I Bugging You

Again and again people bash the set list from May 7. Everyone seems to be complaining that U2 has become the Rolling Stones, just playing their greatest hits without any emotion....yada yada yada.

As a long-time U2 fan, I heard great, truly great performances of 7 songs from the new album.
Vertigo, Miracle Drug, Sometimes, Love and Peace, City, All Because of You and Yahwey all were incredible and almost flawlessly performed and were absolutely great to experience live. In addition, Elevation was re-worked and the crowd got completely into it, totally amazing. Specifically for the die-hards, U2 brings back Electric Co and An Cat Dubh/Into The Heart, both of which sounded so soothing, especially after years of thinking fans will never hear them again.
U2 also brings back Zoo Station, The Fly and Mysterious Ways together, AS AN ENCORE!!!!
U2 also brings back Running to Stand Still, a song not heard since the Joshua Tree Tour. U2 also brings back "40" to close the show (again for the die-hards and not heard in full since the Joshua Tree Tour)and people complain that this is "U2-selling out????...a greatest hits package????? just because they play Pride, Streets, New Years Day and Sunday Bloody Sunday???"
During Pride (Sat. May 7) the crowd actually sang loud enough to get Bono to raise his right arm to quiet the band so that the crowd could be heard (this does not happen at all U2 shows). Moments like these (and the crowd singing during Elevation and 40) bring back what is special about U2 and has allowed a generation of new fans to get the U2 experience. If one actually notices, most people seeing U2 for the 1st time are completely blown away by the experience and want to become die-hards. The comparisons mentioned in the Chicago Newspapers to Britney Spears and The Rolling Stones are offensive and show that some reviewers have lost their skills.

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