by Dr. Dave

Fresh back from the show, ears still numb.

Better than last night's show but I (and everyone else for that matter) need to learn not to heed all the pre-show hype that Bono's birthday (or whatever other special event) equals a special show. Basically, this show wasn't too much different from any other tour show.

The setlist was essentially a copy of last night's set until the final grouping, when they added Original of the Species which was very well done. They also did the Vertigo encore, at the expense of Yahweh (not sorry to see it go) and 40 (which was lackluster last night anyway).

The Vertigo encore was awesome, and actually better than the first, but it was an odd way to end the show. I thought for sure that they would come back for more since the house lights were off for about 5 minutes, but alas, they came on.

This show sealed the fate of Miracle Drug. There was a larger exodus to the concession/bathroom lines during that song than during any other point in the show.

Hats of to Party Girl for getting it right this time -- much better than last night, but still, where's Bono in singing the interlude?


Look, the bottom line is that these shows are always awesome -- it's something like comparing the old Michael Jordan to the young one . . .

BUT, while the show starts very strong, the middle section is a bit ho-hum. I think Bullet, Running to Stand Still, Pride, Mysterious Ways, Zoo Station -- all of these songs are sung much more subdued than they have in the past . . . the transitions between songs are often abrupt and awkward . . .

Nothing can beat Bono impersonating the heroin user during the Zoo Tour at the end of Running, only to be enveloped by a red haze of smoke for the beginning of the Streets crescendo . . .

Tonight (and last night) he dedicates Running to Stand Still to all the servicemen (and women) in the U.S. Military. What's that about? It's a song about heroin addiction!

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