by Joe Tucker

Overall, a stellar show. I would post pictures, but sadly, none of mine came out..

First, I should mention that I didn't care for the Kings of Leon much at all. In all fairness, however, it did sound like their lead singer was having some voice problems, possibly from an illness of some kind (or so I hope).

As for U2, the spirit was in the house, as Bono would say. This was only my 2nd time seeing them live (1st time on this tour), though I'll be seeing them twice more before the year's over. Tuesday night, the patented U2 charisma and energy were definitely present.

I've read some other reviews that said Miracle Drug has become the bathroom song, but honestly, I noticed a significantly larger amount of people walk towards the exits during An Cat Dubh. It's a shame, really. Certainly, though, I don't doubt people were leaving during Miracle Drug -- I just don't understand why. Personally, I love that song.

The biggest highlight for me had to have been Streets, as I expected. I'm one of those people with over a hundred live versions of Streets on their computer. What can I say? Best song ever, and it's even better live. Originally, I must say I was not fond of breaking the red tradition for the intro, but the new lighting (as of this week, apparently) works out swimingly well for it. The African bit is also a really nice touch, especially since so much of the song was inspired by imagery in Africa. Other very memorable moments include, but are not limited to, watching Willie Williams get jiggy with it to the PA music (seriously) behind the controls while waiting for the show to start, the COBL opening with Bono turning in circles with his hands in the air in front of the glittery video curtains (very reminiscent of an old school Streets opening, with the lights coming up as the song really kicks into gear), "the note" in Sometimes (even though Bono had to take a breath during it), the crowd chanting Happy Birthday, watching all the new lighting because of the DVD shoot, and - holy hell - a second, and even more energetic Vertigo.

My biggest disappointment was not getting to experience 40. I was also kind of hoping they'd do Yahweh instead of Original of the Species. Yes, I know, I actually really like the way that song is being played on tour.

I should also mention that before U2 came on, the dude from Good Morning America filmed a bunch of intros two rows in front of me, ensuring our entire section that we'll be on the show. That was definitely pretty cool. I'm especially hoping it makes it's way onto the DVD somehow.

Being the U2 historian that I try to be, I'm amazed at how well the standard setlists for this tour are working out. The show is so geared towards the newer songs, and does such a great job of presenting them, that omissions of songs like With Or Without You and Until the End of the World go almost completely unnoticed. I'm also really loving what I tend to see as the different sections of the show. For instance, I think the violence/struggle theme presented by the Love and Peace / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Running to Stand Still trio is amazing. That followed by the human rights bit with Pride / Streets / One makes for a truly amazing end to the main set. Like all great things U2, this show is a journey.

Best band on Earth. Always and forever.

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