by Collin Souter

Well, now I really don’t have much to add, nothing I didn’t write about last night’s show. Tonight’s show echoed the last, with a few song changes. The essence has remained intact. The absence of “With Or Without You” and “Mysterious Ways” has gone unnoticed to this listener’s ear. I honestly didn’t miss them.

Garbage had an interesting mis-hap. Dik's guitar gave off too much feedback, which brought the set to a screeching hault. Manson kept her sense of humor about her. "Unfortunately, I don't have any jokes to tell." She attempted a Q&A session with those of us in the heart. Someone asked her something about Argentina. Some of us chanted for a drum solo. Their bass player started in on "Day Tripper," the words to which I don't think Shirley knew. Finally, the tech crew solved the problem and the band ripped into "I'm Only Happy When It Rains," laughing all the way. Just one of those rare performances that unites band with audience, where we can all share in the embarassing moment and make the most out of it. I love that band.

I’m going on six hours sleep over the past two days. Today, I spent this, my eleventh and final Elevation show, trapped under a tarp hoping the gusts of wind wouldn’t blow it away from me. Today, I witnessed what some rock fans will endure in order to grab some tangible moments with their band of choice. Today, we all sat in 30-40 degree temperatures for 12-19 hours with Chicago winds challenging us to remain on soil. We met the challenge and won (obviously). Everyone kept their spirits up. Most of us still felt elevated from last night’s show. Hopefully, those of you attending shows in the next month won’t have to bundle up in thick layers as we did today. If you do, at least you’ll be amongst friends.

I really don’t know what else to say except that I’m going to miss this tour dearly. I’ve spoiled myself rotten this time around. I know it could be worse. I’d feel blessed if I only went to one show. But I’m going to miss meeting the fans while standing in line all day and then meeting more in and around the heart. I find there’s never a short of people who go to great lengths at seeing this monumental band. People drive in from Nebraska, fly in from Australia or just travel cross-country. Everyone has a great U2 story to tell. Everyone. I’ve written many here on this site. But I won’t miss the music. It will always be here. I have pictures to prove it.

So, to all of you going in the next month, take seriously the advise given to you by past Elevation attendees. Show up in the GA line EXTRA early, like, say 6am. No joke. The rules have changed. And, by all means, try to make your way to the Drop The Debt tables and the Amnesty International tables. Sign the petitions. Listen to what they have to say. You’ll make U2 proud, in the name of love.

Thanks U2 for giving me a great year and for having two outstanding opening acts (P.J. Harvey and Garbage) this time around. Thanks for a great life. Thank you for Elevating me here. You never lost the job in the first place. Thank you, especially, for this most important album that has recently touched all of us Americans in ways we never knew could be possible. Grace finds goodness in everything.

Unto the almighty

Hallelujah!

Collin Souter

(Oh, and to those who were near Nikki and I inside the heart toward the tip…yes, she found her glasses. Thanks to everyone for their help.)

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