by Jim Taggart

An outstanding show. For all the mixed reviews this tour is getting, this night was proof that U2 can still deliver. Bono was in good voice, and the band played well. Willie Williams stage design and lighting effects were mind blowing at times, mind numbing at others (I'm thinking of "Miracle Drug" which while a great song, was presented with minimal pops and buzzes. Compare that to "Zoo Station" which absolutely crackled with electricity, and "The Fly" which made me think it was 92 all over again with it's clever aphorisms and swirling colors.)

"City Of Blinding Lights" complete with confetti drop is a great opener.

Sound was great, even in my nosebleeds. U2 seemed energized tonight. The set list needs a bit of tweaking, IMHO, songs like "Running To Stand Still" (dedicated to men and women in our Armed Services? Wasn't this song about heroin abuse?) and "An Cat Dubh" sort of plod along, ruin the momentum, if you will.

Bono's pitch for Africa ties into "Streets" very well, and the light curtain flags are something wonderful to behold. Who needs red?

The show seemed delayed a bit, the house music ("Wake Up" by The Arcade Fire) started and abrupt ly stopped, and the concert started about ten minutes later than normal.

Kings Of Leon were EXCELLENT. I don't know what kind of reception they've been getting elsewhere, but the Philly crowd was polite and responsive (somewhat) they thanked U2 and their fans several times during their blistering set.

I'll be going to two more Philly shows and it'll be interesting to see how the set list and the show changes over the summer and the Europe dates.

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