by Joe S.

The number of reviews (ALL positive) posted on this site is probably the best evidence of how special last night's show really was. Rather than repeat the themes already covered, I thought I'd share a personal perspective. I've been a fan since War was first released, first saw them live on the Unforgettable Fire tour, and have tried to see them at least once per tour since then. Early on, the shows were really just a chance to get together with good friends to share a great time in the company of our favorite band. I can't say that (for me) a U2 concert was much more than that. This all changed at the November 3, 2001 Philly Elevation show. I had taken 9/11 hard - - I lost friends and, as a parent and an American, I felt really vulnerable for the 1st time. U2 handled the tragedy thoughtfully in its tribute to the victims in a way that provoked powerful emotions in the audience. Folks on this site have mentioned that U2 has gotten them through a lot of tough times in their lives ... for me, U2 helped get me through 9/11. Unfortunately, my expections since then have been high (too high). I've expected the emotional transformation to come and yet the shows would miss the mark (albeit just slightly). This all changed last night. I had so much fun at this show. The band had fun. The crowd had fun. The energy was constant and the performers responded in kind. Bruce was icing; I was "in the zone" long before he strolled out on the stage. To share the experience with my 11 year old son made it all the more incredible. Simply stated, this show will go down as my all time favorite - - not only because it was a GREAT show but also because I realized that a U2 show doesn't have to be an emotional outlet; it can just be an event where you hook up with good friends (or family) and enjoy the greatest band on the planet! Hallelujah!

P.S. Sorry for the Dr. Phil-like review but that's just the way it came out.

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