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U2 |
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Phew! Just got back from the U2 concert. What a night, what a night! My brother and I got to the venue at a reasonable time. Our seats were pretty high up and on "stage left." We were able to catch the opening act, Kings Of Leon. I only recognized 3 of their songs, and only knew the name of one. Anyways, they opened their set with "Molly's Chambers." Their songs were fairly good and energetic. They kept the crowd going. They had projector screens where we were so I ended up watching that a lot. It was hard to spot them down there since they were so darn thin! I swear I mistook a mic stand for them a few times. During their last song, there was quite a surprise! Eddie Vedder popped up on stage and jammed with the guys on tambourines which were later tossed out into the crowd. The whole place got up on their feet at the announcement of his name. Pity on the unfortunate who missed out on this. There was a pretty long wait before U2 hit the stage. Seated next to my brother was this over excited metal guy who basically shook all the seats in our section (brother said to me "now I'm feeling the "Vertigo"." To my side was a very tall young man who was basically dead. No emotion whatsoever. The stage was simple. A big circle off to one side, and a oval like ramp that stretched out to the middle of the arena lined with lights. There were large beaded curtains that were lighted and at times displayed some images. Whenever these were down they totally blocked our view. I was relieved when they retracted back up to the ceiling. At least I could depend on the screen which was split up into 4 and basically they had a camera on each of the guys. Prior to the show they had the cameras pointed out to the audience. People with cameras were just shown on the big screen...and they were in the front row! Some policy enforcement! On to the actual show (set list!): - City Of Blinding Lights: Couldn't really tell what this song was since the sound quality was pretty poor. But Bono walked out and just took in all the energy from the crowd. - Beautiful Day: That was just an incredible number. - Vertigo: The whole crowd was just hyped up about this one, despite some of the negativity towards the song. Personally, I really liked it. - Elevation: My fav from ATYCLB. - Gloria: Another oldie. Gotta love those. - The Ocean - New Year's Day: Awesome. I totally dig the older stuff. - Miracle Drug - Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own: Bono went over to the pit and picked out a young boy, and walked around with him on the ramp. That was cool, and it was good to see he knew the lyrics too. - Love & Peace or Else - Sunday Bloody Sunday: I can't remember if it was this song or not, probably not but the Edge was on the keyboards and that was something. Larry also came out to the center area to play drums as well. During this number I know for sure that Bono got this white bandana with religious symbols printed on it. At one point they covered his eyes as he sang. - Bullet The Blue Sky / Hands That Built America / When Johnny Comes Marching Home: There were a handful of song snippets thrown out there, but unfortunately nothing from Pop. Certainly one of my favorite cds. - Running To Stand Still - Bad / Ruby Tuesday - Pride (In The Name Of Love): Bono talked to the crowd about equality at this point and I believed it's also when he thanked various people. - Where The Streets Have No Name: Loved it! - One: Ahhh, I was so happy to hear this. I had my camera record the audio from it. Pics wouldn't have turned out anyhow. This coincided with the One foundation and Bono urged the crowd to get out their cell phones and text message. The place was a-glowin! There were actually 2 encores! Lucky to have snagged tickets for night 2! Encore 1: - Zoo Station: The place went absolutely crazy. - The Fly - Mysterious Ways: Another one of those "have to see" songs. I was blown away. Definitely makes up for the absence of "With Or Without You." Bono ran around with the mic stand a couple of times and I think during this number he went after Adam Clayton. Encore 2: - All Because Of You: I wasn't sure if the guys were coming back, but they did with this smashing song off HTDAAB - Original Of The Species: Another new one. - Vertigo: For some reason they decided to play "Vertigo" again. Probably a disappointment in some especially with such a wide repertoire of songs that these guys have. They could've done one of their many other songs. Oh, well. The crowd was still into it a second time, and so was I. Very addictive. They extended it out a little bit from the first time they performed it. This show went out with a bang! I love shows that end like that. I was reading a review somewhere that said the previous night in Seattle they did a slower song to end the set. I'd rather have a "Vertigo" repeat any day! Bono commented from the audiences point of view stating something like "what are they doing playing the same fucking song again?" HAHA. Overall, I had a wonderful time. It was good to see U2 finally after growing up with their music. |