I actually think it's quite easy to play warhorses and still create the illusion something rare may get played. The problem with U2's shows from, pretty much, ZooTv onwards is that the 'script' doesn't allow many opportunities for rotation of songs.
Lovetown Tour, great varied sets, different openers, throw in a curveball every now and then you have the illusion of a different set every night.
Which show would you rather see?
The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
The Electric Co.
Vertigo
I Will Follow
Iris
Cedarwood Road
Song For Someone
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Raised By Wolves
Until The End Of The World
Invisible
Even Better Than The Real Thing
Mysterious Ways
California
Sweetest Thing
Every Breaking Wave
Bullet The Blue Sky
The Hands That Built America/Pride (In The Name Of Love)
Beautiful Day
With Or Without You
City Of Blinding Lights
Where The Streets Have No Name
One
Bullet The Blue Sky
I Will Follow
Iris
Two Hears Beat As One
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Raised By Wolves
Until The End Of The World
Mysterious Ways
The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
City Of Blinding Lights
Even Better Than The Real Thing
California
Sweetest Thing
Every Breaking Wave
Beautiful Day
With Or Without You
Invisible
Cedarwood Road
Song For Someone
Where The Streets Have No Name
One
The Hands That Built America/Pride (In The Name Of Love)
For people who follow the band, the Tour, the second show everytime. Straight from the start you know anything could happen, which increases the excitement surely?
There's only one song different, but the second set still goes down in folklore, warhorses and all. But the 'script' doesn't really allow the second show