I just came back from the May 9th and 10th shows in Chicago.
On the 9th, I had seats - 300 Level - but close to the stage (right on the side). I felt the show was very well done. I saw the Elevation tour in Chicago first too, with seats a level lower, but farther from the stage. IMO, the two concerts were similar in experience - in fact, I think Bono sounded better this time.
On the 10th I had a GA ticket. My friends got normal seats, so I waited outside all day by myself. That was fine - gave me a chance to talk to other U2 fans. I was #170.
When it got time to go in, on the last tour #170 was a sure thing guarantee spot in the heart! If you didn't want the heart, it was a sure thing to get a great spot by the railing outside. Oddly enough, this was not true this time. Even though I went into the U2.com members line, I'm not sure that helped me. I wasn't chosen to get into the ellipse, which was disappointing. And by the time I got to the floor, all the railing spots were gone. I was only a level back, and being tall, this is good. However, I felt as if I was on the "outside looking in". Worse, some super short girls asked if they could stand in front of me (pushing me another level back). I took pity on them and moved, but in the future, I won't. If you are short, too bad. I recommend not getting GA tickets or getting in line extra early. I refuse to move back to accommodate your lack of height.
Worse than this though, was this woman - Elisa from Italy - who kept holding up her stupid signs (one saying her name, which is why I recall it so well, another asking Bono to pick her up, etc.). She'd hold them up at the worse possible moments - not when Bono necessarily walked by, but during a song, like "Bullet the Blue Sky" when Bono is in character and couldn't care less about some woman saying "pick me up". She kept holding these signs up blocking everyone's view - we repeatedly tapped her on the shoulder. If you are on the floor, I have some advice: DO NOT BRING A SIGN! It will block people's views. I don't care if it helps you get on stage - think about the people around you who can't see now because of your selfishness!
In other words, I wasn't enthralled at all by GA this time. I loved being in the heart on the last tour, but hated being on the floor this time. Even though I was close, it felt like something was missing.
As for the shows... I already said May 9th was great. May 10th was also fantastic. However, I was disappointed that U2 performed "Vertigo" a second time. I'm positive they did this for the DVD and with the increased energy level of that performance and from the crowd, that performance may very well make the DVD. But I was fully expecting U2 to come back and do "40" if nothing else. Many people "booed" when they didn't, and I don't blame them.
To summarize: For me GA in the heart is great. I imagine the same is true in the ellipse. Being on the floor sucked. Maybe if I was right on the railing, I'd like it. I'm still debating if it was worth waiting outside all day for that spot. In fact, I'm debating if it's worth going to a lot more GA shows! Some I will without question, but others... hmmm... Bono's voice is utterly fantastic now, however, I don't think he's engaging the crowd quite as much as before. I also think the more obscure "Boy" songs - as great as they are - do not equal the utter excitement and power of "Until the End of the World" and "I Will Follow". I also feel that U2 should mix things up a tad bit more. The two shows (May 9th and 10th) were very similar until the very end. There's nothing wrong with throwing in a "Bad" or "Gloria". Given that fans are paying $165+ for tickets, I think U2 should add in one or two more songs.
As of this moment, I enjoyed the shows, but I have to say the Elevation tour was a bit better.
Best quote of the day!!
