Well, I finally feel rested enough to try to put my thoughts into words, so here goes...
I saw U2 for the first time on the Vertigo Tour (12 September, 2005) from seats that were just opposite the stage and one row up from the GA section. While I had a great time, I couldn't help but feel that the people around the ellipse and inside the ellipse were having
the time of their lives. I knew that if I saw them live again, it would have to be GA or bust.
Fast forward four years. The first presale left me a mess (damn RIM employees...) but the second presale left me with a GA ticket for my sister and myself. We flew out to Toronto on the day of the first show and wandered around the venue a bit, just taking in the excitement and talking to people in the GA line. I met trevster2k, which was very cool.
He told us where people were congregating to meet the band before soundcheck, so off we went. We didn't have much luck, despite waiting for over three hours -- a huge mob of people swarmed around Bono's car as soon as he got out of it -- but it was still pretty cool to see Edge, Larry, Paul McGuinness, and (of course) Bono drive by. I met Edge and Bono on the Vertigo Tour, so I wasn't too bummed about not meeting anyone this time.
I was still too scared about spoilers, so I didn't check Interference before I went to bed. If I had done so, I would have known that people were still getting into the inner pit after arriving at five and six o'clock... We started queuing up at seven in the morning. I thought I would be in for a long, boring wait, but it was actually loads of fun and it seemed to fly by. My GA mates were all very good people -- AOD was one of them -- and we passed the time by geeking out over the band. I also met unico (I hope everything worked out for you in the end, by the way
) and BoMac. It was nice for me, because I obviously don't have the opportunity to surround myself with hardcore U2 fans on a regular basis. Aside from trev and AOD, I only know two other people back in Newfoundland who are as into the band as I am.
The mad, gleeful rush from the gate to the field will forever remain in my memory. I love how
everyone just ignored the irate security guards. We first tried for a front row rail spot on Edge's side, but then decided to head to the rail at the back of the circle. I'm glad we did that, because we got a great view of the band on the stage and an amazing view when they went out onto the ring/catwalk/whatever we're calling it this time.
Snow Patrol weren't bad. I'm not a huge fan, but they made a decent effort to get us revved up for the show. David Bowie did a much better job, of course. I think I will now get goosebumps whenever I hear Space Oddity, much like I still get goosebumps whenever I hear Wake Up.
The opening punch of Breathe --> No Line --> Boots --> Magnificent was, well, magnificent. It felt unbelievable to be a mere twenty feet away from my favourite band while they played songs that, for me, were a major return to form. Then they launched into Mysterious Ways; I have ALWAYS wanted to hear that song played live, so I pretty much lost my mind. It was so much fun. New Year's Day was another one I've always wanted to hear, as it's pretty much the song that, eight years ago, turned me from a casual fan to a full-blown fan. We were all jumping around, singing along with the piano...it was great. Bono seemed to really appreciate the response and jumped in unison with us. Unforgettable Fire was also beautiful and an absolute thrill to hear.
I could honestly dwell on each song for at least a paragraph, but since this review is already getting a bit long, let me skip ahead to what, for me, were the major highlights:
The first was City of Blinding Lights. I always used to be the kind of person who thought that Bono's tendency to pull kids up on stage was somewhat of a lame gimmick. I take back everything I may have said about that here at Interference. It was such a touching moment when he pulled up Lucas. They stopped just in front of us...
I would imagine that this boy is now a U2 fan for life.
The second major highlight was MLK --> Walk On --> One/Amazing Grace. I don't know what it is about those songs played in that particular order, but it was enough to reduce me to tears. MLK and Amazing Grace especially.
YouTube - U2 - Amazing Grace (Live In Toronto 9/17/09)
I didn't take that video, but oh Jesus, is it ever special.
Third and final major highlight: Streets. I just...I can't even describe it. It was an absolute joy seeing it on the Vertigo Tour, but this time? Being right in the thick of it? It was something that
transcended joy. I can now fully understand why many people liken U2 shows to religious experiences. I'm an atheist, but fuck, I believed in God for those five minutes. When the lights came on before the first verse, and we were all jumping around insanely...that moment might honestly be one of the happiest moments of my life.
All in all, I give that show six stars out of five. Greatest concert I've ever seen, and it will be hard to top it. Perfect first-time GA experience. By the way, Muldfeld? You had better hope that you're not standing next to me at a U2 show in the future, because I jumped, danced, wept, and sang my heart out the entire time.
More photos here:
U2 360 Tour - Toronto, 17 September 2009 - a set on Flickr