I apologize for joining this thread late. I attended both U2 shows in Chicago. For my review of the Sept. 12th show (and it was actually more of a "feeling" than a review, as I felt most everyone else described the show better), see
here.
As I mentioned in the other review, I focused on seats and Red Zone for the four shows I'm seeing. My old body can't handle all day waiting for GA, only to then be pushed around all night. LOL!
I had seats on the 12th, but Red Zone for the 13th. And these were extra special Red Zone - I had the back stage tour included! Yay!
The back stage tour was fun - didn't meet any band member, but we did see Dallas (I shook his hand) and several other technicians. And we got to see what it's like back stage, something I was curious about for events like this. We even got to go on stage (back part, not by the instruments). I have iPhone pictures (nice little phone - sorry Blackberry) and once I'm home, I will try to post some photos.
The Red Zone was fantastic. I had upgraded tickets on the 12th (see other review), but Red Zone was even better. On the 12th, I didn't notice U2 walkinig around as much on the ramps. That changed considerably for th 13th and I got some very short video clips of all four U2 members walking by me (nice iPhone!). It was a great view, I wasn't bombarded with constant vendors (like in the seats), and there was no pushing or shoving. Best yet, I didn't have to wait in line all day and Bono even thanked the Red Zone ticket buyers. All in all, it was very cool! If you have extra $$ but are like me and don't want to wait in a GA line all day, I recommend the Red Zone. Save $$ by not getting the back stage tour. Without it, the tickets are much, much less.
As I exited the concert, some guy wanted to buy my back stage "pass" (it was a sticker we had to wear). I said "no" (hey, I am a collector myself!), but for others with the tour included, perhaps you could sell that item.
What I loved about the show on the 12th was a performance of "Bad". I feel TUF and NLOTH merge well together. Hearing four TUF songs (TUF, MLK, Bad and Pride) along with the seven NLOTH songs in concert proved my point. The two albums can be intertwined and I suggest people do a random mix of the two for some good listening. However, on the 13th, "Bad" was replaced with "Until the End of the World". That is such a powerful song. While I still love the Elevation performances of that song (I think those were even better than the ZOO TV performances), the song itself is so climactic that it competes with "Streets" as a concert booster. I love having "Bad" one night and "Until" the next - these are great substitutions.
U2 did perform a new song and I'm sure if I read this whole thread (and others), I'll see what it was. LOL! For now, I enjoyed hearing something new.
Bono did not introduce the band or himself this night (as he did on the 12th), but he did make reference to the "space ship".
What I actually liked about both shows was Bono NOT talking as much. He spoke just enough - some jokes and little introductions here and there, but mostly he and U2 let the music speak. And it worked. I was worried about another stadium tour. I loved ZOO TV inside, but not outside. I was so-so on PopMart, feeling that the spectacle did drown out the music. But this claw works. It's not "ironic" (big arch or multiple TV's) or silly (giant mirrored lemon), but rather, it's fun and it provides a purpose. The lights, the huge 360 screen, the clips between encores - all are great.
That said, I was close for each show. I'm not sure how someone who was in the upper tiers would feel. But for me, the stage design worked. Larry's drum set rotated meaning fans behind him could now see him. Other band members walked the ramp and worked the stage as much as possible truly making this a 360 performance. I applaud U2 for taking on such a monstrosity and pulling it off.
If the "critical" reviews aren't kind, too bad. I haven't read any, but if they are negative, then they missed out. There was no irony to get here - just a fun design that was practical. U2's performances of old and new material were energetic. Bono's voice was in great form and any wrinkles on th 12th were worked out on the 13th. U2 seemed in top form that night - so it was definitely worth seeing both shows.
I'm just honored to have at least seen the two opening shows in the U.S. I never saw an opening U2 show, but never tried. I prefer U2 to work out the kinks in their show before seeing them. Thanks to their tour of Europe, the show was in fine form and I definitely recommend it. It's a great mix of new, with powerful old - good stuff that should please all fans.
(hate it that much).
But I was desperate so I paid it, did not want to give up my rail spot to go look for a drinking fountain.
I must have heard the guy say "Welcome to Soldier Field, the following items are not allowed....." 100 times waiting to get into the rz. It was driving me nuts. 
