Vegas=Outstanding!
Before you read this, just know that it's long and probably very boring and way too descriptive but I had to share every feeling I felt during this concert, to anyone who wanted to listen or wanted to be there. Now that's out of the way, proceed.
As Bono would say, "Wow!" I'm definitely not one to judge on what U2's best concerts have been but this has to rank up there in my opinion. Maybe it's because I've only been to a measly 3 U2 shows in my life. (I know, what a newb right?) Maybe it's because the song choice and energy was so much more electric then the slower more poignant night 1. Whatever it was, Saturday night in Vegas was THE place to be as a U2 fan. Hell, as a music fan.
I have no idea how to write an entertaining, informative review on a concert, and I'm sure this post will be no different. However, I'll try my best to give you the images that will forever stay in my mind, and hopefully you can paint a mental picture of how the night went for all of us lucky enough to have been in the room that night. I'll run down each of the songs in the setlist, and the highlights I remember from them. Alright let's go...
1.) City of Blinding Lights- What an amazing opener! The first notes of Edge's chiming guitar sending a roar from the audience, Bono suddenly appearing from the tip of the ellipse, Larry's drums kicking in to give someone crazy like me a reason to jump along to the beat, and Adam looking as "posh" as always. The night had begun, and Vegas was most definitely the perfect venue for a song with such a title. Having seen it the previous night, it seemed like the crowd was definitely going to provide a huge boost of energy back to our boys. They felt more alive, more elated, and by each chorus, when those bright lights kick in, everyone could be seen bouncing up and down with their hands in the air. What a sight!
2.) Vertigo- Without skipping a beat, they launched into this amazingly rocking song. The album version can definitely make your head nod and toes tap, but live... hoo-wee this is a headbanger! Uno, Dos, Tres, CATORCE! Yes everyone in the arena counted in Spanish incorrectly, but at that point, none of us cared.
3.) Elevation- Larry was definitely "flirting" with us Saturday night. The usual tease he does with his drums before finally crashing down on them with full force, giving the fans what they want. Say what you will about silly lyrics, this song is one of the most entertaining to sing along to. Plus, with The Edge jumping up and down on his tippy toes, how could you not want to follow along! WOO-OOO... WOO-OOOHOO!
4.) Mysterious Ways- Where did this come from!?! Such a huge suprise for me, I was truly stunned. What a nice treat! The show was off to a beautiful start. Bono pulled a lucky girl on stage to show him her moves. "Teach me...teach me" He said, as she swayed to the music. It looked like she was teasing him, because Bono seemed like he wanted to hold on to her, but she wouldn't let him. Definitely a crowd-pleasing moment. On a side note: Edge's guitar solo during this song is absolutely amazing.
5.) Until the End of the World- This sealed the deal for me. I thought to myself, even if they played the "typical" setlist they usually pull out from this song on, I could die happy. What an amazing song live! I was looking for Bono's crazy hand-waving dance he does during the Elevation Tour performances of the song, but couldn't catch any. Once again, Edge's guitar was spot on, almost mirroring what you hear on the album version. Mr. The Edge definitely came off as a very precise guitarist and I liked it!
6.) I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For- Crowd participation was the key here. With everyone singing along, it can really send shivers down your spine. It also provided a nice cool down from the excitement of the 5 high-energy songs before it. Worthy of it's spot in the Holy Trinity of The Joshua Tree.
7.) Beautiful Day- A little foreshadowing perhaps? A snippit of the Killers' song towards the end set things up for later. Bono's voice shone through during this song, with him hitting every "touch me" and "re-he-he-heach me" Way to go, B-man!
8.) Miracle Drug- Since I don't want to drag on the descriptions too much, which I know I've done already, I'll keep some of the rest short. This performance showed off the beatiful light effects the ellipse is capable of. Tracing and flashing blueish lights looked really cool in the darkened arena. Edge singing for us was also a treat as always. What a great voice!
9.) Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own- It may have been just me, and someone please correct me if I am mistaken, but I could have sworn one of the most depressing moments happened before this song. Bono began to talk about his father, as he always does. "This is for Bob Hewson..." etc. When he suddenly turns towards someone in the "Bomb Shelter" or whatever you would like to call it and says "What?". He leans in and takes his ear peace out and then says "Bob's my father...... That's a bit scary (laugh)" The "fan" didn't know who Bono was talking about? How did they get GA tickets and such a great spot and not know who Bono's father was, or what the song was even about. Maybe alot of people don't know, I could be wrong, but I for one was very upset with that, and it ruined the entire song for me. Bono was a pro however and put his heart and soul into the performance. His voice was incredible and when he belts out "SING!" you want to cry right along with him.
10.) Love and Peace or Else- Mother Sucking Rock-n-Roll! If you don't like this song, I suggest you see if performed live, because it is such a highlight. Not only do you get to see Adam leaning in and playing to the crowd alongside The Edge. You get to see Karate Kid Bono, bandana and all, wailing away on the drum kit like only the messianic Irishman would be cool (or uncool) enough to pull off. Not as much Elvis impersonating as Friday night's concert, but there was definitely a trace of the King in Bono's voice during the song.
11.) Sunday Bloody Sunday- What can be said about this song that hasn't been said already. It's become a U2 anthem almost. Such a powerful song with a powerful message. "This is YOUR song now." And it was. We seemed to drown out the singer himself with our singing along. A very cute moment happened when he pulled a little girl on stage to help him out with the "No more!"s. She did not seem nervous at all and delivered the line like a pro.
12.) Bullet the Blue Sky- Very eerie performace that goes along with the song. Blindfolded, crawling on the floor, searching for the microphone. All intense, and all incredible to see. Although he didn't break into his "100, 200" speech, his replacement was very well done, and stikes a chord with the events happening in our day and age. A powerful message to match such a powerful song. On yet another side note: The Edge's note he hits after "plant a demon sead" is really LOUD!
13.) Miss Sarajevo- Such a beautiful song. Edge on piano is fun to see, and Bono singing like Luciano is just jaw-dropping. How he hits that note is beyond me, but he hits it well and If I wasn't already standing, I would have given him a standing ovation!
14.) Pride (In the Name of Love)- Another immense crowd pleaser. Some may say it's overplayed, but it didn't disappoint. Another opportunity for the fans to sing along and have lots of fun. oh-ohOH-OH!
15.) Where the Streets Have No Name- I hate to quote Bono again but "WOW!" is right! This is the single most amazing U2 song to hear live. The build up in the intro literally gives you goosebumps. The light curtains coming down and shinging on all of us. Starting with the church-like organ fading in, overlapped with Edge's trademark sound, add a little Bono lyricism; "From the swamplands of Louisiana..." all the way to his spine tingling African yell as the song breaks into full throttle, it was perfect. The crowd went absolutely nuts!!! We hooted, we hollared, we sang along, and as the climax hit and the room was finally filled completely with light, we bursted into a massive roar. Everyone's hands stretched to the sky, from the floor to the ceiling (or perhaps the "rooftop to the basement") It was a magical moment, and one that I will never forget in my life. Bono even seemed genuinely amazed at our response. It made me realize he lives for those moments, just as we do.
16.) One (featuring Mary J. Blige)- Oh. My. God. Can this woman sing! She blew me away with the strength in her voice and breathed new life into this classic. It was a sweet-sounding end to the main set.
17.) Zoo Station- HOORAY! The return of my favorite encore started with a bang. The Zooropa baby slot machine was in effect, first stopping on a few random pictures including Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, and G. W. Bush only to later hit a 4-of-a-kind. The payoff? A jackpot of Achtung goodness! One of my favorite moments of the concert is seeing the fog being spewed onto the sides of the ellipse and peering through at just the shadow of the Edge and his guitar, wailing away at the opening riff. Bliss.
18.) The Fly- Lighting effects. This is where all my attention was focused during the song. Lots of ZooTV-ish phrases and symbolism. "Give in to it, Give up to it" "LETTERS... become WORDS" That sort of stuff. I felt like I was watching a Japanese Anime with all the flashing lights and characters.
19.) With or Without You- No girl on stage this time, which was suprising. Bono chose to lay down by himself in front of the microphone stand. Why? No clue. Still, it was an emotional performance and left me wondering the possibilities of the 2nd encore.
20.) All Because of You- Another song that is so better live and is hardly given any of the credit it deserves. What a great rock song. Edge's solo was sharp and meticulous, and the crowd was into it.
21.) In A Little While (featuring Brandon Flowers)- I could NOT believe what I was seeing. Once Bono started talking about his voice I knew something was wrong. I started to get excited at what could happen. I know alot of the Interferencers there were hoping for some Mofo, but alas it was not to be. Instead U2 called on the Killers' lead singer to join them on stage! Vegas' very own! It just blindsided me! Then, to add on to the treat, they dive into one of my favorite songs, In A Little While! Hearing it full-band was amazing! I loved every second and Brandon's voice fit so well into the notes. ^5 U2!
22.) Bad- There is only one way I wanted this show to end, and I was lucky enough for it to happen. As soon as the backing track began for the song, I went nuts. Anyone who's witnessed this song live can back me up on the fact that this is one of the most emotional and heart-wrenching songs to hear in person. The feeling in Bono's voice is just mind-boggling. It's almost as if he was singing it for the first time, or singing it to each and every one of us, trying to pull us all into his heart and make us feel what he was going through while he forced out the notes. Words cannot describe what a storybook ending this was to one of the greatest nights in my life. I can't think of a better closer.
So that's it. Long and drawn out, yes. I'm sorry for that. For anyone who read, thank you. It was a night to remember. If I could, I'd go back in time to kick out all the people that sat down or didn't even dance and put you all in instead. I only hope I can get to experience a show like this again. I am truly blessed. Thank you U2! I accept your application as the World's Greatest Band.