I flew in from Tampa for the Sunday show with a Chilean classmate, who, like me, had never seen U2 live before. We had level 300 seats , so we waited outside the arena for the band to show up .We waited from about 4 to 5:30,then had to leave as my friend was hungry, turns out we missed Bono due to that!
Anyway, we got to our seats at about 6:30 , sat through all of Institute’s set, saw Dallas checking the Guitars, etc.The arena seemed a bit empty even at 8:30 and most people on our section were really laid back , which had me really worried if they’d even stand when U2 got on stage!
But I shouldn’t have worried as everyone shot up as “wake up” started.COBL ,Vertigo and elevation went by in a flash. Mysterious ways was a big surprise and the lighting and effects were great.UTEOTW really rocked. “Still haven’t found…” was next and I think we sang at least half the song.BD was very well done too. The lighting during MD was amazing. really out of this world, edge was jumping around as well, great performance.
SYCMIOYO was very emotional as it was Bob Hewson’s Birthday-a moving performance. LAPOE was fantastic; Bono even dived into the crowd during this.SBS was amazing with the “rock the Casbah” snippet, the whole place was “going off”,as Bono would say.
” Bullet” was done very well, very eerie, and Bono missed the Mic stand by a mile, and had to pointed in the right direction!
Bono again nailed “Miss Sarajevo” and the crowd roared its approval after Bono’s flawless opera singing. “Pride” was great with everyone on their feet and singing at the top of their voices, leading perfectly into “Streets” after which the crowd was cheering really loudly for a long time which was truly a sight to behold. The part where the camera zooms in on Bono’s face during “One” and you can see the fans was very innovative and touching I thought, really drove the point of the song home. The crowd was deafening as the band left the stage, and they re-emerged to play “Stuck “ and WGRYWH both favorites of my friend, who was overjoyed to hear them.WOWY was solid , and it was great to see all the couples hugging each other and enjoying the song, very romantic.
The second encore brought ABOY, Yahweh and 40, which was a great end to a great show. The crowd continued to Chant “How long…” for a long time and even as everyone left the arena!
All in all, this first-time experience was everything I had hoped for and more…now I have experienced what everyone raves about for myself. I was blown away by the band and the crowd. Thanks U2 and Miami for an amazing time.
I’ll off to St.Pete Times forum early morning tomorrow to try and score a last minute ticket-wish me luck!