53 shows in NAmerica!!
I attended 53 (maybe 54) shows in North America on leg 1 and leg 2 including the rehersal in LA. I also recorded (high quality) about 40 shows from the floor. I had a plane ticket to Oz and Nz, and planned to record those shows. However, after the cancellation in spring of 2006 I couldn't get excited to go back. Of course, that might of had something to do with how much better the entire Radiohead NA tour (19 shows) was in comparison.
At times the tour was a great struggle financially and mentally. I wanted to do this tour becuase it was supposed to be the biggest grossing tour in rock history. I have a renewed respect for U2 as a band. Only once or twice did i feel Bono was going through the motions (miami was one of those). However, Bono's repetitiveness was annoying. Especially how he claimed "today is pavarotti's birthday" for about 15 straight shows. That's just wrong.
The best show was the Vegas show w/ Brandon Flowers. Also, the Texas show where the fan played excellent guitar. I attended every MSG show, and they all rocked. Patti Smith!! I was able to spend a lot of time at my fav NY bar, the Molly Wee.
The best part was making a new good friend. Mark from the Jackson Hole Air Force. We went to about 40 shows together, and tore shit up.
oh yeah, Arcade Fire in canada rocked!!