Posted By Michael on November 11, 2009

Scores of fans packed into Reliant Stadium on October 14th, 2009, standing shoulder to shoulder in front of what appeared to be a large space station set up down in one end of the field. This was the kind of thing you only saw in movies or in dreams. Anxious fans looked on in awe, filled with excitement over what they were about to witness. The ceiling of the dome begin to open, revealing a darkening sky. The crowed stirred, as the lights went down, but they would have to wait for their favorite foursome from Dublin. Muse took the stage first and put on a great performance as the opening act. Though Muse did an excellent job, we had only witnessed the smallest glimpse of the magnificence that would fill our very own space station that evening. We waited as the crew made the adjustments on stage to get ready for the next performance. The amount of preparations going on was mind-boggling, and you just knew something amazing was fixing o happen. Then it happened; the lights dimmed and David Bowie’s Space Oddity echoed through the night with it’s familiar, and fitting lyrics: Ground Control to Major Tom Commencing countdown, engines on Check ignition and may God’s love be with you Suddenly, the noise from the crowd became deafening. There they were…U2 had made their way out from the dressing area and were walking up the stairs to pilot us all into a night of sonic pleasure. The first notes of Breathe blasted from the space station, filling our ears with what we had been waiting for. The sounds, the lights, the excitement from everyone was just incredible. We were witnessing a rock n’ roll marvel. Each song had it’s own unique aura, with lighting and video customized for it. One quickly began to realize why the tour was titled 360. Something was happening everywhere. The band played from the center, circular stage, and then would run out across bridges onto the circular track that surrounded the stage. Every person, in every seat caught glimpses of the band from every angle. From my place, standing in the inner circle right near the main stage, I enjoyed the intimacy of being up close to Bono, Edge, and Adam as they would stand before us, walk over us, or run around behind us. It was truly amazing. Even Larry came out during the disco-like remix of I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight. There were so many memorable moments from the show, and I will just list a few of my favorites:

• Singing along with the entire crowd to the familiar verse and chorus of one of U2′s best, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, as Bono just stood and listened.
• Having the bridges that connected the stages suddenly start moving, and coming right over our heads. Bono, Edge, and Adam would make their way over them, and stop and sing or play to those of us in the inner circle.
• The roar of the crowd as the familiar intros to songs like Beautiful Day and Elevation sounded off, followed by fanatical jumping up and down and pumping fists in the air. Great stuff!
• A lovely performance of One which transitioned into a beautiful, worshipful version of the old classic hymn, Amazing Grace. The crowd sang along with the familiar chorus as a grateful mood had been set. Then it came…the sonic greatness of the opening notes to Where the Streets Have No Names. The crowd ERUPTS! Pure genius playing these three songs together.
• Bono’s jacket during the UltraViolet performance. You will see what I mean.
• SO SO SO much more. You will have to see this show yourself to get the true feeling of the experience.

I’ve seen a lot of concerts in my day, and this was truly one of the best ever, if not the best. The guys in U2, along with stage designer Willie Williams, have really outdone themselves. They have created a musical show for the ages, that will be talked about for many years to come. Thank you, U2! Throwing in a little extra now; the set list for the Houston Show was: Breathe Get on Your Boots Magnificent Mysterious Ways Beautiful Day I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For Stuck In A Moment No Line on the Horizon Elevation Your Blue Room Until The End of the World Unforgettable Fire City of Blinding Lights Vertigo I’ll Go Crazy – Remix Sunday Bloody Sunday MLK Walk On One Where The Streets Have No Name Ultraviolet With or Without You Moment of Surrender If you are a U2 fan, this show is a must see! I hope all of you can see it! And Check out U2′s latest album, No Line On The Horizon.

Categories: MyndJack Music Reviews
Tags: concert, U2