I have been a huge U2 fan since I saw them on MTV during Live Aid in July 1985 when I was 15 years old. I knew then that there was something very special about those young guys from Dublin and the last 20 years have only confirmed that truth. Prior to last night I had only seen them twice live -- Zoo TV in the early 1990's and Pop Mart in 1997. Both of these shows were in stadiums and I didn't have a particularly good seat either night. Last night was totally different as the show was in a small arena and I was seated low and close to the band.

I was blown away by the show. I expected a lot and the passion and the power of U2 in harmony with the 20,000 fans was amazing exceeded what I could ever imagine. The crowd and I sang every word of the first three songs and then continued through the 2+ hours. At one point, Bono sang the first few words of the Beatles "Help" and then sang nothing while the crowd sung the rest. Later in the show it seemed like even Bono was surprised by the volume and enthusiam of the crowd. Soon after that he paid a nice complement to the crowd saying that the band knows that Buffalo has faced hard times, but even so the people of Buffalo support the good that America is trying to do in Africa and elsewhere.

It was a very spiritual experience for me and I imagine many others there. The music of U2, especially from The Joshua Tree, resonnates with my deepest being. Last night to hear "Streets," "With or Without You," and especially "Still Haven't Found..." live and to sing along with 20,000 generational peers and like-minded souls -- my tribe -- was a truly transcendant experience. It was also very special because while my wife and I had both seen U2 live separately, last night was the first time we saw them together in the 10 years we've known each other. There's nothing like sharing soulful music with your soulmate.

In short, last night gave me a much needed spiritual boost which I will bring to this holiday season and into 2006.

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