From where I was standing at the first U2 Sydney concert it seemed that the audience was experiencing mixed emotions towards what was being delivered by 'the band'. Did U2 misread the Aussie audience, or was their preparation simply sloppy thus too hasty under estimating the intelligence and savvy of Australians these days.

Is the outside world's perception that we are little America? One would think so if Bono and co.'s treatment of songs and video clips were anything from which we were judged. At certain points during the concert some of Bono's antics, re taking off his glasses, donning a head band, and all the associated patter, was boarding on insult. Maybe that was for the teens in the audience, cheap very cheap platitudes re some very emotive and serious issues.

And the ploy of pulling out mobile phones to make a 'fairytale star lit sky' then prompting the audience to use said mobiles to phone the number appearing on the video screens. Boarder line .. co-ercive care or clumsy cheapness.

When the voice featured, more beautifully than the message being pushed, Bono's range was truly breathtaking. Great musicianship - was what the audience was there for, I do wonder if that got lost - too much message and not enough music.

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