After waiting several months to see U2 the night finally came and I was unsure what to expect after only seeing live DVD's of U2 from the Slane Castle show and also the Vertigo tour in Chicago, USA. Myself and my partner were spending the night in the city so we planned to make a big event of the weekend and particularly the concert.

We arrived at Telstra Dome around 6.30pm, I picked up the customary t-shirt and program and then headed into the venue. The only thing I wish I had done was bring my digital camera as there were no strict searches when entering the venue (only bag searches). It also said in the ticket "No cameras or recorders" so I figured to adhere to the warning. One of the people in front of me ended up taking their digital camera - bummer!!!

Kanye West was not all that great as a support act, I thought his vocals were drowning due to the bass in some of his songs. He seemed to get a cheap 'pop' from the crowd saying that "Melbourne is the best city in the world" which I thought was a bit tacky - the crowd in general admin seemed to be getting into some of his songs, but it was all dead up in the stands where I was situated...

After Kanye West was finished everyone eagerley awaited U2 to arrive on stage, I was surprised that the roof was open at the Dome, but since it was a nice night - why not? All the crowd begun to entertain themselves with the mexican wave, it was quite funny as once it started again on the opposite side (Station side of TD) applause would ring out over our section that another lap of the wave would happen - it seemed that the higher levels were a bit out of time with the lower levels as well :-)

ON WITH THE SHOW! - U2 finally came out to start with 'City of Blinding Lights' which I didn't know, but still the 30 metre video screen was very impressive and the crowd were going nuts everywhere! Bono seemed a bit hard to hear after songs when he was just talking, but I don't think many people cared - for the ones that knew the words to the music that's all that was needed.

As far as the music balance went, it seemed to work quite well and the sound was fine up the back, I was in Aisle 16 on Level 3 in the 20th row and I could hear all parts of the band quite fine. Bono has an AMAZING vocal range and unlike West, his voice was not drowning in the bass and drums.

The setlist seemed fitting as well, I am not a die-hard fan of U2 but I knew most of the songs that were being played, there were so many highlights and having such a large and inviting stage was fantastic, I was able to take it all in while sitting up 'in the gods'. Everyone around me seemed to be enjoying the show as well, sure we were not in the first few rows but most people around me were singing along...

A few people started to take a break when "Sometimes you can't make it on your own" started up, made me wonder if an interval was going to happen on stage? I stayed around and I'm glad that I did, one of my favourite songs is 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' and it was awesome, it tells such an emotional story and my legs and arms were in unison with the beat of the drums.

Miss Sarajevo was simply breath taking - I can still hear it... Bono dedicated the song to the Australian armed forces who were overseas (a lovely and nice touch) and I sat there silently singing the song, it is one of those songs that makes you think about the finer things in life - when it came time for the 'opera' part that Pavarotti did on the studio album I was thinking this would be overdubbed and we would hear Pavarotti in the background but when Bono came out and sung those few lines I got goose bumps - I even have them now writing this!!

The crowd everywhere were up for 'Pride' and 'Streets', I can't give enough kudos to Melbourne and being up in the bleechers able to see everyone going CRAZY was something I'll never forget. I have seen footage of the crowd going off to 'Streets' at Slane Castle, but seeing it live beats that hands down! We all knew the words and all the people in my section were just loving it as much as I was.

Overall a FANTASTIC show and for anyone that loves their music I would suggest you go and see them live at least once, the setup of the stage had no expense spared with all the lights and computer video work, it made everyone in the stadium feel so much a part of the show. I have been to some concerts where I have been up the back and have not enjoyed it as much... however U2 just make you feel so much a part of the show and it makes it that much more.... BRILLIANT!

Was a shame that the show had to end... but it's a concert I will not forget, the bird/parrot kite at the end was a lovely symbol and I'm sure whoever found the kite once Bono released it out of the stadium may turn out to be a very rich person :-)

As far as an event goes, it rates highly up there - I have seen Powderfinger, Metallica, John Farnham, Garbage all live and I must say U2 are right up there with Metallica as far as able to reproduce their studio music just as good as when they are in a live arena... would I see U2 again? HELL YEAH!! Thanks to Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam... look forward to seeing you in Australia in the near future...

Also it seemed viewing from the top that there was still adequate room at the back of general admission for more people, whether it was full and everyone just pushed up towards the stage I'm not sure, but I would say GA was about 3/4 full.

PS. Read in the local newspaper that up to 200 people missed out on seeing U2 due to ticket scanning problems, I feel for em... hope that the ticket vendor has some explanation!

PSS. Telstra Dome is a wonderful venue for a concert, first time I have been to a musical concert there (have been to AFL matches, and the WWE wrestling) but musically it's a great venue!! Will be back there in one months time to see Robbie Williams :-)

Regards,

Shaun (Sticks)

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