Whew. I haven't even begun to come down from my high yet. What a night.
I'm sorry I didn't write some info last night but I was dead tired. I had
gotten to the arena at @9:30am and was around there until about 1:30am. But,
it was all worth it. I won't bore you all with repetitive details. I will
only add my $.02 for what that's worth. First of all, I got to meet lots of
people from the list and that was fun. U2 fans are the best! I also met
many fans from all over the world; Germany, Spain, and Portugal included. I
was one of the lucky ones that got into the heart. I kind of disagree with
one of the comments I read about there being no trouble and pushing, etc. I
was very aggravated with the way the arena handled the ga line up. There was
a large group of us that had been waiting all day at the doors of the arena.
At @4pm, security came out and asked us to move back to some poles they had
installed b/c we were in the 'search area.' So, we thought we'd all move
back as 'one' and keep our spots. Well, it became a fucking circus. New
people somehow cut in and we ended further back than where we started. Not
to mention that there was one massive push back that nearly knocked us out
(vertically challenged people beware). As soon as the doors opened though,
the 'search' began. It was bull. I was worried b/c they kept announcing
that cameras weren't allowed. So, I had 'crotched' mine (see past post for
reference). No prob. You run to the turnstile, where they give you the
green wristband. From there, I ran like a madwoman to get to the heart. We
were told that only 200 people were getting in. I don't know how many of us
were in there in the end (I'm bad at guesstimating). But, by the time I got
in, there were maybe 50 people in there, if that. We all just kept screaming
hugging each other.
I just have to tell you guys that the heart is unfuckingbelievable. I
could see Bono's baby blues as clear as can be. I could see the sweat
dripping off his nose and literally flying when he pushed his hair back. I
saw Bono scold Larry during 'A Little While' b/c he wasn't kicking in with
the drums. I was right in front of Adam (he is just the embodiment of
coolness). For most of the show, I had my Wire tag around my wrist and I'd
hold it up to them (hey, we couldn't take signs in). The energy in that
heart was palpable. I'm sure we looked so cool to the rest of the arena. I
mean, there were 200 or 300 (depending on which is right) of us jumping in
unison with our hands in the air. I was completely drenched in sweat by the
middle of 'Elevation.'
You all know the set list so I won't go into that. I just want to say
that it all sounded great. I don't like to get picky and say that this
needed practice or that sounded rough. It all sounded SPECTACULAR!!! Yes, I
was disappointed that there were no oldies ( I was hoping for A Celebration
or 11 o'clock Tick Tock) or anything from Zooropa (we've been through that)
or that Edge didn't sing (he did back up but it's not the same). I was also
disappointed that there wasn't a 2nd encore. And there WAS an audience of 40
b/4 the first encore. It actually got pretty loud but then it died down b/c
they came out right away. But, for what could've been the 2nd encore, the
lights came on the arena right away.
What else? Oh yeah, when you're in the heart, the white sheer opera
curtains that fall down are so cool. You feel yourself enveloped. About 6
or 8 of them fall around the stage and then lights project images onto them.
Very cool. The big colour monitors on the stage are great. During
'Mysterious Ways', Bono sings the first verse at least lying down on one of
these. The monitors are movable so they are 'elevated' and lowered. That
was very cool. When he got down, he stood in front of one of them and was
emulating the shadow of a belly dancer that was being projected. Very sexy.
Bono sounded phenomenal. The boys were in top form. The stage set up
is awesome. I'll briefly list some passing remarks and then I'll let you
guys go:
--Bono wished Ali a Happy Birthday at the end of 'A Little While'
--I actually had tears in my eyes as the concert started ( I kid you not and
don't laugh)
--'Sweetest Thing' with Bono on the piano was superb. (that was always my
favourite B side).
--I was able to take photos with no problem from the security guys, even
though they told me beforehand that they were really strict.
--Keep in mind that you 'lose sight' of Bono for some time during the show
b/c as other mentioned, he does spend a lot of time at the heart's point.
But, you still see him or you could ogle Edge as I did (or Adam, whoever is
your fancy).
--At the end of the show, right b/4 the lights go on, there are 2 huge
suitcases that are projected onto the audience.
--I disagree with a comment from someone who said the newer songs didn't get
the same reaction from the audience. I thought 'Walk On' got an outstanding
reaction. I actually noticed Bono smiling when we were screaming out the
words. He exchanged looks with Edge and Adam, kind of like 'this is cool.'
You could tell they were having a great time.
--Someone on the floor gave Bono a red bra I think that he fondled for awhile.
--One of the German fans gave him a plastic sunflower and he made her place
it sideways in his mouth. Then he did a little curtesy with it. Very cute.

All in all, it was fantastic. I hope you enjoyed these little tidbits
and didn't find them to be excessive. I am just so excited still and you are
the only ones that understand this.

Cheers,
Kathy

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