Let me first say that I love U2. There music is emotional, beautifully crafted and intelligent. And their live staging is probably the most impressive I've ever seen except for Pink Floyd. The band was cohesive and the setlist was interesting but the problem for me was the energy level. This band is being touted as the worlds best rock and roll band, and they might be, but I can think of a number of acts that put a whole lot more into their live show then U2 did. Bono walking slowly around on the circular stage wasn't my idea of electrifying. And frankly when I listen to this bands album they are just that so I was a little miffed. And for God's sake what's with the 2 hour time limit. The Eagles played for almost 3 hours, Springsteen plays for 3 and 1/2 and The Dead play for almost 4 hours and they are all older then these guys.
Phil Collins plays around the same time but with way more energy. I hate to burst your bubble kiddies but I am almost 50 and I have seen many many concerts over the years and this was just way over-hyped and really not up to the caliber that everyone was raving about. Here are some of the best live performances I have seen:

Bruce Springsteen-Giants Stadium 03 "In the pouring rain Bruce and E Street come strolling into the Meadowlands to Sinatra's Summer Wind and open with Credence Clearwaters "Who'll Stop The Rain". Bruce says to the crowd "Ah it's only a little rain, you are gonna need it to cool you down tonight". He then blows everyone in the house away for 3 hours with 27 songs.

Steely Dan-Roseland Ballroom Summer of 03-Tight, inspired intimate classics dripping with energy and emotion fantastic.

The Grateful Dead-Englishtown, NJ- People in this quiet Monmouth County, NJ town are still recovering from the day that 150,000 jammed into their small town to see one of the great bands ever rise to the occassion in triumph.

Paul Simon (w-Bob Dylan) Jones Beach 99-Dylan plays harmonica as Paul sings "Sound of Silence" and Simon backs Dylan on "Blowin in The Wind" so already I am a little misty eyed. Dylan had played solo first then they played together. Then Simon comes out with his 17 piece band. Oh my God they were sensational musicians and maybe the worlds best folk-rock songwriter.

The Eagles- 2005 MSG- I really wasn't expecting too much this show, I figured eh nice night of nostalgia before the band hangs it up. WRONG. 3 hours of intensity playing their songs like it was the first time. And lots of Joe Walsh wailing on the electric guitar. They shocked me.

Pink Floyd- Yankee Stadium sometime in the 90's. Post Roger Waters days, and I guess you have to like their music but their stage effects alone were so unreal nobody has ever come even remotely close to them. Robot, planes exploding in air, sound system of the Gods amazing.

Los Lonely Boys- Austin Texas 3-04- You can get this performance on DVD. New band without a lot of material but wow can they perform. They are touring with Santana this year, watch out world.

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones-99 South Street Seaport-This band is comprised of virtuoso musicians. Check em out.They are really tremendous.

Bonnnie Raitt,David Lindley, Jackson Browne, Bruce Hornsby & Shawn Colvin-No you may never see that lineup again but in the summer of 2000 they playes at a very windy Jones Beach and were tremendous. Emotional and suprisingly tight as a quintet that never played together.

Richie Havens- Anywhere, anytime. Yeah, yeah he only plays "Freedom" from Woodstock. Me thinks not. Every song is played with intensity and emotion. American Idol contestants should watch him once just to learn what singing is really about.

So that's just a few that come to mind. Maybe I caught U2 on an off night. The air conditioning broke down at the Continental Arena and Bono said on stage "it's hot here....too hot for an Irish Boy" so maybe that factored into the evening. Anyway I do love the band and I am not belittling them, but honestly something was missing.

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