This show was marked by a sense of fatigue -- both in Bono's voice and the tunes that comprised the set list. Not only did Bono miss several notes in the two opening songs (City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo), he sang City out of key altogether. His voice was raspy and tired, probably from having rocked Chicago the night before. No palpable energy tonight, which is one of U2's hallmarks.

Ethereal this show was, with Bono losing himself in soft hymns while winding out various tunes. It shifted into high gear with a solid performance of Electric Co. (including a variation on the matador v. bull skit by Bono and the Edge at the apex of the ellipse) and we were finally nearing “lift off,” as Bono says. But before we actually got airborne, they cut the ignition and turned to a delicate (although beautiful) version of Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses.

They revved it up again with Beautiful Day, but followed with an extended interlude that gave the fans a glimpse into the band’s origins (the Edge’s spaceship), while being simultaneously hypnotized by the piercing opening notes of Miracle Drug, which the Edge played with a master's precision. A tribute to the late Bob Hewson followed – an emotional, if not riveting, rendition of Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own.

Already melancholy, U2 moved on to Miss Sarajevo. It was a turning point. Bono’s voice was back, and he belted this song out, including the Italian, brilliantly. The crowd’s appreciation was evident as the United Center erupted afterward. The momentum picked up, and they wound out the opening set with spirited performances of Pride and Where the Streets Have No Name.

Bad and Original of the Species got it going in the encore. Fueled by the energy generated from what appeared to be a spontaneous addition of Fast Cars, they exploded into All Because of You, which was a played with incredible intensity. U2 bid Chicago farewell with a delicate version of 40, a fitting close to an otherwise mellow show.

The tour has been a long, tiring one. That much is obvious. Tonight U2 relied heavily on the crowd to power them through two and a half hours and a 34 song set list.

Sometimes you really can’t make it on your own.

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