Due, DJR, I was there Monday night and I guess I could understand your complaints about the setlist but let me tell you from firsthand knowledge: this is one of the best setlists the band has played in a long time. It was absolutely incredible and powerful. I might balk a bit at slighting the "All That You Can't Leave Behind" material, but I honestly don't know where they'd have shoe-horned it in (besides dumping awful openers Kings Of Leon and going with the "an evening with" theme that a band like U2 really should.) Opening with "Blinding Lights" was a brilliant decision - it's a builder of a song that really winds up the crowd by the end. The important thing to remember is that nothing has been retired - they just weren't played that night. U2 has said they'll be playing varying setlists throughout the tour.

Now, for the ticket situation: I think pretty much the whole thing stinks. I was lucky enough to score general admission tickets through that whole fan-club fiasco. When we arrived Monday morning to see what was going on with the ellipse deal, we never got a straight answer from anyone - there was talk of a lottery that would be drawn at different times depening on who you asked. It became pretty clear that this was not the case and we were stuck in line for the rest of the day - not knowing how it would really be handled, we didn't want to risk losing the chance. When the doors finally opened, there was no preference given to those who'd forked over their money to not only get tickets but into the fan club as well, as both the fan-club and general ticket lines were allowed in at the same time. This was an insulting move, the first of two. We paid extra to support the band and the band should support us back by at least letting us get in earlier, if not also allowing the fan club members into the center of the ellipse. The second insulting move was that lottery system I mentioned - any general admission ticket was capable of being the "golden ticket" into the ellipse, which is just plain not fair. How U2 could allow this to happen after the BS fans had to go through with the pre-sale ticketing nightmare is beyond me, and will definitely figure into my decision to pony up the cash for U2.com membership next year. With the demise of Propaganda, U2 seems to have forgotten that there are supposed to be some tangible benefits to being in a fanclub.

But I'll save the rest for later, as I'll be putting together a full report of the day in the next day or so . . .

I look forward to reading your report from the show. Even with my bitching, I am still jealous.

I am so glad I didn't pay for the online 'fan' club. They really did not do right by their fans. And that is made worse by the fact they have always done so in years past.

As to the set list... I hope they are going to rotate songs and change things often. But it would run counter to their past few tours. With "Elevation" there were not a lot of deviations except for multi-city stands. Maybe this time will be different. I love how the Stones last tour had album-theme nights where deep cuts from a different album was featured. Something like that is cool. Or just change things at random.

That puts so much pressure on Bono to remember his lyrics and Adam to remember his basslines. Those two in particular will earn their money this tour. =)

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We had quite a debate on my site over the fact that these guys are charging 160 bones plus ticket bastard charges for their shows.

I realize the laws of supply and demand dictate that if the show is sold out that it is an acceptable price, but I still find it utterly tasteless.

I had the same bitch with the tickets. By the time I got online to look at tickets (about an hour after then went onsale... I spaced it) there were only tickets for the last row in the house. this is a quarter mile up and a football field away from the stage. These tickets were over $100 before ticketbastard fees.

sorry, but to pay over $100 I want to be on Bono's lap. I was angry with how they did this tour. Every single show sold out on site immediately. That means all real people (who aren't scalpers, ticketmaster insiders, or season ticket holders to venues) got shit.

How to fix it? EASY - it is a summer tour. Do football stadiums. You are the biggest band in the world, and that way everyone could get a chance to see them. I have seen the band dating back to the 'Unforgettable Fire' show and also the filming of Rattle & Hum at ASU.

I'd recommend you download "11 O'clock Tick Tock" and "A Celebration" from iTunes. I have been trying to get copies of these since my cassettes broke in '86. I loved U2's first 3 albums, and Achtung Baby, but now I'd rather stay home with my iPod than see them live. Arena shows almost always have bad sound anyway.

thanks DJR! what an odd song selection, I guess they have to keep mixing it up or they get bored - certainly not a "greatest hits" program

In addition to not being a greatest hits show, I do not think they did a fantastic job of picking obscure cuts. Bring back "Dirty Day" for crying out loud. Or "Hold Me, Thrill Me..." or "A Sort of Homecoming" or "The Unforgettable Fire." Play "Out of Control" (the version on the Slane Castle DVD is fantastic) and "Angel of Harlem." And did I mention "Dirty Day" and "The Unforgettable Fire?" Seriously.

I got to see them live on the Elevation tour and they were fantastic. And I am sure they were great in SD. I just do not like the set list, the ticket prices, the merch prices, and the way the GA seats were handled. And seriously... play somewhere besides Atlanta. I hate Atlanta.

DJR, these are not obscure enough for you?

3. CRY/ELECTRIC CO.
4. AN CATH DUBH
5. INTO THE HEART

You have to remember, they still have a large contingent of non die-hards to please. If they don't trot out at least some of the big guns, people go home disappointed having not seen "Sunday Bloody Sunday," etc. Plus they want to feature their new album, and I don't blame them - it all works fantastic live.

I know, I know! I gotta put together my review. It's coming, I swear . . .

Stop arguing with me and get that review written! =)

Electric. Co is great. I was glad to see that make an appearance. And I know they have to play some of the hits. Hell, I like the hits. The first time I saw them, I squeeled like a little kid when The Edge hit those opening notes for I Will Follow. I felt the goosebumps when they did Pride. So I do not begrudge them that. I understand. And I love the new album. I want to hear those songs. They can stop playing City of Blinding Lights when I tell them to, and that won't be soon.

I am sure the performances were great. I am a U2 fan. I thought the set list was peculiar in terms of what made the cut and what did not. When I look at that list, I get the impression they were really trying. I just think they missed the boat. And they should play Dirty Day. Seriously! =)

Sorry to be a bit of a contrarian, but I am baffled at how someone can review a concert they never attended or even listened to. Why not go to tradersden.org and download the bootleg? That way you will know if a segue is "awkward" rather than just proclaim it arbitrarily. Do you review books you haven't read and movies you haven't seen?

"the ticket prices are not defensible"

I felt the same way except they sold out. I saw them in Anaheim, where they played "Mysterious Ways" by the way, and the place was packed. If they are able to sell out arenas at these prices, I can't begrudge them. Sure, it sucks for those who can't afford it, but boo hoo for you poor slobs. I haven't heard a good argument for why they shouldn't charge so much. Maybe you should get a better job. I don't like the housing prices in CA, but crying about it, ain't gonna help if the houses keep selling. I'm gonna see U2 again in November in LA.

"'With or Without You' has been retired"

It was played the second night.

Normally, I would agree with your comments about "Bullet the Blue Sky", but it is part of a set of political songs. Bono ends up blindfolded and performs a snippet from "The Hands That Built America." When you see the DVD, it'll make sense. Unless you review it before you see it.

El Bicho... your comments are welcomed and I understand your perspective. I was totally upfront about not having been at the show in large part because I wanted folks to feel free to disregard my observations on account of that fact. And if you get a chance to read some of comments in response to other folks comments you will notice I am quite willing to concede the performance might have been quite excellent. I love U2.

If you will notice, most of my observations were not about the performance of the concert itself. It was about the planning and execution of the concert and the songs performed. I might not have been at the show but I do know those songs. I was offering an opinion about how I feel certain songs flow together. It is simply that. An opinion. I was offering an opinion about the songs I like best by U2 and songs I do not like quite so much. Again, an opinion that concert attendance does not impact.

As for the ticket prices... first, I find your approach in discussing that matter to be offensive. I have a job and it is quite good, thank you. You do not know me and making personal assumptions like that lacks a certain civility.

Second, just because you can charge that much (or more) does not mean you should or you must. U2 has, in my opinion, sold or presented a certain image along with their music. Bono has gone to great lengths to be a figure of conscience and has lectured leaders of nations about generosity and greed. I find it difficult (although not impossible) reconciling these two images because they seem to slightly contradict each other on certain levels. I do not expect them to do this for free. I do not expect them to be paupers. I do think they overcharged regardless of how many people are willing to pay for it. A fool and his money are soon parted. That does not make it right, noble, or acceptable for someone else to take advantage of the fool.

I am OK with people disagreeing with me. Several commenters did. The boorish nature of your post is unnecessary. I will buy the DVD. And I will review it. And if the set list is the same as the first night I will still feel the same way.

DJR,

One of my points was how could you be so certain that a segue "has to be awkward"? Not may, not might, which would have been reasonable supposition, but "has to be." Very certain and matter of fact, leaving no room for the possibilty that it could have worked. I questioned what you had to base your opinion on other than the way the songs sound on the album. There was no guarantee that the songs would be performed in the same manner live. It's apples and oranges. I downloaded the bootleg the day before your post, so that's why I drew your attention to where to get it so you could listen to it yourself, which I hope you did, and would be curious if you still felt the same way. Again, it wasn't your opinion I took issue with, it was the certainty.

I made no comment about the songs you like or don't like. They do play too many of the hits, but every band does. My favorite off "Joshua Tree" is "Exit" and I know that will never be played live.

In regards to the ticket prices, no comments were directed at you specifically, since others echoed your sentiments. However, we aren't just seeing U2 anymore. They are U2 Inc. We have no idea the costs to run their organization, which is a lot bigger than four Irish lads. They have to make sure they pay back the advance to the record company and in this digital day and age, all bands can be assured they are no longer making the same amount of money off album sales as they used to. I just don't think it's fair to get on them without knowing the entire story of their financial situation, which is really none of our business. Make sure the blame on ticket prices is shared by all those who illegally download and copy music.

Also, Bono's efforts on behalf of the planet might cost a buck or two. Flying around to meet world leaders isn't that cheap and we have no idea how much money he donates to charity, but I think it's a fair guess that he does more than his share. Neither he nor the group combined make the Forbes list of the 100 richest celeberties, so let that bring you some solace.

I understand you think they overcharged, but there are tens of thousands a night who disagree with you. I fail to see how any of them have been fooled or taken advantage of. They knew full well what they were getting, the price of the ticket before buying it and could have taken a pass like you have chosen. I don't see how either decision is wrong if that's what works for the individual. And with the way they are selling on this tour, we both might never see them live again when they come back to support their next album in '07/'08.

thats a pretty solid setlist.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ those are my dollars stacked up, now i just need some tix!!!

ATL!!

Going to the show tomorrow (Monday) and just stumbled onto this site. Can't wait 'til tomorrow night! Although....I do share in the fact that the ticket prices seem astronomical and, back in 198-something when I made it to the Unfergettable Fire show(I was pissed that I missed the War tour), I was a senior in high school. I didn't think the prices too high then. And now, with a good job and salary, I do. Why is that? Is it me?
In closing, I just want to say: I love U2. Period. Any body have a set list of what I may hear at the American Ariline Arena in Miami tomorrow? Has it changed substantially since San Diego?
Thanks!