U2 SERVES UP THE SOUNDS AT COWBOYS STADIUM IN ARLINGTON

U2 assuming the stage at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington

It is hard to find fault with U2-they consistently prove their worth time and time again through their passion driven music, high energy, and willingness to go the extra mile to wow and inspire the audience. This was definitely the case last night after English band Muse, who complemented the U2 sound with their own rocking set, opened for them at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, which was a venue (that not only cost over $1 billion to construct but also has state of the art technology like 60 yard high def. plasma screens hanging from the ceiling and a truffle mac and cheese bar for the foodies out there) the only a few bands could fill with their sounds while creating an intimate experience courtesy of the poetic proselytizing of Bono and the obvious syncopation and closeness that these guys have with one another after a few decades together. Of course, Bono got the hometown crowd (70,000 +) stirred up with his mentions of “Fort Worth!”, “Richardson!”, and “Fair Park!” as well as calling out to Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys, who happened to be in the audience. Always the humanitarian, he also emphasized a “non-violent revolution” and recognized the imprisoned Burmese pro-democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi during “Walk On” which he has done and will continue to do every night of the 360 Tour. Fans around me were visibly moved by this and even shed a few tears.

The Claw or as Bono called it, "The Spaceship"

After having seen them several times, including opening night of this 360 Tour in Barcelona, I am always impressed with the tireless energy they put into every show-literally doing laps around the gigantic, circular stage with their various instruments, including Larry on the bongos during the dance influenced version of “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight.” While the energy is always up, there were a few key things that were different last night from opening night. In Barcelona, there was a little more of a feeling of unpredictability and spontaneity as Bono forgot some of the lyrics to “One” and falling into moments of laughter as if no one was watching him. The more reserved Adam Clayton even succumbed to a fit of fist pumping during “Where The Streets Have No Name” in the Spanish city, as if he was excited after not hearing it in a while. At the Arlington show, the band seemed more comfortable and the concert was shorter and without staple song “Pride (In The Name of Love).” That said, their performance was still amazing and included the groove laden “Mysterious Ways,” an aching rendition of “With or Without You,” the inspiring “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” and the explosive “Beautiful Day” and “Elevation” just to name a few. Showman Bono also infused his own songs with snippets of classics like “Blackbird,” “All You Need Is Love,” “Thank You,” and “Stand By Me” which again got the audience howling. U2 is a band versatile enough to play the intimate venues as well as the colossal stadiums while maintaining that constant connection with the concert goers-and that is their magic touch. See below for some videos from last night’s show.

Red Carpet Roxy in front of U2's "Spaceship" at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington

Here is the set list for last night’s show:

U2 performing “Vertigo”

U2 performing “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight”