Performance:
MOFO! And how refreshing it is to hear it too. Larry uncharacteristically kicks us off rather than the synths, and I must say this is an extremely energetic performance. The interchange between Mofo and I Will Follow in the early stages of this tour was delicate at best, but they nail it here. I love PopMart versions of this song and there is no disappointment here. Do they make mistakes with EBTTRT anymore? No? Well there are none to see here. The next song is a bit of a hen's tooth in the PopMart repertoire. I really can’t see why it was dropped. This particular performance is a little flat if I’m totally honest, with Bono frequently dropping off key, but I love it nonetheless. The bells of Pride ring and we all know what time it is. Did it sound good? Yes, if a little generic. Next song please. There is a special something about bringing the gospel hits of the 80s back in their raw form to this show of big money and bright lights. It really works and I love to hear it. This performance is executed perfectly and is especially heartwarming.
Gone gets off to a great start with a fantastic and possibly unplanned intro. It’s a fairly strong performance throughout, although we get a sign near the end that Edge’s voice might be giving way a little on this show. Last Night on Earth, and both Bono and Edge sound like they’ve got a cold. Maybe it’s the recording, or maybe it’s my ear, but it sounds a little off. I like this song, but I couldn’t wait for this version to end. Next! Oh, that familiar sound. We all know it. It’s Until the End of the World. Never liked it much on this tour. The ‘popification’ (copyright Ross) of songs on this tour worked for some, but not for others. However! This version actually sounds somewhat stripped back. I like it. I like it alot. Here comes another song I really don’t like all that much. Always seemed a little hollow to me. This version sounds hollow and flat. I don’t know, I’ll leave it for people with a better opinion of the song to judge the performance. Staring at the Sun up next, and oh my God, my ears! Seriously, what is this rabble? This song going acoustic was the best thing to happen since Bono got a haircut, and that’s all I have to say on the matter.
Anyone else got a soft spot for Edge karaoke? Not really much to say here, other than I love to hear it. Miami *busts out in laughter* What even is this song? I stand by my statement that this is a terrible song, but here comes the
car chase surprise, I actually liked it. A Lot. Bono has some trouble with the mic in the first verse, but otherwise I love this version as well. Here comes yet another seamless transition as we move into Bullet. Like most of this show, Bono’s vocals are a little flat, but that’s okay, Edge is here to save the day with his solo. Does not disappoint.
Bono then comes back to ruin again with his awful snippets, but they’re over before you know it.
Please was shaky, flat, and generally unimpressive. Perhaps that’s a little harsh. I still enjoyed it, but either Bono’s voice, the recording, or something was letting it down. The Sunday Bloody Sunday snippet was unexpected, and executed rather poorly if I’m honest. STREETS, and it’s such a breath of fresh air in this otherwise stifled portion of the set. It sounds a little forced, and Bono is rather flat. You can sense the bands effort to make this one work, though, and it really shines for it. Solid performance throughout.
Encore time. Discothèque is sounding by far and away the best it has at any show up until this point. Minimal mistakes, and a generally great sounding rendition. No velvet Dress? Okay then... Adam’s bass signals With or Without you, and it’s sounding a little loose and sloppy actually, but it soon picks up towards the main body of the song. I enjoyed it. Made me smile, that performance did.
HMTMKMKM is good. Solid. Not much more to say. Mysterious Ways on the PopMart tour is an all time favourite of mine. This particular performance is probably the highlight of the show. Expertly held together. Is it just me or did the audio just get better? Bono and Edge sound so much better here. The solo is just fantastic. Every bit as good as you would expect. One closes us off, and it does so admirably. Beautiful.
Overall, I think they played well. Still finding their feet with the new songs, but it’s really coming together. 4 stars.
Audience:
I heard them, and that's about it.
Sound:
Very listenable, but it's a bit flat.
Overall:
Don't let the sound get you down. This is a great boot, and definitely worth listening to if you're interested in early PopMart.
Highlights:
EBTTRT
Still Haven't Found
Gone
UTEOTW
Discotheque
Mysterious Ways
EN