U2 360

"Do you like U2?" my boss, Phil, asked. It was the middle of a Friday afternoon in the office.

"Youtube?" I had misheard.

"U2. I've got tickets for their concert tonight, but Sheila is still sick and can't go," Phil said. "Are you interested?"

Of course I was interested! I'd been a U2 fan since I was a teenager, and I wasn't going to miss the chance to see them perform live. A few hour later Phil and I were making our way to our seats. Per the instructions on our tickets, I'd left my camera behind. I will never again leave my camera behind.

Right now U2 is doing a 360 tour. They're performing on a circular stage completely surrounded by their audience. A huge structure that looked something like a giant space crab held a cylindrical video screen suspended over the band ensuring that everyone could get a good look. Our seats were sort of behind the "front," but the show was incredible.

The opening band was Muse, which shocked me because I thought Muse was big enough to headline their own concerts. It was like seeing 2 big-names for the price of one!

Then U2 took the stage and - honestly - their concerts are just as good as I've always heard. Lights and lasers and videos were dazzled us as we watched the iconic musicians play. The lights alone were a show in themselves. Every once in a while, Bono would transition between songs by singing a lyric to a song by another artist. At one point he referenced Journey and at another time David Bowie.

I think the most interesting part of the concert was how the band used it as an opportunity to convey humanitarian political messages. Bono dedicated "Sunday Bloody Sunday" to Syria and Iran - promising the people there that they're supported in their struggle for freedom. Then he told the story Aung San Suu Kyi who has finally been released from house arrest for calling for democracy in Burma. And finally, a video was played in which Nelson Mandela called for human unity.

My only expectation going into the show was to hear "Where the Streets have no name" and with or without you," and the band didn't disappoint. During "With or without you," The stage lights went off and everyone held up their cell-phones. It was incredible.

On the way out, Phil and I looked for concert t-shirts, but no one was selling any! Oh well. It was a really cool experience. And I'm very grateful for Phil's surprise invitation.

Fortunately, Phil had a camera on his phone and was able to take a few pictures. I'm a journalist.... never again will I not at least TRY to sneak a camera into someplace.