In the first of two Perth concerts, supported by hip-hop and music heavyweight Jay-Z, the unique stage set-up, a back catalogue of huge hits and Bono's charismatic rock star status combined to provide the around 60,000 fans who packed the stadium to the brim with an unforgettable night.
The world class performance and huge "claw", which combined masses of speakers and a mesmerising video screen facing 360 degrees, though was juxtaposed with the almost third world conditions of Perth's biggest stadium, with fans having to wait in mammoth lines if they wanted to enjoy a drink during the concert.
The concert drew a crowd that was ready to party from the minute U2 strutted oh-so-cooly onto the stage. Older, young, it was a case of even those in the reserved seating areas spending most of the night on their feet dancing to classic rock tunes like Pride (In the Name of Love), Mysterious Ways, Sunday Bloody Sunday and Walk On.
UK rock band Muse – playing in Bassendean tonight – were there to rock on, as was politician Julie Bishop, all glammed up for the occasion, Dennis Lillee and Adam Gilchrist – who got a mention from Bono as the rock star compared his band to the cricketing champions in town for the Ashes.
After Jay-Z had revved up the crowd with his bouncing hits, the crowd entertained itself by starting a huge wave that eventually roared right around the venue, over and over after those sitting on the western side realised just what was going on.
U2 kicked things off with a rendition of Beautiful Day, on this beautiful warm night with the moon glowing overhead.
When Bono lead the crowd in any manner of audience participation, whether it be hands in the air or a mega-singalong, everyone obeyed.
U2's 360 tour will go down as the biggest ever, and this was the biggest, and most impressive concert Perth has seen. It was visually epic, with Bono at one stage wearing a laser jacket and many cameras hidden all over the alien-like claw capturing every moment while he and The Edge strutted a range of catwalks allowing the masses to get up close and personal with the stars.
One lucky lady, who told the crowd her name was Emily, will never forget her close encounter with Bono, after being pulled up onto the stage only to have him lay in her lap as he sang the romantic In A Little While. While she looked suitably stunned, he slow danced with her, only to leave her with a kiss on the back of the hand.
Bono threatened to end the night's festivities multiple times, but kept coming back for more before the band left in true rock star style, leaving behind a very satisfied audience.
source : http://www.smh.com.au/ by Daile Pepper
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