The U2 360 show at Michigan State in East Lansing was good. The same set list as Baltimore, except Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me was played instead of Ultra Violet. It stayed light out through Elevation. This East Lansing show was the least crowded show I’ve been to, even though it was sold out. They didn’t sell many GA tickets, so there was plenty of room inside the inner circle and the rest of the floor wasn’t even half full. There were no red zones and the catwalk of the inner circle went almost to the stands.

I started off my day in Michigan relaxing in my hotel room, ordered a pizza and walked to Spartan Stadium around 1:30. I walked around the stadium to the GA line, which seemed very calm and happy. It was right by the entrance the crew was using to go in and out of the stadium, so everyone assumed U2 would be arriving there – but it was the opposite end of the stage. I walked around the stadium to see if there was anywhere else U2 could drive in. When I returned to where I started, Dallas and Sammy were also walking back. I asked Sammy if U2 were really arriving here in front of the GA line, and he said there was no else to come in. Then Dallas asked how I was doing and shook my hand. A little while later Rocco informed us that U2 was not doing a soundcheck, so this indicated to me that U2 was going to arrive very late. I decided to go back over to where the catering was set up and where the crew was going in and out of. There was no back stage in the stadium – no dressing rooms. They had set up ‘backstage’ at the hockey arena around the corner. I waited there, later joined by Beth and Tim. We stayed until almost 8 and nothing. We saw Florence and the Machine arrive and leave, but no U2.  We learned later that U2 was driven right up to the stadium and let out there.

I went into Spartan Stadium at 8pm and still got inside the inner circle. There was so much room and behind the stage was smaller, narrower. We didn’t have wristbands and were not allowed to go up into the stands for concessions or bathrooms. There were no red zones. I stayed on Adam’s side of the stage because I realized U2 were again going to enter on Adam’s side – this was the first time I haven’t been on Edge’s side of the stage to see them walk under the stage. They actually entered through the stands – walking down the bleachers through the fans. U2 started their walk to the stage just after 8:45, and it was still light out and stayed light until 9:40 through. Please watch my video of U2 entering Spartan Stadium http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7cuHvjwUDA

I watched the first part of the show from Adam’s side of the stage and could even see Edge. It was nice to have a good view without being squished. I was very excited when Bono said, “Achtung Y’all!” during The Fly like he used to on ZooTv. I watched from the side of the stage until Pride, except during Mysterious Ways when Larry turned around I went behind the stage. He saw me and gave a big smile! Please watch my video of Larry and Bono singing LET ME IN THE SOUND http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_c_vp0Rsws

At the end of the Pride, I went behind the stage and stayed there until Larry started I’ll Go Crazy. I got my usual nod and smile from Larry. Then I moved around to wait for Larry to make his way around the catwalk and watch him trot over the bridge and throw his conga to Sammy. Please watch my video of Larry during I’ll Go Crazy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zubFFuEolLg

East Lansing was good, but not my favorite show so far. The crowd was loud, but more cheering than singing along. Although they did really love I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – as they should. Please click here to see all the photos I took in East Lansing http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150249983514168.337102.734599167&l=66317ec837

 

This U2 show in East Lansing was the halfway point of my 360 tour – 8 out of the 16 I’m seeing on this leg. I have met some great people and made some great new friends along the way. I’ve talked with Bono twice – about getting Larry to come out and greet the fans. Bono stopped to greet the fans before the first four shows I went and hasn’t stopped at the last four shows – no one has. My ranking of my first 8 shows is as follows: Anaheim2, Seattle, Baltimore, Oakland, Anaheim1, East Lansing, Salt Lake City, Denver. Criteria for a good show for me isn’t always just about the music, it is about the whole feel of the show, the audience and quite honestly my Larry moments.

Anaheim2 is my favorite show so far because for the first time this leg U2 completely changed the set list opening the show with 5 songs from Acthung Baby and changed the order of the other songs. Also, it was the first time this leg that U2 played my favorite song I Still Havent’ Found What I’m Looking For, and I cried like a baby.  Seattle and Baltimore are tied as my second favorite shows so far. Seattle was great because Larry walked over to us as he was leaving the stage and shook my hand – he saw us standing there in our Larry Mullen Band shirts, smiled and walked straight toward us. Seattle was also great because I saw the show with my friend Jenny, and we had a great view of the stage from Edge’s side. Oh and I spoke with Bono before the show about asking Larry to come out to greet the fans. Baltimore was great because it was the most enthusiastic audience I’ve seen and heard so far. Plus it was my hometown show, and I saw it with my friend Tasha. And oh yeah, I saw Larry rip off his shirt as he was walking to his car after the show. Oakland was a great show because Larry sang a bit of Lou Reed’s Perfect Day, and I spoke with Bono before the show reminding him to please ask Larry to come out and greet the fans – he remembered me from Seattle.

Anaheim1 stands out because Larry smiled and waved at me as he entered the stage and when he left the stage. It was great to watch the show with my new friends Chuck and Michelle. During the introductions, Bono said Larry was the one they owe everything to. East Lansing was good because it was a really relaxed, not crowded show and the audience was really loud, especially for a small general admission. Also, the set list was similar to Anaheim2 and Baltimore, which is great. Salt Lake City’s highlight was Love Rescue Me – I cried. It’s one of my favorite songs, and I’ve never heard it before and U2 rarely plays it. Denver was cool because I was in the stadium where my beloved Broncos play, and it was the first show of this leg of the tour. It was also the first time I heard Zooropa and Scarlet.

I’m excited to find out what special moments will happen on my next 8 shows. Starting tonight in Miami. Look for my review tomorrow – if I survive the heat and rain in Miami.