Gogme United

Maybe the time is right, maybe tonight Since 1981 I haven’t missed a single U2 Tour in The Netherlands and with all European gigs the Experience & Innocence concerts in Amsterdam were number 39 and 40 on my list. The first night was great, I managed to avoid a lot of spoilers and was quite surprised with the new screen, the visuals and the sound off course. That day brought my both long-life loves together as the famous Ajax football club played a home game in the Johan Cruijff ArenA after which it was just a few steps to the Ziggo Dome to see my favorite band. On Monday I felt a bit worn out, it’s not just the band that’s getting older, and dragged myself to the venue to get a decent spot on the floor. When we entered the railing outside of the Red Zone was still available, so that mission was accomplished and I could see the second night from a whole other perspective. Since the beginning of the European leg of this tour the band was quite consistent in the setlist, a few minor changes from the first to the second night, but some new songs were added and they’re great. Especially the less famous Achtung Baby songs like ‘Who’s gonna ride your wild horses’, ‘Zoo Station’ a full band 'Stay' and off course ‘Acrobat’ were a delight to hear again. The songs of the last album blended in perfectly and other highlight like ‘Elevation’, ‘Beautiful Day’ and ‘Vertigo’ are always great. ‘Pride’ was another highlight, because a small stage was setup in both Red Zones and I was just a meter away from my favorite band member Adam Clayton! Another highlight is the new arrangement of ‘New Years’ Day’ where a long forgotten lyric came back: ‘Maybe the time is right, maybe tonight?’ And the answer to that question is yes, these were great nights and hopefully the last words of Bono aren’t another ‘we have to dream it all up again’ message... If so, we're still up for a 30th anniversary of the ZOO TV Tour in about four years.