alexisaurus

Does anyone else find Bono's ripping of books disturbing?  I know that is the point, that the violence and destruction of it is a highly effective gesture, particularly considering the texts being destroyed. True art is meant to make us feel and think (and take action).  But man, was it painful for me to watch. 

I was absolutely, positively delighted with my RZ experience in LA.  My brother and I got there at 5:15, in time to be in the raffle for backstage tours (alas, no win) and we got rail space right at the very end of the main stage.  All three mobile members of our band were right there in front of us at some point in the concert!!! WOW!  And having a rail to lean on really alleviated any major leg/knee/feet/back issues I may have experienced.  This is why I was jazzed to have RZ tickets and not GA-- no taking off work to stand in line, no standing for hours and hours to reserve a space by some portion of the stage, no stress, really, and part of the money goes to charity, too?! What a winning deal!

BTW, love the B/Sting photo.  <3

For some reason I was convinced that my ticket was for the Saturday LA show (I had also been on Wednesday) and so I showed up and found out that whoops! it was for Sunday.  Went to the box office (it was about 6pm) and was able to score a really good single seat about 6 rows up, mid catwalk.  Now, it was in the highest priced ticket range ($275!!!!) and it was only for one seat, but yes, seats are available day of.  And let me tell you, I am so glad I got it (and I am so thankful I am in a position to splurge like that, too).  Good luck!

_{It is really easy picking songs one would love to hear, yet really hard trying to figure out in what order!  So, my placement kinda sucks.}

_{Set 1}

_{Joey Ramone}

_{Another Time, Another Place}

_{Do You Feel Loved}

_Iris

_{Cedarwood/Raised By Wolves}

_Ultraviolet

_Seconds

_California

_{Babyface/Lemon}

_Breathe

_{First Time}

_{Set 2}

_Vertigo

_{Every Breaking Wave (acoustic)}

_{Please (acoustic)}

_{One Step Closer (acoustic)}

_{The Troubles}

_Volcano

_Wire

_{When I Look at the World}

_{Trip through Your Wires}

_Elevation

_Encore

_{The Fly}

_{Unknown Caller}

_{Sleep Like a Baby Tonight}

_Promenade

I'm really surprised "California (There Is No End To Love)" hasn't been played more - I was guessing before the tour began that all of the songs that made the "acoustic sessions" on the bonus CD version of "Songs Of Innocence" would be there every night.  I didn't love the song the first time I heard it, but it really grew on me, especially the acoustic version and especially after I learned the lyrics.  Of all the new songs on the album, I hope that one finds a regular or semi-regular place in the setlist eventually.  "Crystal Ballroom" too!

I agree, California is a brilliant song and I was really hoping to hear it live, especially since I saw them in LA 3 times.  Unfortunately, I wasn't there on the one in five nights they played it!  Ah well.  As for there being less of an acoustic presence than anticipated, isn't this due to the fact that our man can not currently play guitar?

The necklace for sale is neat. Subtle, like the symbol t-shirts, and reasonably priced, for tour merchandise.  Look into it... 

Amazing!!! For my first concert (second night), I was able to score RedZone on the presale for my brother and me.  We were on the rail, albeit at the very end of the stage. Worked out really well, because I did not have to take work off (I am a teacher and sub plans are a bitch) and we still got a primo spot.  I did not think I could top that.  For Saturday, I was close to the front stage about 6 rows up.  There was a deeper connection between myself and the music that night than the previous night, perhaps owing to the fact that I was alone and could completely immerse myself in the experience.  Then there was last night... I had a 2nd row seat right above the band's stage entrance/exit, with a direct view of the e stage.  Again, I was solo.  No one showed for the seat in front of me and I was able to claim this aisle seat spot for my own.  There was an added intimacy to the 4th show which I did not feel to the same extent as the previous two and there was a point during WOWY that I felt as if Bono was singing directly to me... maybe he was-- I am an overly enthusiastic singer and dancer/jumper/mosher and my Popmart shirt is a good focal point AND they do need the crowd to get them pumped up, so.... a woman can dream...