Popmart October 27th, 1997
Skydome, Toronto, Ontario CANADA
Opening Act: Third Eye Blind, DJ Howie B.
First Impressions: So here I was, walking into the Skydome. I had been waiting literally years for the chance to go to a
U2 concert... this was to be my first (and hopefully not my last!!) My seats were ground level, 15th row, and off to
the far left. We entered from the right side of the stadium, and so I was able to get a good look at the stage as I walked
by. The first thing I noticed was the massive golden arch, towering above the seats. I took one look at that stage - the
arch, the olive, the lemon in the corner - and I started to jump up and down like a little kid, I was so excited!! I couldn't
believe I was actually there!!! Waiting for U2 to come on was like torture. Finally, the lights dimmed, and U2
exploeded onto the stage, Mofo blaring through the Skydome like magic. My first thought: I'm going to be sick... I
can't believe I'm here!! But that soon passed and I was right into the concert, jumping and singing and having a blast.
Since every song was special for me, I'll give a little analysis of each one.
Mofo... the general excitment of catching my first glimpse of the boys was excitement enough for me. It took
me a second to realize that those four guys up on stage were really Bono, Larry, Edge and Adam. I was
overwhelmed. Pinch me!
I Will Follow... this song really got me going, mostly because I wasn't expecting it, especially so early in the show. I love this song,
and hearing it live got me totally pumped. Definitely one of the highlights for me.
Gone... this song totally rocked!! All I could think was the line "I'm not coming down!!" I'll tell you, that's
exactly how I felt!!
Even Better Than the Real Thing... amazing, and the crowd went wild.
Last Night on Earth... I loved the cartoon up on the screen!! This song really got the crowd going.
Until the End of the World... awesome!! Another crowd shaker.
New Years Day... definitely one of the
highlights. Toronto loves U2!! The crowd went totally wild!!
Pride... before Bono sang this song, he gave a little speech I'll never forget: "We're not here to sell our souls,
we're here to sell our songs. We're giving our souls away." I could have cried!! And the song was so
powerful... Definitely a mover.
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For... this one really got us going!! The crowd sang every word.
Stand By Me... Bono started to sing this song, and the crowd overwhelmed him. He stopped, allowed us to
continue singing, and then let Edge finish the final verse. This was definitely a moment to remember!!
Desire... another crowd pleaser!! We sang every word.
Staring at the Sun... you haven't heard this song till you've heard it live... it totally rocked.. and the harmony
section with Edge was just perfect!! I'll never forget that one yellow spotlight that lit up the stage.
Sunday Bloody Sunday... this one really got to me. Bono said, "here's a song we haven't played for a while,
not until Sarajevo." The version sung was a gentle, harmonic rendition, but when the guitar started up, the
crowd went wild, then fell silent in respect for the song. The lighters came out, and the stadium looked as if it
was being lit by thousands of stars. I was in awe. This was definitely a high point for me. What an honour to
have heard that song. I almost cried.
Miami... amazing!!
Bullet the Blue Sky... "outside, North America!!" Bono yelled. And we all sang with him.
Please... this song definitely rocked!! I loved this song before, but I have a whole new love for it now. You
just have to hear it live to really appreciate it. Bono got so into it; it was just awesome. I can still hear the
guitar in my head.
Where the Streets have no name... always a crowed pleaser!!! Another high point for me!! I just love this
song!!
Discotheque... All I have to say is... giant lemon!!!! I'll never forget it!!
If You Wear that Velvet Dress... for this one, Bono brought one lucky girl onto the stage. He offered her a
cigarette, which she politely refused. He kissed her on the cheek instead.
With or Without You.... another
one that got to me. Probably the crowd-pleasing song of the night. The lighters were out again for this one,
and everyone in the stadium sang.
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me... now I loved this one, especially since Bono was right on the side
stage in front of me, and I got a clear view of him :-) And the song was a definitely crowd-pumper.
Mysterious Ways... another great one!! Bono was still on the side stage, in front of me again :-) and he really
got into the song. The crowd did as well.
One... totally awesome. I just love this song, and hearing it live was amazing.
Unchained Melody... after Bono sang this, the entire band came out, bowing together. Bono thanked
Toronto for "sticking by" them through it all. They exited the stage, a roaring crowd behind them.
This concert was the best night of my life. I've never had so much fun. If I ever get the chance to meet U2, all I would
say would be thank you. Thank you for giving me something to remember for a lifetime. I'll never forget it. If anyone
else was at this concert, or any U2 show, feel free to contact me!!! Thank you, U2!!!!!
