You look so beautiful tonight...

I just have to gush for a minute or two....we went to U2 on Friday night.  It was fantastic!  I told Mr W that if we won the lottery, I'd fly to see them again anywhere.  Dublin, anyone?

They opened the show with "City of Blinding Lights," coming out onto the circular stage lit with curtains of multicolored lights, just really grabbing onto the audience.  They didn't let go, either, perfectly melding old and new songs with showmanship--there's just no one like Bono.  They sounded great!

The stage was concentric ovals, with lights that would go on around the edges, and a space between the end of the stage and the largest oval where some very lucky people were standing.   The band could walk around on that outer oval, and it was really cool how they used that to connect with everyone.  We were up behind the band, but I'd be hardpressed to say our seats were bad, because we could see everything.  I had clear view of the stage and the video screens, and the speakers were at that feel-it-in-your-chest level right in front of us that was peerrrfect.  I was on my feet, dancing and singing along for almost the entire time.  I still have a bit of hoarseness in my voice this morning to prove it :) 

About 3 songs into it, I leaned over and planted a kiss on Mr W's head, and told him "I DO owe you!"  I'm so glad that he was listening to the radio last Monday, I'll never tease him about his choice of stations again.

While I enjoyed the concert, I enjoyed people-watching too.  I haven't been to a concert in ages, but some things never change...I saw lots of interesting characters...

Mr and Ms 'Oh, just-get-a-room-already':  This couple were so busy canoodling,  I think they missed half the show.  Should've scalped their tickets and used the money to check in at the motel down the street.  Don't get me started on the slip she was wearing to pass as a top...I don't know you, do I really need to see that much of your underwear before we are formally introduced?

Enraptured chick:  This lady was really, really, into it.  I don't think she saw anything because her eyes were closed, her hand was outstretched, and she was swaying; not unlike anything you might see at a church revival.  I told Mr W that the ushers better keep an eye on her, I was so certain she'd be moved into jumping off the edge of our section...and a few minutes later, the usher did come down and tell her to scoot towards her seat.  Whew!

Mr I-Have-No-Rhythm-But-I'm-Gonna-Dance-Anyway:  I looked over my shoulder at one point, and caught a vision of this man, slinging his arm around in what was not a seizure, but a dance move.  He must've bought the seat next to him, no one could've been sitting there without being in danger of losing an eye...and saw another guy doing almost the same thing across the aisle.  Who knew you needed a set of protective pads to go to a concert?

Ms Don't-Hate-Me-Cuz-I'm-Youthiful:  It's her outfit.  Really.  Just because she's 45 and is dressed like a 16 yr old, doesn't mean she's not fun.  It just goes to show that if you are gonna get carded to buy alcohol, you should also be carded to shop at Roxy once you hit a certain age.  I'm not saying older women aren't fabulous (because they are), I'm just saying look in the mirror.  If your ensemble screams "16 yr old tart" and you aren't 16 anymore, use some restraint, and some more fabric.  Please.

Mr Leather:  This man is the reason why SPF exists.  He was sooo dark, he'd make George Hamilton look like he'd never seen the sun.  Although we live in Arizona, the perpetual rays state, you have to admire someone who is willing to sacrifice that much time into getting a 'bit of color' in his skin.  (I resisted the urge to ask him for the phone # of his dermatologist :p)

The 'Gotta Dance, Gotta Sing, Gotta Shout and Do My Thing' along group:  The band came out, and the crowd rose to its feet. Yet  this group of people were scattered throughout the arena, shaking their groove thing and having a good time even after some of the crowd sat down...yup, my group!  We know all the words, we sing along, and aren't afraid to dance either.  Why sit down?  You can sit in the parking lot afterwards, while you wait for the 20,000 other people that are leaving too.  You're thinking 'I'll sit down after this, my favorite song...no, maybe after this one...no, this one...hey, they're all my favorites!'  before you know it, it's time for the encore, and you've been up the entire time.  Oh, so that's why my feet hurt....

I had a great time, and so did Mr W.  Although I don't know if he had a better time watching the concert, or watching his wife jump around like a rabid fan. 

I didn't have to walk home, so I think I know the answer to that.

Now, where's my passport?  ;)