'Robo-Bono in Salt Lake City'

24 May 2011
We've had storms this week but turned out to be a beautiful, crisp evening at the Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City tonight, another capacity audience executing spectacular Mexican waves as we waited for the band to take the stage.

And then we were in it - 'Real Thing', I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, Mysterious Ways - the audience response was deafening, U2360° was in orbit again.

'Thank you for coming out, thanks to The Fray and thanks for your patience!' said Bono, taking a breath after Until The End of the World. 'Let me tell you that we are so much better this year... I've been rebuilt by better design... vorsprung durch technique...What do you make of Robo-Bono?'

No exaggeration to say that 'Robo-Bono' was well received.

'A lot can happen in a year,' he continued, looking stage left. 'There's something about the way this man is walking and moving around the stage, a certain manliness - Adam Clayton has become a father for the first time.. and proud of it!'

Larry received plaudits for his newly released and 'very cool arthouse movie' and then there was The Edge.

'Look over there! Some things remain the same - nothing phases this guy. Even today there was a crisis when we found out Edge's hotel room had no hot water. Did he complain? No. Throw a hissy fit? No. He went out and bought a kettle. Several kettles and an old radiator, a plastic container and he rebuilt the plumbing system... he's a genius. Give it up for The Edge...'

After the entire stadium carried off All I Want Is You, it was time to pay birthday greetings to an old friend of the band celebrating his 70th birthday today.

'Happy Birthday Bob Dylan,' announced Bono, before leading everyone in a birthday chorus. The spirit of Dylan was in the house tonight with Bono later slipping into 'Blowing in the Wind' before 'Streets' and 'The Times They Are A Changing'.

More poetry before Beautiful Day when three girls climbed up on to the stage to read a verse each of a poem 'Utah' by Minnie J Hardy as the people of Salt Lake City made this a night we won't forget.

'Take out your phones,' came the call before Moment of Surrender. 'Everyone has someone they want to think about at the moment.
'Make the light brighter. No need to kick out the darkness.
Hold on to this beautiful world... Hold on tight..'

Were you at the show  tonight? What took your breath away? What was your highlight? How would you sum it all up? Add your own review and post your photos on our tour pages.

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