The arena was absolutely rocking last night - and dare I say it…it was louder than either Boston show on 10/3 or 10/4. This was the first show to hit the Baltimore/Washington DC area on the tour, and the fans were pumped for the gig.

A few things to note that didn’t get reported elsewhere about last night’s show:
1) Sam O’Sullivan saved the day for Bono before Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own by personally delivering a bottle of water to him out in the middle of the ellipse. After taking a swig of water from it, he handed it to a local security guard who promptly handed it to a woman inside the ellipse. Bono had another water moment before the 2nd verse of Miss Sarajevo too, lengthening the keyboard intro into the 2nd verse. It must have been all that talking at the White House and elsewhere in DC.

2) Bono’s intro to One thanked all of the volunteers with the One campaign, and they were out in full-force. I was able to hang out with some of them in the ellipse, and they were really touched when Bono thanked all their efforts from the stage. Bono also reminded the concert goers that the One campaign volunteers are also in Mississippi and Louisiana helping to rebuild down there. He thanked Jamie Drummond and Bobby Shriver personally.

3) One person Bono did not mention AT ALL was Senator Clinton. There was a lot of news about how Hillary’s HilPac was hosting a fundraiser at the show in one of the private balconies. There was no mention of her in any of Bono’s speeches from the stage. What Bono did say was that eliminating the debt of the 38 nations in Africa is only the start of what needs to happen in Africa - now it’s about getting the malaria vaccines and the AIDS medications brought into communities, getting schools built so the children can be educated, and rebuilding the countries now that they have their own funds to do it. He talked about some of the global initiatives that he has been heavily campaigning for in DC over the past couple of days and how it’s important that the US leads in this effort. Although Bono did joke that Larry was timing the introduction to One and said later that Larry clocked it at 15 minutes, it really wasn’t that long…but longer than most nights.

4) Adam Clayton still looks like he’s thoroughly enjoying being up on stage and performing to the audience. Yay Sparky!

5) DC Security and CSC Event Staff - they didn’t have their communication together AT ALL. The GA line was not split until midday, and the U2.com line was told by at least one staff member that they’d be let in 10 minutes before the other line, which simply wasn’t true. While fans were waiting by the band’s entrance, security barriers were brought in, so fans positioned themselves peacefully and with good cheer. Then a security guard (who looked like he needed some xanax and wine, to be honest) came and threatened to remove people from the area because we were standing on private property - all this after 6 CSC event staff people decided how they were going to corral the fans waiting. We were told to move over to the other side of the driveway, which we all did…then we were told about 4 minutes later that those on a concrete barrier would have to move because that was also deemed as private property. Now you’ve got a situation with upset fans who don’t know what is what - taking a peaceful and easy-going vibe and completely turning it into one opposite. At least Rocco, U2’s stage manager, came out and explained to the fans that the band were doing runners and would not be stopping for autographs as they’d be arriving around 6:30 that night. He said, “Look - those who know me know I don’t bullshit the fans. I talk straight. Here’s the deal…”. When Rocco says something, it’s true - he is honest and tells the fans the score - listen to him! Needless to say - I was not impressed at all with the CSC staff or their security.

6) I’d like to say thank you to the cool people I met in the ellipse - especially the couple who have seen U2 since the Unforgettable Fire tour, and another couple who was there as their anniversary gift to each other. It was awesome to share a concert with you And to the 2 ladies with the Irish flag who won their way in through the 2nd chance lottery - the joy and excitement on your faces is the reason why I love being a U2 fan - that’s what it’s all about…sheer joy!

Oh - for the photos I teased about in my last blog post…Phil has them up now. Check them out here.