Last night was another outstanding evening at the MCI Center in Washington DC. The arena was louder than the city of Boston when the Red Sox won the World Series last year, and the concrete was shaking like a scene in a Rushdie book (reminds me of a song…but I digress).

Despite Bono’s voice being a little sore (he told us himself outside while driving in), his voice was in fine form through the 2-hour and 10 minute show. He didn’t attempt the high note during Sometimes, but he pulled off holding the note in Miss Sarajevo, which was good going! It was a pleasure to sing Happy Birthday to Pavarotti, something Bono would send to him “on film” afterwards - after which Bono joked that he better get the Italian right in the song.

Before that, Bono had challenged the audience at the start of I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For to have a different experience with the songs tonight, and told us to stick around as this is only the start. Taking his cue, I tried something I had never done before - sitting through an entire U2 show…not standing or dancing - just sitting there and taking in the visuals. Where I was it was easy to do, and it was a delight to see how the show continues to evolve since the departure of Willie Williams.

Unlike the previous night, Bono thanked senators, congressmen, and other politicians for making history in helping the people in Africa. Before Miracle Drug, he said: “…We were in a white van with our gear in the back, playing our second ever US show. It was a while ago. This is a city that has been so very good to us. Later, I arrived as an activist, and as usual, with the usual cliches and ideas about politicians and the problem of political progress. We discovered just how hard the people in this city work. And I want to say that here now - as a toast to the town. You people work so hard, and you get stuff done. I’ve been angry. I’ve been frustrated. I’ve been as annoying as I’ve been annoyed. This evening, I have some great news to tell you…a lot of you have worked on the AIDS emergency. I can tell you your voice has been heard.
Thanks to America, nearly half a million Africans this year have been put on life saving antiviral AIDS drugs. I want to thank people from both sides of the aisle - the right and left; House and Senate. I want to especially thank the Secretary of State who is here tonight. Tell her thank you. You let us into your office in 5 years with the President’s AIDS initiative, and I want to thank you….This is a very big night for us here. Thank you. This song is called Miracle Drug.”

Amazing joy could be felt from Bono as he shared that with the audience. And the audience shook the rafters with applause.

What a great show - what a great night - what a great audience! You all know how to rock the house (and the senate)! For photos from the 400s sections, click here.