The first of two shows to hit Miami brought an international crowd together under one roof, where people in all sections of the arena looked like they were all on pogo sticks during the majority of the show. The band hit lift off quite quickly, and as each song was presented to the sold-out audience, the arena got louder and louder as everyone was singing along. (Admittedly, there was one guy in our area who kept yelling “MIAMI MIAMI” but Bono was not taking requests tonight.)

As I was texting the setlist into the staff at U2Tours.com, I was able to really watch the fans tonight. The joy that was being communicated from the audience through song and dance (and there *were* some interpretive dance numbers from some guys the next section over from us) was only matched in the enthusiasm felt by the band as they performed. Bono reminisced before “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” about the start of the Elevation Tour and how the city gave the band a kiss, and tonight he was giving it back. “Miracle Drug” brought more storytelling as Bono informed everyone that Edge was from the future - it seems that each time Bono tells this story, the more the story gets embellished

The quote about “Casinos and churches, rock stars and preachers” was my favorite of the night as Bono explained why we all work best when we work together as One. It reminded me of the line from The Playboy Mansion, “The banks, they’re like cathedrals I guess casinos took their place….chance is a kind of religion when you’re damned for plain hard luck….”

Speaking of Pop and PopMart, I would like to point out one tiny thing about the stage: when it’s lit in yellow, one could think it’s the PopMart arch, which reminds me….if they have been rehearsing Mofo…when will they every play it? There are so many gems off of Pop that could make their way into the setlist…Mofo would work *so well* after Sometimes and before Love and Peace. C’mon, boys - surely you can see the way it’ll work into the set! While I’m talking wish-list, how about Fast Cars a little more often?

Anyway - the fans tried to start the Wave around the arena, and with large balloons floating through the sections, you knew that people were excited about the band being in town. Typically, night 2 in a city is a better show than night 1 - which will be a feat seeing as tonight’s show was quite solid. No pressure, lads!

For photos from tonight’s show check them out here.