Uno, dos, tres, catorce

This week, I had a chance to cross something off the life bucket list. Unfortunately, I don't have an actual bucket list to post (probably a good project for me to take on!), but attending a U2 concert is certainly on the one that floats around in my head.

When U2's New York show sold out before I could get my hands on a ticket - which turned out to be a blessing, because we went to SYTYCD that night! - I bought tickets for the Atlanta show instead. I wound up being in town for something else, so it worked out like a dream!

Jessica and I went with Jen and Kevin, and we were giddy the entire night. U2, and, in particular, Bono, put on a show like I have never seen before. When I think through my top concert list of all time (Billy Joel with Paul McCartney at Shea Stadium, Madonna at Madison Square Garden, Coldplay at the Meadowlands, George Strait at Turner Field, Sting and the Police at the Garden, John Mayer at the 40 Watt... that's off the top of my head!), Tuesday's show will absolutely hold rank for all time.

Their stage looked like a spaceship, and it was unreal:

They sang all of the old songs we hoped to hear - With or Without You, Where the Streets Have No Name, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Mysterious Ways - while some of their newer hits like Vertigo rocked the whole Dome.

I had a few favorite moments. The band sang With or Without You (note: Does everyone else think of Ross and Rachel's break-up when they hear this? If not, you probably think of one of your own break-ups!) during the second encore, and it was magical:

Bono also opened up Where the Streets Have No Name with an acoustic Amazing Grace. I am being completely serious when I say - it felt like heaven.

But my favorite moment was I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. Bono backed away and let the crowd sing the verse... over 75,000 people singing the lyrics that proclaim the gospel so boldly, it felt like a worship service...

I believe in the Kingdom Come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
But yes I'm still running

You broke the bonds
You loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Oh my shame
You know I believe it

What a memory! I'm so glad I could share my U2 experience with good friends, and experience a taste of what my feeble, earthly mind imagines heaven to be like.

p.s. Bono is a ROCKSTAR. As is The Edge.