Proof that rock star-turned-humanitarian Bono is really some sort of demi-god was on full display last night as the world’s biggest band rocked Vancouver with the biggest, baddest show the city has seen all year.
Roughly 55,000 concert-goers — some from as far away as Australia — packed B.C. Place for the final date of U2’s 360 Tour. Frenzied fans quite literally threw themselves at the stage to worship at the altar of Bono et al.
The stadium was abuzz with anticipation after a high-energy opening set by the Black Eyed Peas.
The crowd, waiting to be delivered to musical nirvana, erupted into wild cheers as the house lights dimmed and the band finally took the stage.
U2’s ever-evolving setlist mixed tracks off their latest album, No Line on the Horizon, with classic fare, including a stirring rendition of I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.
The stage — a sprawling entity dubbed “The Claw” — acted as Bono’s pulpit.
Head thrown back and arms open wide, he lifted the adoring crowd, even if just for a moment, out of the stadium’s concrete confines with the sheer power of his voice.
And the audience was ready to receive his word.
They were ready, fists raised and hearts pounding, to go forth unto Vancouver’s streets and spread the gospel according to U2: one love, one heart.
