U2 @ United Center
September 21st, 2005Few things: Dashboard Confessional has to be one of the worst live bands working today. Overly melodramatic, boring songs played with a kind of mock-intensity. It reminded me in a way of kareoke – the kind that’s neither good enough to be enjoyed, or bad enough to be entertaining. Their set only could only be endured.
As for U2, they always put on a good show, but this evening’s performance seemed to be lacking. Of course, this was my fourth time seeing them, so they’re a hard act to follow, particularly for themselves. But they appeared unfocused – Bono forgot the words to one of the songs, and had to sprint to the edge to retrieve lyrics to finish out the number. Some songs seemed to be spoken more than sung, and you got the feeling at moments that they were just going through the motions.
The real pity of it is that across town at various other venues, there were bands I would have enjoyed more, and paid a lot less to see. Black Rebel Motorcyle Club at Metro, Franz Ferdinand at Riviera, and Tom Vek at Schubas. I think this show puts a nail in the coffin for me seeing the big, expensive, stadium show. As a result of this show, I’ll be skipping Depeche Mode’s pricey tickets for their Allstate Arena show.