U2

I'm going to see U2 tomorrow night. I'm excited! None of my friends wanted to go with me so I bought one ticket on the floor. My seat will be great but I won't have anyone to share the experience with.

From what I've read, the U2 stage is double the size of the stage used by the Rolling Stones on their last tour. Crazy big! And it's the "360" show so there's a clear view of the band from any side with the speakers flown in the roof.

I already googled the set-list so I know the order of the songs. I guess that spoils the fun for some people, but I like to know in advance so I can look forward to it. Some of the new songs I'm not familiar with so I'll listen to them on line and be able to recognize them at the show.

Another thing I like to do is google "the meaning" of songs. Fans get on a forum to post their thoughts of what the song means to them and the varying opinions give you a perspective that, perhaps, you hadn't considered. All of that helps me be familiar with the new songs.

I confess I used to be very anti-U2. I didn't really get them. Bono has said and done things that led me to believe he wasn't real about his faith. But that's just external stuff - I've got lots of that going on, too.

Then, I went to the Vertigo show a few years ago. It felt like the most Christian show I had ever seen. I left feeling spiritually uplifted. Optimistic. More tolerant. More understanding.

You don't have to go far to hear about Bono's compassion for people in horrific, inhumane circumstances. In an interview I heard him say, "our politicians aren't doing their job at feeding the homeless so rock stars have to get involved and get the job done."

Recently, I heard that U2 auctioned off 600 tickets for each show on the tour and are giving the proceeds to the Aids Foundation. That's about 8 million dollars.

I see Bono making a big difference in the world. As a spokesperson. As a political activist. As a fundraiser. Demonstrating love and compassion. Who knows how many organizations he's financially helped or spoken on behalf of.

So, Thursday night in Toronto ! Ya!