U2 Rocks Giants Stadium

Thursday night, I headed out to Giants Stadium with galpals Sara, Andrea and Leila to see U2.

Our first stop at the Meadowlands -- Inside Sports & Entertainment Group’s fabulous tailgate party. With cold hors d’oevures (mozzarella and tomato, crudite), yummy desserts and wine and beer, the premium ticket provider served a first class spread and spared all of us who attended from greasy, overpriced stadium fare. Thanks, Inside SEG.

Before The Show: Sara, me, Andrea and Leila

A little after 9pm, U2 took to the stage, opening their electrifying two-hour set with “Breathe” and their recent hit, “Get On Your Boots.”

“For a couple of Irish boys, why does this feel like a hometown gig?” Bono asked with a smile.

He and his bandmates had all of us in the capacity crowd cheering as they rocked a perfect mix of old and new tunes. From “Beautiful Day” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (to which everyone sang along) to “”No Line On The Horizon” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” U2’s 23-song set proved why they’re one of rock’s most enduring -- and most beloved -- bands.

U2 rocked it at Giants Stadium

U2’s talents were on full display thanks to a 360 degree set that had the band strutting across various platforms. Along with images of the band performing, massive overhead screens projected colorful words and symbols.

The show was infused with powerful messages about democracy and other social issues. Bono dedicated a moving rendition of “Walk On” to Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The 80’s classic “One” was more stirring than ever, overlaid in part with video footage of Bishop Desmond Tutu declaring --

“We are all the same, we are one.”

After two rousing encores that included “Where The Streets Have No Name” and “With Or Without You,” Bono once again thanked the audience. With a mischievous grin, he proudly stated that the crowd of 84,000 had broken attendance records at Giants Stadium -- exceeding both the Pope and Bruce Springsteen.

U2 was more than worth the long wait to finally see them in concert. Even with two decades of music behind them, the show proved they've still got plenty of rockin’ to do -- and plenty of fans who want to see them do it.

A Night At Giants Stadium with The Boss

Last night, I filled in a major gap in my experiences as a concert buff, attending Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band’s titanic three-hour show at Giants Stadium.

The Boss performed his classic brand of rock ‘n’ roll with an energy rivaling performers half his age. At 58, Springsteen is—as he quipped in a recent 60 Minutes interview—“a chiseled hunk of muscle,” who knows not only how to belt out a tune and produce magic with a guitar, but also how to work a crowd with effortless charm.

Springsteen’s thirty-year recording history spans hundreds of songs, so it wasn’t surprising that some in the audience held up signs requesting their favorites. His set list delivered the perfect combination of past and present, with hits ranging from “Held Up Without A Gun” and “Thunder Road” to “Hungry Heart” and the powerful post 9/11 anthem, “The Rising.” A rousing rendition of the 1980 classic “Sherry Darlin’” turned into a stadium-wide duet between Springsteen and the audience.

The E Street Band knocked it out of the park, with electrifying performances from drummer Max Weinberg and sax player Clarence Clemons. But it was Springsteen’s chemistry with Stevie Van Zandt that stole the show, as they stood smiling cheek to cheek, belting out the best of The Boss’ repertoire. Along the way, Springsteen also showcased his number one fans offstage.

“It’s my baby’s birthday tomorrow” he said, leading the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to wife and bandmate Patti Scialfa.

Teenage daughter Jessica also received a shoutout, when Bruce went into the crowd and put his arm around her.

“This is my little girl!” he said, briefly giving her the mike to sing.

The show ended on a high note with Springsteen’s signature hit “Born to Run.”

As my friend Sara and I made our way out of the stadium, it occurred to me that I have a soft spot in my heart for Jersey-bred musicians--Sinatra, Bon Jovi, Springsteen. When it comes to great music and unforgettable concerts, it simply doesn’t get any better than these guys. From where this New Yorker is sitting, The Boss still has many Glory Days ahead of him.

Rock on, Bruce.