U2 songs need little introduction - which is just as well, as the first three went without in Seattle. Bono let the music speak for itself, as the band dived headlong into 'Love and Peace', 'Vertigo' and 'Elevation' without coming up for air.

The newer numbers got a warm welcome from the crowd, while the old favourites were greeted like long-lost friends - making it feel like Key Arena was rammed full of old-school fans tonight.

One of them - a female of the species, of course - got an up-close-and-personal view of 'City of Blinding Lights', as Bono plucked her from the massed ranks for a dance. Never one to be completely lost for words, he drew it to close with a simple "Bye".

The evening had its usual sprinkling of celebrity stardust: the Killers headed round from Second Avenue after their show at the Moore Theatre; meanwhile, grunge heroes Eddie Vedder and Stone Gossard from Pearl Jam were hanging out with Nancy and Ann Wilson...

Bono gave 'Miracle Drug' an extra dose of pathos by dedicating it to his friend Jennifer, "who's here tonight with her man". He explained, "She's very, very sick and very brave. I dedicate this song to her and the doctors and nurses ...because we need science." His timing was perfect throughout - arriving on cue at the elipse, too, for a spot of tuneful air guitar.

'Sometimes' drew another tribute - no surprises that it was "to a tough guy from Dublin: his name was Bob Hewson". Bono was brilliantly on song with a soaring vocal, ending, as always, with a touch of 'No Regrets'.

'New Year's Day' sounded as fresh as the new start it evokes - with Edge's trademark piano cutting beautifully over Adam's classic, thumping bass line. It's an anthem that will never tire on this tour.

'Bullet the Blue Sky' then provoked one of the biggest cheers of the night - as Bono sang, "Johnny came marching home again, Coming back to Seattle". Meanwhile, 'Running to Stand Still' was offered up, once again, to "the brave men and women of the US military".

Bono came back for 'Pride' wearing a new shirt, though it was Adam's turn to break into a sweat as he careered around the stage. Bono gave him a little kiss, and the two were silhouetted as the lights hit the crowd.

More name-checks during 'One' - Bono this time thanked Steve Reynolds of World Vision - "here tonight" - along with Bill and Melinda Gates. It's "one thing to give cash," he affirmed, finding the words again - and "another to make sure the problems are being solved..." U2, on the money, in Seattle.

SET LIST

Love and Peace
Vertigo
Elevation
Cry/ Electric Co.
An Cat Dubh / Into the Heart
City of Blinding Lights
Beautiful Day
Miracle Drug
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
New Year's Day
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Bullet The Blue Sky
Running to Standstill
Pride in the name of love
Where the Streets have no name
One

Zoo Station
The Fly
Mysterious Ways

All Because of You
Yahweh
"40"