U2 at King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels
With Gavin Martin

WITH his political activities temporarily on hold, Bono last night led his band on stage for the start of their European tour.

This career-spanning performance in front of a capacity 60,000 crowd showed that, in the world of stadium rock, U2 are unique. Not only do they use the theatre and spectacle but, musically, they maintain a strong bond with their garage band roots.

The band showed themselves capable of bringing new flavour and energy to even recent songs. Elevation was given a pulsating electro remix and, as well as paying tribute to their own history, there were affectionate nods to The Who, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Walker Brothers.

The thickness of Adam Clayton's neck and Bono's lengthening forehead may be signs of age, but U2 have put years of experience to good use. Young bands would struggle to create a guitar line as nasty and vivid as the one The Edge churns out on Love And Peace.

The entire stadium is a throbbing, pogoing mass. Spelling out the symbols on his guerrilla bandana and chanting, "Jesus, Muslim, Jew, all sons of Abraham it's true", Bono is the ultimate rock showman.