Hottest night of the tour here in Tampa but it got more than cool when Bono revealed we were about to hook up with 'our friend Guy Laliberte, orbiting the earth...on a mission to teach us about water.'
And suddenly, all the way from outer space, here was
'the first clown in space', with a spine-tingling perspective on what he could see of our planet from the International Space Station.
'I see stars, I see darkness and emptiness.' he told Bono. 'But planet Earth looks so great, and also so fragile. We should not forget that we have a great privilege to live on planet Earth.'
It was a breathtaking moment and the Florida audience gave Guy an extraordinary welcome. Could only be followed by 'Elevation, 'Are you ready for lift-off Tampa?' "You make me feel like I can fly So high, elevation.... Tampa was ready and the rest of the show passed in a dazzling blur, as fine a show as we've had. ('That is an unbelievable noise you make,' said Bono at one point - in fact the stadium attendance record was broken tonight, beating even the SuperBowl.)
One little man who will never forget this night was Troy who took the stage for City of Blinding Lights, sharing the spotlight and taking Bono's shades back to his family.
(Guy Laliberte didn't just drop in on the 360° Tour tonight. He was hosting a global artistic performance from the International Space Station to draw attention to global water shortages. It's all part of his Poetic Social Mission.)
Here's what U2 played in Tampa tonight.
Breathe Get on Your Boots Mysterious Ways Beautiful Day I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Stuck In A Moment No Line on the Horizon Magnificent Elevation Until The End of the World Unforgettable Fire City of Blinding Lights Vertigo I'll Go Crazy - Remix Sunday Bloody Sunday MLK Walk On One Where The Streets Have No Name
Ultraviolet With or Without You Moment of Surrender