I think fans need to remember that just because they buy the records, wear the t-shirts and go to the shows, it entitles them to an autograph and/or a photo. I know of so many incidents where a 'star' has been approached by a 'fan' and told the 'fan' to "fuck off" or something along those lines. The 'fan' then spreads the story but fails to explain that they interupted the 'star' whilst he was with his family or having a pint with some friends.
It's interesting to see one or two on here who were frequent (positive) posters on the 'U2 Aussie Hotel' threads saying that being outside a hotel as wrong.
I was actually one who said I would never do it, but I thought sod it and I went to the Versace on the Thursday morning. First fan there and eventually got to meet all four members of the band. I got 4 handshakes, four autographs and four small 'conversations.' I went home smiling as I got to meet my idols of a long time. There was only about 15-20 of us who met Edge and Adam but when word spread Bono was coming out in 45 minutes there was about 80-100 people there. I wouldn't say it was a pleasant experience when Bono came out because people behaved like animals. It was disgraceful what some people would try and do just to get his attention. Pushing themselves in front of others, putting kids (born and unborn!) in front of his face when he was talking to somebody else...I was amazed at how well he took it and how calm he stayed the entire time and my actual meeting with him, albeit brief, was very positive (for me anyway). Additionally I also found John to be an alright bloke.
I could have loitered outside the hotel for another four days like some others did, but firstly I had already broken my 'no loitering' rule (that was the first and last time I have done something like that), secondly I'm not an obsessed weirdo, and thirdly I have a life of my own to live. I heard from a very good source that towards the end of their stay at Versace, one or two of the band members had voiced their opinions about the ever growing crowds and how many of the same faces kept coming back every day - and those opinions were not complimentary. In fact on the Saturday, Bono and Larry almost moved from the Versace because of it.
The fact remains that people knocking about outside hotels to meet rock stars has been happening for decades. Whether anyone likes it or not, it won't stop and the 'rock stars' know it is something that comes with the territory and most, including U2 do not mind doing the meet and greet bit from time to time.
I'm certainly not endorsing the whole waiting outside bit either. I did it, albeit once, so I'm guilty as charged but I'm also not a serial offender and as I've said, it's not something I would ever want to do again. Where it becomes totally unacceptable though is when people enter the hotel to find them, stop them on the street, interrupt them when they are with family & friends or worse, loiter outside their houses.
If I hadn't of met any of them I wouldn't have been too disappointed because let's face it, you can't miss what you never had can you. Besides, as it has been widely said on this thread, it is the music that matters and I've been lucky enough to see U2 live many times.
Long live the music.