Originally posted by Ty Willingham:
Just remember back to when you saw U2 last year. White, middle-upper class fans.
Thinking, thinking....nope, youre not correct...the two times I saw U2 last year I was standing right next to a black guy (sorry, we dont really say African-American up here in Toronto at least none of my friends who 90% of which are black do), and we have since become great friends. He introduced himself to me in Jersey while we were in the heart line. You probably know him from his famous "Our Church" sign. Great guy, and one HELL of a U2 fan...or should I say fanatic. Larry personally handed his drumsticks to him after Jersey, even drawing them away from other clutching hands to make sure my friend got them. After we became friends we planned our trip to Miami for the final show together. We met at least 10 or so other black fans in the heart line for Miami.
To the other person who commented on Miami, you were probably standing right beside our little group (btwn Bono and Adam, about 2 people back from the rail?) There was a number of us "non-whites" (well I can't really say 'us' as Im kinda white myself but anyways...) in the audience. Actually I was quite astonished in Jersey at just how 'rainbow-like' the crowd was in the heart, even more so in Miami! I actually remarked to my brother just how non-white the audience really was...and he said to me 'holy shit, and we're at a ROCK show!!'...we thought it was an amazingly diverse experience where people of all races and backgrounds were just there to shed all the foolish stereotypes and unite in their love for great music.
I don't think its necessarily a black or white thing, but realistically, a smaller proportion of black people like rock music than white people. Maybe they just don't get exposed to it, but I do know that almost all of my friends whom I've introduced to U2s music have enjoyed it, so maybe its just an exposure thing? I mean, whenever Im in NY Ive never heard Hot 97 playing U2! : ) I'll be quite honest, alot of the radio stations that play U2 in my city mostly play alot of other crap that I hate, so if I was waiting for an introduction to U2 from simply the radio I probably would never have had one, cause I dont like those stations...
Gabriel
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"...well the God I believe in isn't short of cash, mister!"
BTBS, Rattle and Hum