I was really disappointed when U2 announced this tour as I wasn't able to find the cash. Having seen them on Elevation and Vertigo I was gutted not to be going. I was offered the chance to work the Sheffield gig as a steward though, and thinking this could either be the best or worst thing I could agree to do (if I ended up outside the stadium I would be devastated), I agreed to the shift thinking what the hell, it's better than nothing!
When we arrived we were told we were working the barriers outside. I wanted to go home. Then after a briefing I found out we would be working the barriers around the inner circle. I started to get really excited.
Shortly after arriving I heard the sound of Edge's guitar, which gave me shivers. Not long after the band came on stage for their sound check. This was a once in a lifetime kind of thing. Bono came round the walkway on the side we were working and I let out a small squeal much to the amusement of my co-workers.
Half an hour before the band were due to come on stage a few of us were moved to the barriers by where the band were to walk into the stadium. I felt like I was going to cry!
When the band started to walk towards me I couldn't believe my luck. The atmosphere was electric as they entered the stadium and the guys were heading straight past me. I was grinning like an idiot. Adam smiled as he walked past, Edge winked at me. Then came Bono. As he walked towards me he looked me right in the eye and smiled, then he offered up his hand for a high five, which I reciprocated. I was left standing in disbelief as they continued on. I also got to watch the rest of the show from a fantastic point.
I was given a telling off afterwards for high-fiving Bono, but what was I going to do - ignore him?! Hell no! I am still buzzing from that and the show, it was certainly a cure for the disappointment of not being able to afford a ticket.