Here is my story of the one time that I know of when Bono signed a guitar for a young fan....but I doubt that this happens very often.
Enjoy!
06-19-2005 05:00 PM -
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OK, it's Father's Day so I think it's appropriate to finally share the heart warming Bono story that I've been carrying with me since this happened on 12 May 2005 outside the United Center in Chicago.
That day I was standing in the first row of the fanline with afamily who had travelled 300 miles by car to attend the concert that night.
The mom and dad were in their 40's and had been U2 fans for 20 years. Their last U2 concert was Popmart and they were THRILLED to bring along their 11 year old daughter with them to Chicago to also see U2.
The young girl (whose name was ARIA - like the operatic song) was a budding electric guitarist and had brought her guitar with her in hopes that Bono and Edge would sign her guitar.
Some people, not wanting to totally burst her hopes, were gently telling Aria that U2 doesn't sign guitars for fear that they'll end up on ebay. I had a different feeling about that day. I kept telling Aria not to worry because I would get Bono to sign her guitar!
What even made me think that I could possibly influence the B-man was the fact that Bono and I had two very nice conversations on 9 and 10 May and I felt confident that the positive vibe that existed between him and I would be enough to persuade Bono to sign Aria's guitar.
When Bono finally arrived, Aria was excited. I told her again not to worry - I would get Bono to sign that guitar. When he approached us, he recognized me and said "Hello! Good to see you again." while smiling broadly.
I looked at Bono straight in his eyes and said "Bono, you have to sign her guitar." He stopped for a few seconds, looked at Aria and her parents and then looked back at me and I said again "Bono - sign her guitar. It's OK!" He must have trusted my judgment because the next thing we knew Bono was signing Aria's guitar! Everyone in the fan line was now cheering for this little girl.
Bono smiled at me again when he was done signing the guitar and said "See you later" while touching my arm.
After Bono was through with the fan line, Edge's car appeared next. When he got to Aria and saw Bono's signature already on Aria's guitar, Edge immediately signed it too.
Aria was elated - her dream had come true! Now her guitar had the signatures of her two favorite musicians and she said that she would never play that guitar again. (lol) She was so cute and sincerely grateful that I didn't mind not spending more time with the B-man. I had helped to fulfill this girl's dream.
I tell this story on Father's Day as another indication of just what a MAGNIFICENT MAN AND FATHER the B-man is. Aria did resemble Bono's daughter Eve when she was Aria's age, so maybe he saw a bit of his own child in Aria.
I hope you liked my Bono Father's Day story - it's all true.
I REALLY LOVE AND RESPECT BONO for all that he is and for all that he does.
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