Here's a small item from today's Courier Mail, and a couple of pictures:
Bono's sound check
Greg Stolz
November 02, 2006 11:00pm
FOR U2 tragic Maria McFadden, it was well worth the long, hot wait.
She stood for about seven hours in the sun outside the Palazzo Versace, hoping to catch a glimpse of her idols staying at the swish Gold Coast hotel ahead of their Australian-tour-opening Brisbane concert on Tuesday.
The Adelaide woman's dedication was rewarded yesterday afternoon when Bono and fellow members of the Irish supergroup emerged from the hotel to greet about 100 cheering fans lining the driveway.
For Ms McFadden, who has spent thousands of dollars on tickets and accommodation for U2 concerts in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide, it was A Beautiful Day.
"I can't believe it! I got Bono's autograph, Larry Mullen's autograph and photos of Bono and The Edge," an excited Mrs McFadden said.
Before leaving for a sound check at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, where U2 open their Vertigo tour on Melbourne Cup night, Bono praised the band's Australian fans.
"The world needs more Australians, man," Bono said.
Another U2 fan, Leah Lang, joked yesterday she might have to name her first child Bono – or his real name Paul (Hewson) – after the singer touched her pregnant belly at the Brisbane stadium.
"It was awesome," said Mrs Lang, who will miss the concert because she is seven months pregnant.