Meeting Bono: Nathaniel’s Story

I’ve always hoped that the Interfence.com webzine side of our fansite could bridge the old-school rock fanzine tradition with cutting-edge fan-journalism and thoughtful essays from the growing U2 Studies project. Occasionally, we encounter a story that cuts through all of it to the core of love at the heart of fan community. When a young fan from Canada started the “Bono I got Your Back!” page of Facebook following Mr. Hewson’s injury in 2010, we were deeply moved by his passion to “cheer up” the lead singer of U2.

In Denver this Spring, young Nathaniel got to meet Bono, Edge, and some of U2’s inner circle. To note the occasion of Nahaniel’s last show of the 360 Tour in Toronto this Monday, we’re honored to publish his short reflection of meeting U2 this past spring alongside some great pictures marking the event. Thanks to Nathaniel for being a true fan, for inspiring us older fans to remember what it felt like to first discover, meet, or fall in love this band. –Andrew William Smith, Editor

Meeting Bono: Nathaniel’s Story

Day 1 – May 20th

We got a call to go to the hotel by a good friend of ours on Friday afternoon. When we got there, we met other fans who were staying outside the hotel—and some knew who I was! I was with my dad, friends Tillie, her son J.D, Dion, Lynne and Azalea!

Then around an hour later, Brian came over to talk to us. He really liked my fanpage and what I did for Bono. I think he is U2’s security guy [Brian Murphy is one of U2’s personal security and is well-loved by fans]. He said that Bono may or not be able to stop and chat and if not to come back tomorrow. Then Paul MCguinness who is U2’s manager came out and said hello. I told him about “Bono I got Your Back” and the CD I have for Bono. I got pictures with both him and Brian and they loved my fanpage for BONO!

After waiting for another hour, Brian came back and said that Bono was running late and he couldn’t stop to chat but would come see us tomorrow! I gave Brian my CD for him to hold onto just in case something happened and Bono couldn’t stop. IT WAS A GREAT DAY!

Day 2 – May 21st

I was in the line-up for the concert with Jenn, and one of my good friends called us again. They said to come down NOW! I was concerned that if I left that we wouldn’t be able to get into the Stadium when we returned. But after talking to other friends of ours ELSHA and Jami, we decided to go! I said I don’t care where I am at in the Stadium I just want to see the show!

So 1:30pm, we left for the hotels and got on the shuttle to go. 7 minutes later, we arrived at the hotel and saw the fans and some people I met yesterday!!!!  I was cold and started to get nosebleeds. Then, a friend of mine told me to come into the hotel, and I met the wife of Jedi Joe, the SOUNDMAN for U2!!!! SHE WAS AWESOME!! We were allowed to come inside with her, and I was able to warm up.

Then Brian came over and gave me the CD I had for Bono and said 5 minutes. So, we waited 5 MINUTES and went outside to wait for U2. 5 minutes turned into 2 HOURS! At 5:30, two Escalades pulled up, and it was BONO AND THE EDGE!!! That’s when I met Bono and Edge.

I told Bono about my project, and he loved it. He said, “Nathaniel, do you have my back? Yes you do have my back!” I WAS SO HAPPY!  He spoke to me a bit more and was funny but awesome! He signed my hat and book and so did EDGE!  Now I am going to give BONO his own BONO I GOT YOUR BACK TSHIRT which is waiting for him in TORONTO! I hope he likes it!  –Nathaniel