My book was at home, on my mates book though he drew what I’m guessing was supposed to be my mate. It’s on Twitter Jamie Skelton his name is. Bono even shook his hand just to make more of a mockery of the ‘Bono not being happy’ nonsense on u2gigs.
Yeah, Bono shaking his hand doesn't mean he was happy about it. Did U2 gigs get wrong the part of the write up where they said "he made clear in his dialogue that it was not an appropriate time to ask for an autograph" (?).
They may have, but I have found that site to be extraordinarily reliable over the years. They've never reported inaccurately on any of the 16 shows I've attended.
Bono is a professional who HAS to be good at defusing these kinds of incidents without looking like an asshole or affecting anyone else's enjoyment of the show.
I agree with what dan smee said. Not a crime or the worst thing to do, but still NOT a good move by any means!
I read your mate Jamie's little clarification that it was "youthful hijinx" and then he somehow justified it by saying it's a "rare opportunity with such a mega star"
Doesn't matter. Just because someone is given a rare opportunity doesn't mean it's right to break etiquette or interrupt a show.
I actually worked concert security for years in Boston (2006-2011) . Including for 3 U2 shows (Somerville theatre 2009 and both Gillette stadium shows later that year). I was given the even more rare opportunity of working at the entrance all 4 band members came through in Somerville. Then being sent backstage for a bit where I met all 4 of them.
Since I was working, I kept it professional and talked about the city, etc and let them guide the conversation. I didn't find it appropriate to say I was super fan and certainly wouldn't have dreamed of asking them to sign anything. I had to read the situation. Bono and Edge wanted to go on a bit about their love for Boston, history with it over the years, etc. So we talked more. Adam was beyond cool and friendly but seemed tired. Larry had time for "how are you, it's a raw, rainy day isn't it?" and then moved on not to be seen again until show time.
If I had broken the rules and taken the "rare opportunity" what would have happened? I have no doubt they would have all been polite and gracious, diffused the awkwardness as best as they could. They are true down to Earth people and professionals. So no trouble there. Then I probably would have either lost my minimum wage job (who cares, would've gotten another one) or kept it but been placed on the perimeter watching tour buses and breathing fumes for the remainder of my time there . Oh, and never would've gotten near a big name, super star show again. We're not going to give this guy a chance to step in front of Madonna or Mariah Carey or someone else who will actually get pissed and make a big deal of it! Also, who cares? I had seen enough of those big shows by that time.
Point is, I didn't do any of that because I get how to act and what's appropriate and what isn't.
I also don't see how those rules suddenly fly out the window because you are in the rare situation of being a couple feet from Bono in an intimate setting.
Not directed to your friend, just in general, I thought the relative few in Boston who were screaming, yelling , etc to be obnoxious and they can detract from a show in such a small setting. It was pretty damn clear this wasn't "Streets" in a stadium or "I Will Follow" at the Roxy. These were all people well into adulthood, too! It blew my mind. Save the jumping around and screaming for when the start of "Zoo Station" shakes the sphere in a few months!
