dublin
The Fly
In March of 2009 U2 did three private events (LA/Chicago/Boston) to promote the launch of NLOTH. Local radio stations held contests for fans to win exclusive tickets. There were only 100 total. I was fortunate enough to win a pair and brought my friend Matt.
On the date of the event in Chicago we showed up at the hotel were told to, given a wrist band, and then put on a bus with about 50 other lucky fans. We were transported to a local venue called The Metro. Someone must have leaked the word because there were tons of fans and local news stations outside. I'm sure it helped that the venue's marque said "Tonight U2 Stand Up Comedy". We got off the bus, were escorted inside and I walked right up to the stage and claimed a spot. On the stage there was a long black leather couch and a chair for the interviewer who turned out to be Shirley Manson of Garbage. If I reached out I could almost touch the couch.
At 7:00 out walked the boys, Bono, Edge, Adam, and Larry. They all sat on the couch right in front of me. I have been fortunate to be front row inside the circle at two Vertigo concerts but this was different, it was like we were all hanging out in a living room. The format was a local radio takeover by U2. WXRT broadcast the band as DJ's for one hour. They would choose a song and as it played over the radio they would answer questions from the audience.
The hour flew by, and afterwards they stayed another 30 minutes (except Larry, he stayed about 5 minutes). They shook hands, answered questions, and signed whatever you wanted.
When I met Bono I shook his hand and asked him to sign my pink Armani sunglasses. He looked at them, looked at me and said. "Are you sure?" I said absolutely! This is right when he had cut his hair short, I asked him what led to the decision and he said that it was so much easier to take care of
When I met Adam I complimented him on the strong base in the new album, Bono heard me, stopped what he was doing and said to those around us, "Did you hear what this young man just said about the base on the new album? It's true, Adam carries these songs." Adam just smiled like Adam smiles.
When I met Edge I shook his hand and asked him how he handles everyone wanting his attention so gracefully. He looked at me and said, "You just do".
They all also signed my CD. I left elated, satisfied, and walking on air. The band was sincere, kind, and very generous with their time. No one was left out or turned away. I may never get a chance to meet them again and I will always remember this special night.
One of the cool parts was being asked a few questions by the local NBC news channel on the way out. Turns out they used a clip of me where I told them I had won the tickets on my birthday and that it was a "Beautiful Day". Many of my friends and family saw it on TV. I got a lot of calls and e-mails the next day.
We were not allowed to take photos, but I did snap a few with my iPhone. I would never post them as they show the band signing things and I wouldn't want any unethical eBay sellers to use them as "proof" for a bogus item. I collect Bono sunglasses and made a video of my collection that is on YouTube, if you watch it you will see the glasses/CD signed by the band as well as small framed pictures of the evening. YouTube - U2 Bono Sunglasses Collection
I hope you enjoyed this. I tried to give enough detail without dragging it out. I am looking forward to the Chicago show this July. I'll be in the Red Zone on Edge's side if anyone else is going to be there. I'll also be at Kitty O'Shea's for a few pints before the show.
In closing, for those of you who have written that you may never meet them, don't give up. I am living proof that dreams do come true. She moves in mysterious ways! -Dublin
On the date of the event in Chicago we showed up at the hotel were told to, given a wrist band, and then put on a bus with about 50 other lucky fans. We were transported to a local venue called The Metro. Someone must have leaked the word because there were tons of fans and local news stations outside. I'm sure it helped that the venue's marque said "Tonight U2 Stand Up Comedy". We got off the bus, were escorted inside and I walked right up to the stage and claimed a spot. On the stage there was a long black leather couch and a chair for the interviewer who turned out to be Shirley Manson of Garbage. If I reached out I could almost touch the couch.
At 7:00 out walked the boys, Bono, Edge, Adam, and Larry. They all sat on the couch right in front of me. I have been fortunate to be front row inside the circle at two Vertigo concerts but this was different, it was like we were all hanging out in a living room. The format was a local radio takeover by U2. WXRT broadcast the band as DJ's for one hour. They would choose a song and as it played over the radio they would answer questions from the audience.
The hour flew by, and afterwards they stayed another 30 minutes (except Larry, he stayed about 5 minutes). They shook hands, answered questions, and signed whatever you wanted.
When I met Bono I shook his hand and asked him to sign my pink Armani sunglasses. He looked at them, looked at me and said. "Are you sure?" I said absolutely! This is right when he had cut his hair short, I asked him what led to the decision and he said that it was so much easier to take care of
When I met Adam I complimented him on the strong base in the new album, Bono heard me, stopped what he was doing and said to those around us, "Did you hear what this young man just said about the base on the new album? It's true, Adam carries these songs." Adam just smiled like Adam smiles.
When I met Edge I shook his hand and asked him how he handles everyone wanting his attention so gracefully. He looked at me and said, "You just do".
They all also signed my CD. I left elated, satisfied, and walking on air. The band was sincere, kind, and very generous with their time. No one was left out or turned away. I may never get a chance to meet them again and I will always remember this special night.
One of the cool parts was being asked a few questions by the local NBC news channel on the way out. Turns out they used a clip of me where I told them I had won the tickets on my birthday and that it was a "Beautiful Day". Many of my friends and family saw it on TV. I got a lot of calls and e-mails the next day.
We were not allowed to take photos, but I did snap a few with my iPhone. I would never post them as they show the band signing things and I wouldn't want any unethical eBay sellers to use them as "proof" for a bogus item. I collect Bono sunglasses and made a video of my collection that is on YouTube, if you watch it you will see the glasses/CD signed by the band as well as small framed pictures of the evening. YouTube - U2 Bono Sunglasses Collection
I hope you enjoyed this. I tried to give enough detail without dragging it out. I am looking forward to the Chicago show this July. I'll be in the Red Zone on Edge's side if anyone else is going to be there. I'll also be at Kitty O'Shea's for a few pints before the show.
In closing, for those of you who have written that you may never meet them, don't give up. I am living proof that dreams do come true. She moves in mysterious ways! -Dublin
