First, I would like to say thanks to everyone who has supported me in what seems to be a thread that has gone awry
. That’s why I love U2 fans….people whom I’ve become quite good friends with and others whom I’ve never met and they still say the kindest words. Now about that article; here’s my side of the story. I get a phone call from the Mercury News reporter while I’m waiting to go to the Vegas1 show. He would like to do a story on me that would be a part of a larger article about U2 in the Bay Area. I agreed to do it. Maybe not the smartest thing seeing the reaction it has gotten. I honestly thought the article would be about U2 and then have a small blurb about a local Bay Area fan. When I read the article I was taken aback about the way it portrayed me. I NEVER told him I hoped to be on stage in Oakland. NEVER. I told him about how I got into their music, how I DON’T go to U2 concerts to get onstage. I go because of the music and how it uplifts your soul and takes you to another place one can never experience in “real” life. He asked about the first time I was onstage and I explained how it was surreal, and the story behind the butt grabbing. Yep, I was a little bit grabby but Bono was being just as playful, putting my hands onto his shoulders and then later placing them back on his butt. That wasn’t mentioned in the article either. Other than that I didn’t talk much about my onstage experiences. We talked about what my husband thought, how I was able to go to so many shows when I have a 3 year old, what I did before being a stay-at-home mother and what I do when I don’t go to U2 shows, what my next show would be, why I camp out overnight….basically what a non-U2 fan might call crazy. So I was a bit surprised to see the title of the article called “Queen of U2 fans…” . Never said that…sounds completely ridiculous to me. And the first paragraph talking about how I’m hoping to get onstage in Oakland again. Ugh – like I said before (and also to the reporter), I don’t go to U2 shows to get onstage. I loved what my husband said and that’s about it. I was horrified, and I knew after reading that article that I would be flamed. Guess I was naïve in thinking that an innocent interview talking about the band I adore for 20 years could take a different spin. I’m not asking for sympathy about the way I was portrayed. Since I accepted to do the interview, I obviously accepted the public exposure. I just didn’t think the article would portray me as a greedy girl who goes to shows only to dance with Bono.
In terms of me getting onstage multiple times, I’m very flattered, appreciative, and grateful for these amazing experiences. I don’t try to get onstage (no signs, no waving to get his attention, no costume although I think it’s great if one does any of these things. That’s how I got onstage the first time – with a sign). If you think that dancing and enjoying myself at a concert is any effort to get me noticed then I’m guilty of it. I love when Bono brings fans onstage (for the first time or the nth time)….I know how it made me feel and want others to experience it too (well at least for those who want to be onstage; I know that’s not everyone’s dream). I also have been at different spots when being pulled up….inside the ellipse front rail, to the right of Bono’s mic, to the left of it, and also outside the ellipse. So there’s not a favorite spot of mine that I head for at each show. I’m also guilty of getting in line early so I can have a rail spot. I’m 5’2 and there’s a reason for me wanting a spot on the rail…I would have to look at video screens during the entire show. Plus, I love being that close! So if I’m guilty of getting in line early and getting on the rail, then I guess a lot of people are guilty of this. Another topic for debate maybe?
To PhoenixGNX – I’m sorry if I said that. I honestly can’t imagine me saying such a thing. When I read that, I too would be offended if someone said that to me. I can only think it was tongue in cheek or a misunderstanding. There’s not such a thing as “real” U2 fans…if you go to 1 show, no shows or 30, you’re still a fan and can line up early, late, whenever. We all go to these shows to have a great time and enjoy the music so I really want to apologize for anything that came out of my mouth and hurt you in any way.
To Bono’s Betty – I think this is a misunderstanding. I actually started the line the night before around midnight and slept outside in a sleeping bag on the cement. I was in and out of line all day …..went to get coffee in the morning around 10am, back in line, walked to the box office line to make sure that there weren’t 2 GA lines being formed around 11, checked on friends who were waiting for tickets to drop, back in line, bathroom breaks, back in line, went to the hotel to get showered up around 1:30p, got back in line, went to see if the band would arrive for soundcheck and now this is probably when you saw me and my friend at 5p. The people around us knew we were coming and going all day. The only time we were off the premises was when we got ready at our hotel. I never have nor ever will cut in line. So I’m sorry if you thought that. GA line etiquette can have it’s own thread and all is debatable (Ruffian can even post her research findings)
To Shade – Some of the things posted in this thread did hurt my feelings. Mainly because I didn’t think the article would offend so many people. But I’m over it. Let me know what show you’re going to next, and you can tell it to my face that you don’t care about me or how your comments will make me feel
. I still have my experiences and no one can or ever will make them any less memorable.
To Markoajda – Not going to go where you went because I won’t sink to your level. I have a husband, child, family and friends that love me no matter how overweight, curvy, or skinny I am. Now back to eating In-n-Out Burgers. I personally love the double double animal style
Hopefully, after reading this, some of you will get the gist of where I’m coming from. I didn’t think the article would cause this much animosity and friction towards each other and at me. I know one thing for sure….we all LOVE U2. So let’s just leave it at that and enjoy the shows and their music.
Dreaming Out Loud,
Alli