Archive for March, 2011

Pursuing My Passion on the U2 360 US Tour 2011

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , , on March 25, 2011 by DeenasDays

Why am I taking this road trip with my dogs for 2 ½ months across America to all 16 US U2 shows? How can I afford this? How do I have the time to do it? These are some of the questions I have been asked over the past year, ever since I have been planning this. It all started the beginning of last April when I saw 10MPH, but really it started before that when I quit my job in the summer of 2009. But my whole quest of pursuing my passion and following my bliss really started in July 2008 when I quit my well paying stable job in Maryland and moved to Memphis just because I love Memphis, even though I was leaving my family and friends and taking a less paying less stable job.  

I liked my job well enough in Memphis, but it wasn’t leading anywhere, it wasn’t making me much money, and it wasn’t what I really wanted to do. I had enough in my savings from the sale of my house in Baltimore to last me a couple of years, so I thought why not quit and do what I want to do while I am still able to do it. So I quit and decided to make a list of all the places I had always wanted to visit but never had. And every other day or so I would visit a place and check it off my list. Sometimes it was a local site like the Dixon Gallery and Gardens here in Memphis, sometimes it was a day trip like the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock and sometimes it was a weekend trip like to Biloxi. And in the Fall of 2009, it was a 12-day road trip on the U2 360 Tour.

In the beginning of April 2010, I saw a documentary called 10MPH by Hunter Weeks that inspired me, and made me feel a little less crazy about my decision. Hunter and his friends quit their corporate jobs to pursue their passion of making documentaries. For their first documentary 10MPH, they filmed their travels across America on segways. It was a huge risk, financially and otherwise. It was mentioned in the film that life is too short not to take these risks and adventures when they arise. For me, the risk was quitting my job and the adventure that arose was the U2 360 Tour. I decided to go to every US U2 show and see as much of America along the way as I could. A month later, the U2 tour was postponed until 2011.

That brings me to the present. I still don’t have a job (although I have worked a couple here and there) and barely enough money to cover my expenses, but in 52 days, I will finally embark on my 2 ½ month road trip across America to all 16 US U2 shows – documenting my journey in writing for a book and on film for a documentary. I leave Memphis May 16 for Mount Rushmore (stopping in Omaha on the way), then to Denver (1st U2 show and home of my favorite football team), Salt Lake City (U2 show), Jackson Hole Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Missoula Montana, Wallace Idaho (Lana Turner’s birthplace), Portland, Seattle (U2 show), Eugene, Oakland (U2 show), San Francisco, Palm Springs, Hollywood, Anaheim (U2 show), stopping in Santa Rosa New Mexico and Memphis on my 3 day drive from California to Maryland, Baltimore (U2 show), East Lansing (U2 show), Miami (U2 show), Nashville (U2 show), Chicago (U2 show), Milwaukee (Summerfest music festival), Fairmount Indiana (James Dean birthplace), Cleveland (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), Canton Ohio (Football Hall of Fame), Philadelphia (U2 show), Columbus Ohio for the night, St Louis (U2 show), Columbus Ohio for the night, East Rutherford New Jersey (U2 show), Toledo Ohio for the night, Minneapolis (U2 show), Rockford Illinois for the night, Pittsburgh (U2 show). I want to visit the sites in each city that make that city unique. Also, I want visit all the major league baseball stadiums and go to all the U2 pre concert parties. I already have plans to attend U2 pre concert parties with U2 tribute bands in Denver, Seattle, East Lansing, Nashville and Baltimore. Hopefully there will be more.

My time with U2 ends on July 26th in Pittsburgh, but I still have another 2 weeks to travel before I go home. On July 27th, I go back to my parents’ in Ellicott City Maryland for the night. Then me, my mom, my best friend and 4 other friends will drive to Atlantic City for a couple of days – where I will see the NKOTBSB show (no judgement please). After Atlantic City I will drive back to Ellicott City to stay for a few days then either drive back to Memphis for a day then drive to Chicago or drive straight to Chicago for Lollapalooza.

By the night of August 8th, I will be back in Memphis for good getting ready for Elvis Week, working on my book and documentary, and trying to find a job. But I am really hoping that pursuing my passion this summer will lead to a job, so that’s it’s not really a job at all – it is getting paid for what I love to do!

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360 2010 Postponed

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', U2 with tags , , on March 24, 2011 by DeenasDays

The road trip for the U2 360 Tour in the US that I am going to take this summer was supposed to happen last summer but was postponed. Here is what I wrote about it last year:

May 21, 2010

So after 5 more hours last night of tweaking my 2 month cross country road trip, I find out this morning that it will all have to be changed again. Bono had to have emergency back surgery today causing U2 to postpone its tour opener in Salt Lake City June 3, with probably more shows going to be postponed. I was shocked to hear that Bono had to have surgery but when it sounded like he was going to be ok, I then thought about my road trip and all the changes that I will have to make.

I’m lucky though because I won’t lose any money, as so many others will with their flights, because I’m driving and all my hotel reservations are changeable. I’m also lucky that I have the time to reschedule this trip to whenever the shows are rescheduled. I’m so OCD that I need to know now what the changes are to the tour, so I can change my road trip accordingly. So I’ve been obsessively searching twitter, facebook and u2 fan sites to see the latest news or gossip.

There is indication that part of the stage is headed to Minnesota, which indicates Minnesota should be one of the first 3 shows meaning Anaheim, Denver and Oakland may be postponed as well. Hopefully these shows will in fact be postponed and not cancelled because I was looking forward to seeing all 12 US shows and super excited to be reporting on them for u2tourfans.com. 

The good thing is maybe they will be rescheduled in an easier route for me, as I was going to have to do a lot of backtracking with the previous schedule. I still want to travel route 66 though. Hopefully we will hear something definite Monday or Tuesday because I was supposed to leave Wednesday, and I have many hotel reservations to cancel and hopefully reschedule. The sick thing is that I’m looking forward to replanning my entire road trip.

Here’s to a speedy recovery Bono! Don’t come back too soon. We can wait.

May 24, 2010

With the only news today being that the Glastonbury festival is looking for possible replacement for U2 and that Bono is going home to Ireland to recuperate, I decided it was time to make a Plan B. Someone reminded me that U2 may not cancel the Anaheim shows until the day before, and I can’t drive to California in a day. Plus I still want to go on my route 66 trip regardless of what happens with the U2 tour.

I have decided to leave Friday and drive out west along route 66 as scheduled, which will bring me to Flagstaff June 2 & 3. Surely by then U2 will have announced whether or not they are having the shows in Anaheim. If they do, then on with my already scheduled trip. If U2 cancels Anaheim, but still have Denver then I will head northeast to Denver. If they cancel Denver and start with Oakland, then I’ll continue to Vegas and up the coast of California to Oakland then Seattle and so on.

But if U2 postpones the entire tour, then onto Plan B, which is a tour of the South including parts of route 66, Texas and Louisiana. I feel better now that regardless of what happens with the U2 tour, I am leaving this Friday and will be on the road visiting places I’ve never seen. Still wishing Bono a speedy recovery.

May 25, 2010

I woke up at 7am and immediately checked for news of Bono and the upcoming U2 tour. After 3 long days of waiting for any kind of news, I was inundated. Bono’s condition was more serious than I had thought. Thankfully though, he is going to be alright after at least 8 weeks of rehabilitation. The entire North American leg of the U2 360 tour has been postponed until next year. So far the European shows are still on. I have been planning this road trip for months. I was to leave tomorrow. Now there is no u2 tour. So is there no road trip? No way! I have been looking forward to this for months. I can still go.

After much deliberation of where to go, I decided to keep part of my original road trip in tact. I’m going travel a portion of route 66 from Tulsa to Albuquerque. I have always wanted to visit Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and that’s what this year is about – visiting places I’ve always wanted to visit. After Albuquerque I’ll travel back through Texas – from Lubbock (home of Buddy Holly) to San Antonio to Austin to Dallas. Then to Shreveport LA (home of the Louisiana Hayride where Elvis headlined) and back to Memphis before heading home to Maryland for 2 weeks where I’ll attend my 20th high school reunion. Then in August I’ll go to Chicago for Lollapalooza and then back to Memphis for Elvis Week.

 

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360 2009 recap

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Bono, Concerts, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , on March 23, 2011 by DeenasDays

Reflecting on the U2 360 2009 Tour a year and a half later, I still like the Las Vegas show the best and DC, Oklahoma, Chicago1 are close seconds. The other 4 are probably in the order of Raleigh, Charlottesville, Chicago2, then Atlanta being my least favorite. For me how I rank a U2 show is more than just how the actual U2 concert was, although that’s a big part of it. It’s about who I saw the show with, what city we’re in, where in the concert we’re standing and unfortunately what happened that day leading up to the show. And if I’m going to be completely honest, what sort of Larry moment I had.

The Las Vegas show was my favorite because it was a great U2 show, I saw it with Tasha, and it was in my second favorite city Las Vegas. It was a great set list that included ‘Viva Las Vegas’ as well as a snippet of ‘In God’s Country.’ During the band introductions, Bono said Larry was the ‘Elvis of U2.’ Those 2 Elvis moments really made the show for me. Another great moment was when Larry smiled and waved to me at the beginning of ‘I’ll Go Crazy.’ The Vegas show was also great because the whole day was relaxed, hanging out with everyone outside before the show and having the freedom to move around wherever I wanted during the show.

The DC, Oklahoma and Chicago1 shows were tied for 2nd for very different reasons. I loved the DC show even though it had my least favorite set list because U2 did not play ‘No Line on the Horizon’ and didn’t replace it with anything. Even though I went alone, the DC show had a great energy from both the audience and the band. This was my hometown show plus it was my first time at the front rail on this tour, and the most centered I ever was. And I did have my Larry moment when he smiled at me from the drumkit while I was jumping up and down in my Larry Mullen Band shirt. And I didn’t imagine it either because someone came up to me after and told me she saw Larry smile at me. Oklahoma was great because, besides being Tasha’s birthday show, it was the first time I was really relaxed and moved around the concert. The first time I went back behind the stage to watch Larry and have room all to myself – not worrying about ‘my space.’ Larry smiled and waved at me at the beginning of ‘I’ll Go Crazy.’ Chicago1 was amazing because it was my first show of the tour, I saw it with Tasha, and it had the best set list of the tour. I heard ‘Unforgettable Fire’ for the first time and ‘Pride’ and ‘Bad,’ two of my all-time favorite songs, were played for the only time of the 8 shows I saw. Chicago1 was very stressful though and very exhausting because we waited in the GA line all day in the hot sun and then had people all around us smushed up against us during the concert.

The Raleigh show was good because it was my birthday show (a day early), I saw it with Vicki and Tasha, and I heard ‘In a Little While’ (my favorite song off All That You Can’t Leave Behind) for the first time since the Elevation Tour. We also go to hear the sound check and had the perfect spot on the catwalk where Larry, Adam and Edge each stopped in front of us during ‘I’ll Go Crazy.’ The Charlottesville show was good because I saw it with Tasha, we stood at the front rail on the side of the stage, Bono sang a verse of ‘Unforgettable Fire’ to us, and I could really hear Larry’s ‘HEY HEY HEYs’ during ‘Boots’ because the vocals were SO loud. At the time, I did not appreciate the Charlottesville show because of all the horrible traffic we encountered getting to the show. The Chicago2 show was good because I saw it with Tasha and Mike (and Mike is my original U2 friend from 1987), ‘Your Blue Room’ was played for the first time ever, and it was a very relaxed show. The Atlanta show probably would have been better if I wasn’t sick and alone. I had a great spot at the front rail in front of Adam and Larry gave me a nod from the drumkit during ‘Beautiful Day’ even without my Larry Mullen Band tee. For the first time in my life, and I hope the only time, I left a U2 show early. I left during ‘One’ because I was so sick, but at least I got to see a little of the show from across the stadium for the first time.

A great thing about 360 2009 was that I got to see U2 in cities I had never seen them in before and obviously visit cities I’ve never been to. My whole life I had wanted to visit Chicago and go to Wrigley Field. Because of U2, I got to do that and now I love Chicago! I had always wanted to visit Atlanta as well and got to do that. Although I’m not a huge fan of Atlanta, but I am glad I got to visit the Martin Luther King sites. I had never really wanted to go to Oklahoma, but it was cool to see it. And I had been to Las Vegas twice before, so any excuse to go to Vegas. I love Vegas! 360 2009 was also great because I got to see and hang out with a lot of friends that I hadn’t really seen since the Elevation Tour, because I wasn’t really into the Vertigo Tour.

U2 360 tour program

Please check out all of my U2 360 2009 Tour Pics on the right of my homepage.

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360 in Las Vegas 2009

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Adam Clayton, Bono, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 22, 2011 by DeenasDays

Friday October 23, 2009 – U2 Las Vegas

I flew into Vegas around 10am (cst), waited an hour to get my rental car and got to the hotel around 12:30 (pst). Tasha and I had lunch at the Red Rocks casino buffet where we were staying, and we were at Sam Boyd Stadium at the University of Las Vegas by 3. We saw Ruth, Melissa and Matt (who just married), Babette, Ayaz, Otto, Melissa. Bono stopped and signed autographs and talked with everyone waiting. Unfortunately, we were stuck behind the fence, so we just got pictures.

view from our room at Red Rock casino

U2 360 in Vegas

U2 arrives in Vegas

Bono stops to chat

U2 360 Las Vegas 10.23.09

This is my favorite show of the tour – Tasha’s too! It was so relaxing and we were at the rail – side of Adam. Same set list as Oklahoma, except Bono sang ‘Viva Las Vegas’ after ‘Still Haven’t Found/Stand By Me.’ And during the band introductions before ‘Still Haven’t Found’ he called Larry the ‘Elvis of U2.’ And the vocals were really loud, so I could really hear Larry’s ‘Hey Hey Heys’ during ‘Boots’ again. I left the front rail at the end of ‘Vertigo’ so I could see Larry start ‘I’ll Go Crazy.’ I was back there alone again wearing my Larry Mullen Band tee but I wasn’t jumping and screaming this time, but he still saw me, smiled and waved. And then he went right instead of left, so I could follow him! I stayed back and watched the rest of the show behind the stage. He was facing the back during ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday.’ Then Bono came back and was singing to me. I took so many pictures of Larry behind the stage. I love it back there. Black Eyed Peas opened again, but they weren’t as good as they were in Oklahoma. Bill Clinton was at the show, but we didn’t see him. Larry’s dad was there too, but we didn’t see him either. We thought U2 would come out after the show, but they didn’t. Vegas set list:
   Breathe
   Get on Your Boots
   Magnificent
   Mysterious Ways
   Beautiful Day / In God’s Country / Fix You
   (band intros – Larry as Elvis)
   Still haven’t Found / Stand By Me / Viva Las Vegas
   Stuck in a Moment
   No Line on the Horizon
   Elevation
   In a Little While
   Unknown caller
   Until the End of the World
   Unforgettable Fire
   City of Blinding Lights
   Vertigo / All These Things Ive Done
   I’ll Go Crazy (larry waved to me)
   Sunday Bloody Sunday
   MLK
   Walk On / You’ll Never Walk Alone
   One / Amazing Grace
   Streets
   Ultra Violet
   With or Without you
   Moment of Surrender

our view at the rail

BEP in Vegas

HEY HEY HEY!

Get on Your Boots

Larry Mullen Jr right behind you

Adam

Larry beginning of I'll Go Crazy right after he smiled and waved at me

Larry Sunday Bloody Sunday

Bono Sunday Bloody Sunday

Larry and Bono Sunday Bloody Sunday

Moment of Surrender

The U2 tour for this year is over, but it was great! My shows in order 1 Vegas, 2 DC/Oklahoma, 3 Chicago1, 4 Raleigh, 5 chicago 2, 6 atlanta, 7 Charlottesville. Now its Elvis and Vegas the rest of the weekend! Hopefully my fat burger veggie burger will settle soon and I’ll get tired and fall asleep.

 

Saturday October 24, 2009

Woke up at 8am, got ready and hit the slots. Played for about 2 hours and was down $33. Tasha woke up and we went to lunch at 11:30. We went downtown to Freemont Street to recreate the Still Haven’t Found video. I saw Joe Espisito, met him, and he autographed his picture book ‘Elvis Intimate and Rare.’ I was wearing an Elvis tee which he said he liked – twice. I told him I lived in Memphis. I asked if he was going to be there for birthday week, but he said he was going to be in Vegas for the opening of Viva Elvis Cirque de Soleil show. It was SO cool to meet Joe, and so unexpected! I was SO excited and nervous.

i finally saw the Vegas sign - only took me 3 visits

didn't even know about this downtown vegas sign

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Joe Espisito

talking with Joe while he autographs his book

thank you Joe!

Got back to room after midnight. Had a wonderful Italian dinner with Tasha and her co-workers. So yummy! Then we played the slots for about 4 hours. I was down about $150. but at the end I’m up $33., so now tomorrow I’ll head to the Strip with $400 tomorrow!

Sunday October 25, 2009

So tired. Been a great 3 full days in Vegas, but I am happy to go home and not travel until Christmas. Tasha and I had pizza for breakfast then gambled for a couple of hours – she’s totally hooked now! She went to her meeting, and I went to the Strip. I gambled from 1:30 to 9:30 and lost $300. I was going to lose $440, but hit $170 on my last spin. I gambled in Ballys, Billy Bobs, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Imperial, Paris. I really love Ballys. I found Happy Days slots – 3 different versions. So cool! I left for the airport early because everyone said it was be so crowded. It’s empty. So I’ve eaten and now have 2 more hours to wait for my plane.

the 2nd happiest place on earth

Happy Days slots!

love the flamingo!

 

If you would like to see all my pictures from Las Vegas, please click http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=119169&id=734599167&l=b7991603d5 or the link on the right of my homepage U2 360 2009 Tour pics.

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360 in Oklahoma 2009

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Adam Clayton, Bono, Concerts, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 21, 2011 by DeenasDays

Friday October 16, 2009

Tonight Tasha flies in and then we head to Oklahoma. We’re gonna drive a few hours tonight and hit Stillwater tomorrow. Robin Ventura is getting inducted into the OSU Hall of Fame. He is Tasha’s favorite. He’s going to be in the parade. Then we’re going onto the Riverwind Casino that night in Norman. The U2 show is Sunday, Tasha’s birthday, at the University of Oklahoma. Then back to Memphis Monday and Tasha is staying through Wednesday.  

Saturday October 17, 2009

What a day we’ve had! We left Ft. Smith, AR just before 9am. We arrived in Stillwater, OK around 11:30am. We were at OSU for their Sea of Orange Homecoming parade because Robin Ventura (tasha’s favorite), Garth Brooks and Barry Sanders were grand marshals of the parade and being inducted to the OSU Hall of Fame because they all went to school there. So after circling the campus a few times, we decided to park and eat lunch at Panera. Then we walked to where the parade began and waited for Robin, Garth and Barry to arrive and get into their cars, and then we followed along side them in the parade. After the parade, we followed this girl to the stadium where we discovered Robin, Garth, Barry were inside doing a press conference. They came out and we got to meet them. Robin came out first. I asked him ‘Will you please take a picture with her (tasha)? Her birthday is tomorrow.’ He said, ‘Yes.’ And put his arm around her tightly and said, ‘Happy Birthday early.’ I got the picture then they dispersed, so I only got one. We didn’t actually speak to Garth Brooks or Barry Sanders, but we got pictures.

OSU Sea of Orange Parade

the parade begins

Tasha and Robin

Garth Brooks, Barry Sanders, Robin Ventura

We headed for Norman, OK at the University of Oklahoma where the U2 show is tomorrow night. We went to the stadium to see the stage. We saw The Claw, but couldn’t tell if it was in the middle or one of the endzones. Then we came to our hotel at Riverwind Casino. We had a yummy dinner at the buffet then played some slots: devil something, star wars, fish something and viva las Vegas. I came out $30 ahead. I’ll probably go back in the morning. Now we’re in our hotel room watching the OSU game with hopes of seeing Robin.

The Claw in Norman

Sunday October 18, 2009 – U2 Norman

Tasha’s birthday was a good day. In the morning, we had our free breakfast buffet at the casino, and then I played the slots for over 2 hours while Tasha watched. I only lost $100 though. Not too bad. In the afternoon, we stayed in the hotel room watching football and eating pizza. We left for the show at the University of Oklahoma around 2:15. No traffic, easy parking. Waited out for the band. They arrived a little after 5. Bono rolled down his window and waved, but no one else did. Then we went into Oklahoma Memorial Stadium after the GA line. The stage was in the middle of the field, which is actually 360 – finally! But the circle almost took up the entire GA section. Not only was the stage in the middle of the field, but it faced the sidelines, not the endzone. The people in the front row of the seats, which were bleachers, were almost at the catwalk.

U2 360 Norman 10.18.09

U2 OKU parking pass

U2 arrive in Norman

true 360 stage in Norman (not my pic)

This was my favorite show along with DC – definitely better than Raleigh. I had the same relaxed, happy feeling I did at the DC show. Highlight of this show was during ‘I’ll Go Crazy,’ I went behind the stage where Larry was going to be with his conga. Wearing my Larry Mullen Band tee, jumping up and down yelling Larry, and being the only one back there, Larry saw me, waved and nodded! Highlight/different songs were ‘In a Little While’, ‘Unknown Caller’ was back, ‘Until the End of the World’. We stood Adam side – directly side stage. We had plenty of room to stand and move around, which I did every time Larry did. I went behind the stage when Larry turned back for ‘Beautiful Day’ and ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday.’ Black Eyed Peas opened and were really good, better than Snow Patrol and Muse. The set list was:
    Breathe (behind stage to watch Larry walk in)
    Get on Your Boots
    Magnificent
    Mysterious Ways
    Beautiful Day/GodOnlyKnows(behind stage to watch Larry)
    Still Haven’t Found / Stand By Me
    Stuck in a Moment
    No Line on the Horizon
    Elevation
    In a Little While (total surprise)
    Unknown Caller (finally back)
    Until the End of the World (always fun)
    Unforgettable Fire
    City of Blinding Lights
    Vertigo
    I’ll Go Crazy (behind stage-Larry waves,smile,nods at me)
    Sunday Bloody Sunday (behind stage to watch Larry)
    MLK
    Walk On – You’ll Never Walk Alone
    One / Amazing Grace
    Streets
    Ultraviolet
    With or Without You
    Moment of Surrender (I yell Larry, he looks n leaves)
So the Norman show was amazing! One more u2 show and it’s all over – until next year!

our view from inside oklahoma memorial stadium

Black Eyed Peas open

Tasha and Paul McGuinness

LET ME IN THE SOUND!

Bono up and down

Tasha taking Adam's picture

Beautiful Day

Bono

Unknown Caller is back!

Bono between Adam's legs

Bono kisses Adam

Until the End of the World

right after Larry smiled, nodded and waved at me

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Yay!

Goodbye Norman

If you would like to see all of my pictures from U2 in Oklahoma (yes there are more), please click http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=116432&id=734599167&l=9be78eb9a4 or the link on the right of my homepage U2 360 2009 Tour Pics.

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360 in Atlanta 2009

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Adam Clayton, Bono, Concerts, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on March 18, 2011 by DeenasDays

Monday October 5, 2009

I’m in Atlanta. Left Vicki’s around 6:30am and got here around 1pm. I could barely walk when I got out of the car because my knees are so stiff and sore. My hotel is right downtown close to everything and a nice room with a king bed, fridge and microwave. I went to Martin Luther King birthplace, gravesite and Ebenezer Church. Then I went to The Varsity, which is the largest Drive-In in the US, but I didn’t eat because I was feeling horrible. So I came back to the hotel, drank cranberry juice, took ibuprofen and laid down for a while. Then I put all my u2 pictures on Facebook and ate the leftover pizza from yesterday. I’m feeling better, but my knees are still sore. Hopefully I’ll get a lot of rest for U2 tomorrow night.

MLK

MLK birthplace

MLK grave

 

Tuesday October 6, 2009 – U2 Atlanta

I got in bed at 7pm last night and didn’t get out of bed until 9am this morning. Still don’t feel great, but hopefully just warn down. I got in the GA line at the Georgia Dome just before noon, and I was probably about 350-400 people back. Met some nice people from Nashville. I was so sick that I actually fell asleep in my chair. It was a very organized GA line. Single file. Let about 50-100 people in at a time, but then there were a few gates and you had to walk around to get down to the floor. I ended up at the rail in front of Adam – about 3 people to the right of where I was in DC. It’s a good thing I had the rail to hold me up during the show. The vocals were loud like Charlottesville, so I could really hear Larry’s ‘Hey Hey Hey’s during Boots again. They played Until the End of the World. No Pride even though I was wearing my U2 MLK Pride shirt, and we were in Atlanta! I think Adam smiled at me a couple of times – he was probably looking for Tasha. No Larry moments though. But I videoed ‘I’ll Go Crazy’ with my iphone. Muse opened. I can’t wait to get home tomorrow. I was so sick during the show that I left during One. First time ever I left a U2 show early, but I was so sick I just couldn’t make it.

U2 360 Atlanta 10.6.09

Georgia Dome

Atlanta GA line

my view from the front rail

Muse

Breathe

Adam looking for Tasha

and if the mountain should crumble, or disappear into the sea

Larry's leaving

One from across the stadium

 

If you want to see all of my pictures from Atlanta, please click  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112503&id=734599167&l=eea5c32857 or click the link on the right of my homepage U2 360 2009 Tour pics.

Please watch my very short and very loud iphone video of ‘I’ll Go Crazy’ in Atlanta http://www.youtube.com/user/MemphisMullen?feature=mhum#p/f/3/K9uj53NKcgc

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360 in Raleigh for My Birthday

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Bono, Concerts, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on March 17, 2011 by DeenasDays

Friday October 2, 2009

I’m finally out of Virginia. I’m in Raleigh at Vicki’s. So exhausted. We just talked, played with Cameron, watched a little tv and had Quizno’s for dinner. I’m going to put my pictures from last night on the computer, watch a movie then go to bed. Cameron is so cute!

Saturday October 3, 2009 – U2 Raleigh

Vicki and I just relaxed today watching college football, playing with Cameron and had a nice big lunch – oh we went to Bojangles in the morning for biscuits and sweet tea. Tasha and Rosann came over here at 4, and we left for the concert. We missed Bono by seconds. We heard the screams as we got out of the car. Luckily Larry and Adam did not stop. We heard the soundcheck, which was fun – and they played ‘In a Little While.’

listening to the soundcheck in raleigh

U2 360 Raleigh 10.3.09

We walked into Carter-Finley Stadium at the University of North Carolina after the GA line had died down. We were on the back rail on Adam’s side – at the catwalk. Muse opened again. They are growing on me, but Vicki did not like them at all. It was a great birthday show for me – a day early. We had a great time. There was a full moon. It was pretty much the same set list as Charlottesville except instead of ‘Your Blue Room,’ U2 played ‘In a Little While,’ which is my favorite off  ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind’ and the first time I heard it this tour.  The set list was:
                              Breathe
                              Get on Your Boots
                              Mysterious Ways
                              Beautiful Day
                              No Line on the Horizon
                              Magnificent
                              Elevation
                              IN A LITTLE WHILE
                              New Year’s Day
                              Still Haven’t Found / Stand By Me
                              Stuck in a Moment
                              Unforgettable Fire
                              City of Blinding Lights
                              Vertigo
                               I’ll Go Crazy
                              Sunday Bloody Sunday / People Get Ready
                              MLK
                              Walk On
                              One / Amazing Grace
                              Streets
                              Ultra Violet
                              With or Without You
                              Moment of Surrender

We stood where the band exits, but they went the other way – again! Cathy and Kate were at this show as well as Mike, Ayaz, Kim, and Aaron. We got to the parking lot and it was a stand still. At midnight I shouted out to everyone that it was my birthday!

Larry enters

U2 in Raleigh

Larry!

Bono

Good night Raleigh!

 

Sunday October 4, 2009 – My 37th Birthday!

A great birthday! Woke up way too early. Mom called to wish me a Happy Birthday then Dad called. All my friends texted and facebooked wishes. Vicki and I and Cameron ate pizza and nachos and potatoes and watched football all day! Serena and her dog joined us for part of it. It was a great day. On to Atlanta tomorrow.

 

This is not video I took, but I am in it. You can see me, Tasha and Rosann when Adam, Edge and Larry stop in front of us during ‘I’ll Go Crazy.’ http://www.youtube.com/user/MemphisMullen?feature=mhum#p/c/AAE35BC51599E88D/6/raHBMEdaq00

If you would like to see all of my pictures from this Raleigh show, please click  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112493&id=734599167&l=9c3e47f676 or click on the link on the right of my homepage U2 360 2009 Tour pics.

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360 Charlottesville October 1, 2009

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Adam Clayton, Bono, Concerts, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , , on March 16, 2011 by DeenasDays

Thursday October 1, 2009 – U2 Charlottesville

I still hate Virginia! Traffic sucks! Left Mom and Dad’s around 11:15am and got to Charlottesville at 2:30pm. Had to wait in line to check in at the hotel for an hour. Then Tasha and her sister met me at the hotel. We left at 4:15 for the concert and didn’t find our parking lot at Scott Stadium at the University of Virginia until almost 6 – hate Virginia traffic. We stood inside the circle side stage – Adam side on the front rail, but literally on the side.

U2 Charlottesville 10.1.09

our view from the side front rail

Tonight U2 played No Line on the Horizon, which was the only difference from the DC show – but they changed the order. Bono sang the beginning of ‘Unforgettable Fire’ to Tasha and I before he went on the bridge. the vocals were turned up so loud that we could really hear Larry screaming the Hey Hey Hey’s during Boots. Bono said something about ‘Edge’s ass’ during ‘New Year’s Day.’ I followed Larry to the back during ‘I’ll Go Crazy.’ And we went to the back during ‘Moment of Surrender’ to see them leave but they went the other way. I got to see Abbey, Jennifer and Mike Elms. Muse opened. It only took us 5 minutes to get back to the hotel after the show.

HEY HEY HEY!

Bono on the bridge

With or Without Adam

Goodbye Charlottesville

empy Scott Stadium

 

During the tour I said Charlottesville was my least favorite show of the 8 I saw, but after hearing the bootleg, it was a really good show. I was just jaded by all the traffic in Virginia.

If you would like to see all of my pictures from this Charlottesville show, please click http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=111755&id=734599167&l=8738a6ee17 or click on the link on the right of my homepage under U2 360 2009 Tour Pics.

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360 in Maryland / DC 2009

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Adam Clayton, Bono, Concerts, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , on March 15, 2011 by DeenasDays

Saturday September 26, 2009

The first day of my 12 days of crazy is over. And it is was worst day – the longest driving day. I took Elvis and Cilla to the vet this morning. Can’t believe I’m not going to see them for 12 days! I left at 8:20am and 8 hours 40 minutes later (568 miles) I’m in Wytheville, Virginia. It’s 55 degrees and it was 77 when I left Memphis. I’m freezing – and in shorts. It was a horrible drive – rain from Nashville to here. A pouring, steady rain and it was foggy and hard to see.

Sunday September 27, 2009

Today was a great day! I left Wytheville at 7:45am and got to Cindy’s before 12:30. It was so much fun playing with Tabitha and Keira. I’m glad they remember me and are excited to see me. We had Ledo’s pizza and Cindy made me cupcakes for my birthday and gave me presents. We watched football and hung out until after 5. Then I went home and saw Mom and Dad, but then we went immediately to Jilly’s to eat and watch football. Denver 3-0! Then we stopped by Mike’s house to get the Vegas U2 tickets. Then came home and I got my presents from Mom and Dad. We watched tv until now. Great day!

Monday September 28, 2009

Another great day. Mom, Cindy, Kathy and I went to Charlestown Casino. I only lost $100 and we were there from 10:30 to 4:30. I played a lot of new games. After we got home Kelly Brewer came over to buy my extra U2 DC ticket. It was great to see him again. Mom, Dad and I watched the sit coms tonight. Tomorrow starts the week of U2 – 4 shows in 7 days. I’m going to be SO tired, and I already feel like I’m getting sick. Hopefully not.

 

Tuesday September 29, 2009 – DC U2 Show
Today started with me waking up at 5am for no reason. I left the house at 2pm, was parked at FedEx Field by 3, said Hi to Jennifer in the GA line, got my red zone ticket from Shannon, and was in the red zone line by 3:30. I was about 10th in line. Kelly Brewer came and stood with me and we talked. Then they split the line into boys and girls to search us. They let us in around 5:15 when everyone else went in, but no one told us where to go. We weren’t at field level. It took forever to get down there. Instead of going into the designated Red Zone, I went inside the circle on the front rail in front of Adam. I had my doubts that the stage was too high and I wouldn’t be able to see that well, but it turned out to be a blast and my favorite show so far this tour (better than Chicago). Muse opened. There were ok. I see them 3 more times, so I’ll form an opinion later.

U2 360 DC 9.29.09

the redzone line at 4pm

my view from the front rail

U2 took the stage and of course Larry came out first, so there was screaming. The set list:
                                              Breathe
                                              Magnificent
                                              Get on Your Boots
                                              Mysterious Ways
                                              (introductions as politicians)
                                              Still Haven’t Found/Stand By Me
                                              Elevation
                                              Your Blue Room
                                              Beautiful Day / Black Bird
                                              New Year’s Day
                                              Stuck in a Moment
                                              Unforgettable Fire
                                              City of Blinding Lights
                                              Vertigo
                                              I’ll Go Crazy
                                              Sunday Bloody Sunday
                                              MLK
                                              Walk On
                                              One / Amazing Grace
                                              Streets
                                              Ultra Violet
                                              With or Without You
                                              Moment of Surrender
There was no No Line on the Horizon or Unknown Caller and of course no Bad or Pride. During City of Blinding Lights, Bono brought up a kid on the catwalk and ran around with him then gave him his glasses. During Sunday Bloody Sunday, Bono pulled this guy up on stage who was standing not too far from me holding an American flag. They sang and hugged. Apparently many politicians were at the show. I saw lots of security. My favorite part of the show was when Larry saw my Larry Mullen Band shirt and smiled and nodded. I was taking a picture of Adam for Tasha with the bright light behind him so he looked almsot angelic. The bright light was on Adam and I was right in front of Adam so the light was on me. Larry was turning around to face the back for Beautiful Day. And as he was turning, I started jumping and screaming and that’s when he saw me. A girl 2 people down came up to me after the show and said, ‘I saw Larry smile at you.’ AAAHHHH!!!! Great show! I’m standing rail again!

Edge, Bono and Adam in DC

LET ME IN THE SOUND!

Angelic Adam (my iphone pic i took right before Larry smiled at me)

Larry right after he smiled at me

Edge and Bono

is adam a bit confused?

Edge and Larry rock out

Bono finds a friend

sunday bloody sunday

 

The DC show was my closest, most centered spot of the tour. DC is still one of my favorite shows of the tour. Even though it didn’t have the best set list, there was a great energy from the band and the crowd. And it didn’t hurt that Larry noticed me and smiled, although he did that a few other times along the tour, but this was the first. The guy pulled up on stage happened to be friends with a lot of my U2 friends. And the kid getting bono’s glasses during City of Blinding Lights happened at most shows, but this was the first time I saw it so I thought it was cool.

If you want to see all of my pictures from that DC show please click http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=111193&id=734599167&l=e44e835afd or the link on the right of my homepage for 360 2009 pics.

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360 in Chicago 2009

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Concerts, Larry Mullen, Songs, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , , on March 14, 2011 by DeenasDays

Friday September 11, 2009

I’m in Chicago! Got here in 8 hours and even stopped for about 20 minutes. I picked up David at 6am, and we arrived in Chicago at 2pm. We went straight to Soldier Field, paid the $16 to park and looked for the GA line. Met a guy named Mark who told us where the line was. He is also going to be at the Atlanta show, so now I know someone. We got our wristbands #115 & 116 – and I got one for Tasha. The woman who gave us the wristbands was Angel, who was filling in for the #1 guy in line. We can’t get on the stadium lot until 6am tomorrow. We checked into the hotel, which is only about 5 minutes away. Parking is very expensive though.

Soldier Field Chicago

David and I went to Buddy Guy’s Blues Club for a beer. Sat at the bar. Cool, laid back place. No cover. Cool staff. And as we’re leaving in walks Buddy Guy! I freaked out and froze. Buddy stopped at the souvenir counter where I was going to buy a tee shirt. David asked him for a picture. Buddy said later. So we left. But it was still cool. Then we walked down Michigan Avenue past Grant Park. Now waiting on Tasha.

Buddy Guy's club in Chicago

Saturday September 12, 2009 – CHICAGO 1 Opening Night!

What a long day! Woke up at 5am. Was in the GA line at Soldier Field by 6am. Sat in the sun in the line all day! Got a little sunburned, but not terrible. Tasha and I had fun. Saw Jennifer, Claudia, Jenny, Kheila, Alice, Frank, Aaron and others from Elevation. And we made some new friends too – Leslie and Kendrick who were only 20 & 18 years old. The GA line was a little crowded and pushy, but not terrible. We got in and there was pushing and running and my wristband fell off and Tasha was yelling at me. We got inside the circle in the back on the rail a little right of center, which is where we wanted to be but as the concert went on people kept pushing back and it was just way too crowded for me. Snow Patrol opened.

U2 360 Chicago 9.12.09

Chicago 9.12 GA line

Please watch my 2 short videos of our time in the GA line in Chicago on September 12, 2009:

http://www.youtube.com/user/MemphisMullen?feature=mhum#p/a/f/1/8plMSviW5MQ

http://www.youtube.com/user/MemphisMullen?feature=mhum#p/a/f/2/jwjfAtjp6ZU 

inside Soldier Field, our view opening night

The concert opened with Larry playing the drums by himself then the rest of the band came out to ‘Breathe.’ Larry sang on Boots, Unknown Caller, and Moment of Surrender. He walked around during I’ll Go Crazy. I was wearing my Larry Mullen Band tee shirt, but he didn’t stop in front of us. I heard ‘Unforgettable Fire’ for the first time! Also ‘MLK.’ They played Still Haven’t Found, Pride, Bad, Walk On, Stuck in a Moment, Elevation, Beautiful Day, Streets, With or Without You, Ultra Violet, Vertigo, City of Blinding Lights, One, Magnificent, No Line on the Horizon, Sunday Bloody Sunday. I loved this show! I was very emotional. I cried. I was so excited and so drained after. Just like the good old days of Elevation. We waited after the show only to let the traffic die down.

360 chicago 9.12.09 - the only pic i took (taken with iphone)

me & Tasha after the show

 

Saturday September 13, 2009 – Chicago 2

Today was so much better and more relaxed than yesterday. We stayed in our hotel room until noon. Tasha and I went to Wrigley Field for the Cubs game. I loved Wrigley! Great area. We took a cab there and back, so I got to see a lot more of the city. We only stayed for 4 innings of the game, but we walked all the way around the outside of Wrigley. I bought a tee shirt and keychain for myself and a pin for Dad. We got back to the hotel and took a little nap.

Buckingham Fountain from the cab

Wrigley Field

Cubs game

For the second U2 show at Soldier Field, I wore my white Larry Mullen Band shirt. We didn’t wait in the GA line. We went in after – around 6pm and got closer than last night and less crowded. We were inside the circle on the side – Adam’s side. I couldn’t see Larry that well – except when he came on the catwalk during I’ll Go Crazy. Changes in the set list tonight: U2 added Your Blue Room (played for the first time ever), Stay, Until the End of the World and took away Pride, Bad, Stuck in a Moment. Mike Elms stood with us. It was great to see U2 with him again – like old times. This 2nd U2 show was more relaxed and fun, but the first one was intense and exciting because it was the first one – all the Larry singing!

U2 360 Chicago 9.13.09

LET ME IN THE SOUND!

U2 in Chicago

Larry up on the screen (taken with iphone)

Larry I'll Go Crazy

Goodbye Chicago

360 Chicago 9.13.09 Set List that Jennifer got

my 360 tee (front)

my 360 tee (back)

 

I had a wonderful time in Chicago. It was my first time there, and I had wanted to visit forever, especially Wrigley Field. I love Chicago! Although I didn’t know it at the time, that opening night show was to be one of my favorites of the tour. It was the only time I heard Bad and Pride this tour, and it was the first time I had ever heard Unforgettable Fire – all within my top 10 favorite U2 songs.

To see all the pictures I took in Chicago, please click  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=107810&id=734599167&l=146563b57c or see the links for 360 pics on my homepage.

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360 Tour 2009

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Albums, Tours with tags , , , , , , on March 11, 2011 by DeenasDays

No Line on the Horizon was released in March 2009, and I immediately fell in love it with as I had with All That You Can’t Leave Behind. U2 promoted their new release with five consecutive nights on the David Letterman Show and a mini concert and interview at Fordham University broadcasted on Good Morning America. My favorite songs off of No Line are Get on Your Boots, I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight, Breathe, No Line on the Horizon, and Moment of Surrender. U2 went on the road to support No Line on the Horizon with the 360 Tour. For this tour, U2 went back to stadiums. It seemed my U2 obsession had returned, after a brief vacation during Vertigo, and here is what I had to say about it.

Wednesday March 18, 2009

The U2 obsession has started again. The new album No Line on the Horizon came out on March 3, and I got it March 4 – and have listened to nothing else since. It’s really great! And they are touring this Fall and next Summer. Tickets go on sale next week. I’m trying to see them in Chicago with Tasha, in Raleigh with Vicki, in Atlanta, and in Oklahoma with Tasha. I’ve booked hotels just in case. 

Saturday July 18, 2009

I’ve added 2 more shows to my U2 tour – DC and Charlottesville. I’ll be driving to Chicago with David and meeting Tasha for 2 shows and a Cubs game. That’s 9/11-9/14. Then Saturday 9/26 I’m packing up the car and heading home. Sunday I’m stopping at Cindy’s for Ledo’s and Ravens and to see Tabitha and Keira. Monday I’m going to Charlestown with Mom. Tuesday I’m going to the U2 show in DC. Thursday Oct 1 I’m going to Charlottesville for the U2 show. Tasha and Jennifer and others will be there. Then Friday Oct 2 I’m going to North Carolina to spend my birthday weekend with Vicki. Saturday is the U2 show in Raleigh. Vicki is goign to the show and Tasha, Jennifer, Cathy and Kate will be there. Monday Oct 5 I’ll head to Atlanta for the U2 show on the 6th then head back to Memphis on the 7th. Tasha flies in Friday Oct 16, and we leave for Oklahoma Saturday. Sunday Oct 18 is the U2 show and Tasha’s birthday. We’re staying at Riverwind Casino. Monday we head back to Memphis and Tasha is staying for 2 days and they flying home Wednesday night.

LET ME IN THE SOUND!

 

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U23D 2008

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', U2 with tags , , , on March 10, 2011 by DeenasDays

On January 23, 2008 Tasha and I went to the first showing of U23D in Baltimore at the Imax Theatre. It was amazing. Just like being at the U2 show. Tasha and I were screaming as if we were at the concert. It’s ironic because I wasn’t that excited during the Vertigo tour, but I was VERY excited watching U23D, which was recorded from the Vertigo tour. I went on to see U23D 3 more times, and even got my Dad to go with me. But it would be another year and a half before I would actually see U2 in concert.

U23D 2008

 

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Vertigo Las Vegas November 4-5, 2005

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Bono, Concerts, Tours, U2, Vertigo with tags , , , , , , , on March 9, 2011 by DeenasDays

Saturday November 5, 2005 Las Vegas

I love Vegas! Cindy and I arrived yesterday morning at 11am. We checked into Ballys and then had pizza at New York New York. We walked over to MGM to check out the U2 GA line situation, even though I had a seat for the show. We gambled at Boardwalk Casino, shopped at the Venetian and Alladin and had dinner at Café Lux.

I went to the U2 show (Vegas1) at the MGM Grand Arena last night, which was really great. My seat was behind the stage in the second level. Damien Marley opened. There was an Elvis impersonator on the floor, so Bono sang ‘Love and Peace’ like Elvis and then sang ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ after ‘One.’ U2 played ‘Wild Horses’! It was a really good show. I was up for over 22 hours yesterday and then only slept for 4 hours.

Today we went to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Freemont Street, Treasure Island, Mirage and the Flamingo. I’m really getting into this gambling thing. I love the slots now! We had a fantastic dinner at Paris.

I went to the U2 show (Vegas2) again tonight at the MGM Grand Arena. It was absolutely amazing! Mary J Blige sang ‘One’ with Bono. The lead singer from the Killers sang ‘In a Little While’ with Bono. U2 played ‘Zoo Station’, ‘The Fly’, ‘Until the End of the World’ and ‘Mysterious Ways’. After the show, I met up with Cindy at Paris casino to gamble some more.

U2 Vertigo Vegas 11.4-5.05

my Vertigo tour program

 

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Vertigo Washington, DC October 19-20, 2005

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Concerts, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2, Vertigo with tags , , , , , on March 8, 2011 by DeenasDays

Wednesday October 19, 2005 Washington, DC

My first U2 concert of this leg, and I had a blast, but I am so glad I’m only going to 4 shows this leg. I knew this show, DC1, would be good because it is the 4th anniversary of the Baltimore Elevation show where Larry hugged me. And since they are not playing Baltimore this tour, DC is the next best thing. I went to this show first show in Washington DC at the MCI Center with Jennifer, and Paola was also there. Damian Marley opened. Jennifer and I got into the ellipse. We stood in the back at the catwalk, so when Larry came out during Love and Peace, I was right in front of him. He smiled at me and waved. It was a great show! Traci from work also went. After the show, about 5 of us met up and went to the Double T Diner. I’m wiped and doing it all again tomorrow, but at least I’m not working like I did today.

U2 Vertigo DC 10.19-20.05

Thursday October 20, 2005 Washington DC

Tonight’s U2 show, DC2, was the best one I’ve seen this tour. They played four out of my top five U2 songs – Still Haven’t Found, Bad, Pride, and Wild Horses. Plus I saw the show with Jennifer, Paola and Gina. It was great to be able to see it with everyone. We were again inside the ellipse right where Larry played Love and Peace. Tonight I got the subtle Larry nod.

 

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Vertigo New York City 5.21.05

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Concerts, Tours, U2, Vertigo with tags , , , , , , , on March 4, 2011 by DeenasDays

Saturday May 21, 2005 New York City

The morning after the U2 show in Jersey Jenny and I drove into NYC. We went to Lisa Marie’s free concert in City Hall Park. I was front row at the rail center stage. It was a great show! After walking around the City for a bit, I went to Broadway to see All Shook Up, which was great! The next day, Friday May 20th, I went back into NYC to go to the Daytime Emmy Awards. It was so cool! I saw all my favorite stars from As the World Turns. It was a great night!

Today was the U2 show at Madison Square Garden. It was actually my least favorite of the four I’ve seen this week. Kings of Leon opened again – ugh! I saw the show with Tasha, and we had good seats behind the stage not too far up. The only thing different U2 played was a David Bowie cover. They played Original of the Species again. At least I got to hear every song they are playing over the 4 shows I went to. It’s sad, but I’m just not as into it anymore. I want to go home. I’m not going to the Philly show tomorrow.

U2 Vertigo NYC 5.21.05

U2 at the Garden

 

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Vertigo New Jersey May 17-18, 2005

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Concerts, Tours, U2, Vertigo with tags , , , , , , , on March 3, 2011 by DeenasDays

Tuesday May 17, 2005 East Rutherford, NJ

I left Philadelphia the morning after the U2 show and drove to Asbury Park, for the Lisa Marie Presley concert at the Stone Pony on Sunday May 16th – her last of the tour. It was amazing! I stood up front right at the rail at the stage. Priscilla was there, and Lisa shook my hand and said, ‘Thank you’ at the end of the show. After the show, I drove 2 hours to my hotel in East Rutherford – I got lost and was exhausted.

Paola and Gina arrived about 1am last night/this morning. I got up at 4am and got a cab into New York City to see Lisa Marie on Good Morning America. They didn’t let us in until after 7am, and Lisa didn’t come on until about 8:45. She only sang one song, Idiot, but it was pretty cool. I was SO close to her and apparently I was on tv because my mom called to say she saw me on tv singing along. Now I’m going back to the hotel to rest for a bit before the U2 show.

The U2 concert tonight at Continental Airlines Arena in Jersey was better than the one in Philly Saturday. Kings of Leon opened again, and I do not like them. This show, Jersey1, was the same as Philly except U2 played Original of the Species (my favorite off the new cd) and they played Vertigo twice – closing the show with it. I had a seat for this show – a great seat. I was behind the stage – behind Edge about 7 rows up. It was very close and a very good view. As good as the concert was, I’m just not as into it anymore. I’m considering selling my tickets for the Fall shows and my ticket for the Philly show on Sunday.

U2 Vertigo New Jersey 5.17-18.05

 

Wednesday May 18, 2005 East Rutherford, NJ

This U2 show was the best of the week so far. Saturday in Philly was great because it was my first one of the tour, and we were on the floor up front in front of Adam. Yesterday’s concert had amazing energy – both from the band and the audience. And they played Original of the Species. Tonight, Jersey2, was the best set list. U2 played Gloria, The Ocean, Bad and I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For with a band they pulled out of the audience. I went to the show with Jenny. We had seats side stage the last row up top, so we just stood behind our section so we had room to move around. It was a fun time!

Vertigo tour tee (front)

Vertigo Tour tee (back)

 

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Vertigo Philadelphia 5.14.05

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Concerts, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2, Vertigo with tags , , , , , , on March 2, 2011 by DeenasDays

Saturday May 14, 2005 Philadelphia

The best things happen whey you don’t plan on them. Today Tasha and I were supposed to meet at the Wachovia Center at 7 and planned to sit in our seats behind the stage. But Jenny called around 3 to say she got us GAs. Tasha and I went in around 7:30. Kings of Leon opened. We stood about halfway between the catwalk and soundboard. During the fourth song, Electric Co, this lady from U2 came up to us because Tasha was dancing and gave us wrist bands to get inside the ellipse. We stood one person back in front of Adam. When Larry sang during Love and Peace, I ran to the back of the ellipse. I was jumping up and down as if I was on a pogo. U2 played Running to Stand Still, An Cat Dubh, 40, Zoo Station, Into the Heart – all which they did not play on Elevation. It was a really good show, and I was very excited but I don’t feel the craziness as in past tours. Maybe that’s a good thing.

U2 Vertigo Philly 5.14.05

 

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Vertigo 2005

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Albums, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2, Vertigo with tags , , , , on March 1, 2011 by DeenasDays

In November of 2004, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and the special edition U2 ipod were released. I didn’t fall in love with Atomic Bomb as I had with All That You Can’t Leave Behind, but there are a few songs that I love from it including Original of the Species, Love and Peace or Else and Sometimes You Can’t Make it on Your Own. I bought the U2 special edition ipod – my first ipod. It had 20 gigs and came with 400 U2 songs called The Complete U2 on itunes.

my U2 ipod

U2 special edition ipod

In 2005, U2 toured in support of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb with the Vertigo Tour. I was as disinterested in the Vertigo tour as I was interested in the Elevation Tour. Originally, I had tickets to 15 shows, but I only went to 8 – haha only. And only three of those shows were GA. I thought I hadn’t been so into Vertigo because I wasn’t that into the How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb album, and I was very into Lisa Marie Presley who was on tour at the same time, and I had just adopted my puppy Elvis and didn’t want to leave him – plus Larry had really bad hair on Vertigo. But from reading my journal from those days, I realized that it was also because I had joined a church and gotten very involved, including leading the youth group, bought a house, and gotten a 9-5 job for the first time in my life, so I didn’t feel as free to travel all around to U2 shows. But I did make it to Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City, Washington DC, and Las Vegas. Luckily I still kept a journal then because I don’t really remember those shows, except for Larry beating that drum in front of me during Love and Peace - more on that later.

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