Archive for July, 2011

I have Found What I’m Looking For on the U2 360 tour

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , , , on July 30, 2011 by DeenasDays

Today is the last show of the U2 360 tour in Canada, but I am not going. The challenge I made to myself was to drive to every US show on this last leg of the U2 360 tour, and I met that challenge. I didn’t want to cross the border several times back and forth with my dogs. The last US show was in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, and it ended in the best way possible – Larry hugging me on his way to the stage!

Here comes Larry!  (photo by Tony Chiappetta at http://t.co/yAXyNgd)

I saw 16 magnificent U2 shows and each had its special moments – and there were many smiles and waves from Larry to me. The Denver show was special because it was the first show, it was the first time I heard Zooropa and Scarlet, and it was at Invesco Field, the home of my favorite Denver Broncos. The Salt Lake City show was special because it was the first time I have ever heard Love Rescue Me – even if it was only one verse. The Seattle show was special because I talked with Bono before the show about meeting Larry and then after the show Larry walked over to me and shook my hand as he walked off stage and to the tunnel. The Oakland show was special because Larry sang a part of Lou Reed’s A Perfect Day. The Anaheim1 show was special because it was the first time Paul McGuinness had ever been on stage. The Anaheim2 show was special because U2 brought back my favorite I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For and completely changed the set list opening with five straight songs off Achtung Baby followed by Streets. The Baltimore show was special because it was the loudest audience, Larry took off his shirt on the way to his car and I got the set list. The East Lansing show was special because it stayed light through Elevation and U2 entered through the bleachers up top behind the stage. The Miami show was special because it was the first time U2 played North Star in the US. The Nashville show was special because it was the first time U2 played The Wanderer, in honor of Johnny Cash, and they brought up a blind guitar player at the end of the show to play All I Want Is You. The Chicago show was special because U2 played Out of Control for the first time in the US this leg and it was the first time I have ever heard One Tree Hill, which was completely spontaneous and the first time it was played in the US since 1987. The Philadelphia show was special because U2 brought back the original version of Magnificent and moved it down in the set list. The St Louis show was special because there was a great vibe both from U2 and the audience, and I got a little shout out from Bono about the Larry Mullen Band. The New Jersey show was special because it was the longest show of this leg with 2 extra songs, including Out of Control which ended the show. The Minneapolis show was special because it was the only show in the US this leg that it rained – and it was a drenching downpour complete with lightning. There was a fantastic vibe much like in St. Louis. The Pittsburgh show was special because it was the last US show, Larry hugged me on his way to the stage, Matt and Melissa danced on stage during With or Without You, U2 closed with Bad, which was played for the first time in the US this leg. My favorite shows were Pittsburgh 

 , Anaheim2

 , Chicago 

 , St. Louis  

  and Minneapolis

 .

Larry jumping down so he can hug me in pittsburgh

Larry I

Larry and Bono LET ME IN THE SOUND in Chicago

Larry turned around facing the back during Mysterious Ways in St. Louis

Larry waves goodbye in the rain in Minneapolis

I drove over 18,000 miles through 31 states – some states I drove through multiple times. I drove through and/or stayed in Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Delaware, New Jersey and Minnesota. I visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Deadwood in South Dakota, Red Rocks in Denver, Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Reno and Lake Tahoe in Nevada, the Experience Music Project and Kurt Cobain’s house in Seattle, Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, Harmony Hotel, Joshua Tree Park and Elvis’ homes in Palm Springs, took a bus tour of LA and Hollywood, visited Johnny Cash’s grave outside of Nashville, Bronz Fonz and Summerfest in Milwaukee, the Football Hall of Fame, and Soundgarden in Philadelphia. My favorite thing I saw was Mount Rushmore, and my favorite place was Palm Springs.

me at Mount Rushmore

me at Harmony Hotel

Along with the great U2 shows I went to and the great places I saw, I also made great friends and reconnected with old friends.

I met Beth in Denver, and we hung out through the rest of the tour

I met Chuck (and Bono) in Seattle, and we hung out through the rest of the tour

Before I planned to go on this epic 2 1/2 month road trip to every U2 360 show in the US, I was kind of lost – didn’t know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I started a blog to document my trip and share it with others and then decided to write a book about my U2 travels. Through my U2 360 tour, I discovered that I loved to write – that I would like to make a living writing. So now I have a purpose, a direction. I am looking for a job writing, and I am writing my U2 tours memoir. I met someone who is going to help me get my book published. This U2 360 tour changed my life and helped me find what I’ve been looking for.

Larry Mullen

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My Musical Journey ends with a hug from Larry – U2 360 Pittsburgh 7.26.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Larry Mullen, U2 with tags , , , , on July 27, 2011 by DeenasDays

My final U2 360 show ended on amazing high note, more than I could have hoped for, more than I imagined – Larry hugged me on his way to the stage! So the first few songs on my last U2 360 show were pretty much a blur. It was a standard set list but then U2 ended the show with Bad, one of my favorite U2 songs – haven’t heard it since Chicago1 in 2009. So glad Bad is the last song I heard U2 perform. When Larry walked off the stage and toward the tunnel, he saw me, smiled and gave me a thumbs up – twice. It looked as if Larry was walking toward me, but then he was ushered toward the tunnel. So glad Larry smiling at me is the last image I have of the U2 360 tour. Please watch my video of U2 360 in Pittsburgh

the Claw at Heinz field

I began today as I have for the previous 15 U2 360 shows – walked dogs, ate breakfast, watched tv, napped, ordered lunch and went to the stadium in the afternoon to wait for U2 to arrive. I met Abby and Anisha in the lobby of my hotel, and we took the shuttle over to the stadium at 2pm. It was a beautiful day – 80s, sunny, breezy, and not humid. I saw many friends old and new. But the surprise were Matt, Melissa, her parents and Kim. I had no idea they were coming and were very happy to see them – and it turned out to be very fortunate for me.

U2 360 Pittsburgh 7.26.11

U2 arrived just around 5pm. Bono and Edge came out to greet the fans. I couldn’t get close enough to talk with them, but I did see Larry and Adam get out of their cars and walk inside. Matt and Melissa talked with Bono and selflessly told him about me and how I’ve driven to every US show and would like to meet Larry. Brian, Bono’s security guy, told them to wait there and he would see what he could do. Brian came out later and told me Larry was in a meeting, but he told Larry about me and Bono told Larry about me. Maybe Bono and Larry knew he was talking about me, since I talked with Bono in Seattle and Oakland about meeting Larry and Larry sometimes waves to me as he walks to the stage – and Brian said he’s seen me at the shows. Brian took my phone number and said he would look for us inside. Please watch this video of Bono greeting the fans and talking with Matt and Melissa (I did not shoot this video)
http://www.youtube.com/user/MemphisMullen?feature=mhee#p/c/AAE35BC51599E88D/66/_f9qEsXM6Vw

Bono greets the fans in Pittsburgh

We went inside, and Abby and I waited on Edge’s side of the inner circle with Deb and her husband to wait for U2 to enter. Brian came over and told me that he was still working on getting me to meet Larry. Interpol didn’t take the stage until about 7:45 and played their usual set. I’m not sure when U2 came out, probably just about 9pm. When they walked out of the tunnel (on Adam’s side) I noticed that Larry wasn’t first as usual. Adam and Edge were first and Larry and Bono were behind them, so I kind of thought something was up. But then somehow Larry moved up front. As Larry walked up the ramp, he locked eyes with me and was smiling. He walked across the platform and then down to me and hugged me. He didn’t say a word, he just put his arms around me. I think I muttered a ‘thank you.’ Larry gave me the biggest, best hug ever and then went on stage. I burst into tears, as I am doing now while writing this. Everyone around me congratulated me and hugged me, which made the moment even more special. I was so excited that I don’t really remember Even Better Than the Real Thing or The Fly. I don’t think I came to until Mysterious Ways when Larry’s drum kit turned around and faced me behind the stage. I never thought Larry would walk over to me and hug me on his way to the stage before the show. If anything, I thought he may shake my hand after the show walking off the stage on the way to the tunnel. Please watch Deb’s video of Larry walking over to me

  Please watch this video of Larry hugging me – it’s not close up, but you can see it at the end in the far right side behind the squiggly lines (I did not shoot this video)   

Look at Larry's eyes looking over to me

he's getting closer (photo by Tony Chiappetta at http://t.co/yAXyNgd)

Larry jumping down to hug me

Everyone hugging me right after Larry hugged me. (photo by Tony Chiappetta at http://t.co/yAXyNgd)

Two other great moments of this last show in the US on the 360 tour was when Matt and Melissa were dancing on stage during With or Without You and when U2 closed the show with Bad. I was already way behind the stage at the tunnel on Adam’s side waiting for U2 to leave when Bono announced that this is Matt and Melissa’s 60th shows over 3 tours and they were on stage dancing to With or Without You – beautiful! U2 played Moment of Surrender, took their bows and then played Bad with a little snippet of 40 at the end – fantastic! Please watch the video of Matt and Melissa on stage dancing to With or Without You (I didn’t shoot this video)
http://www.youtube.com/user/MemphisMullen?feature=mhee#p/c/AAE35BC51599E88D/65/F4Pv6xIT7Nc

Matt and Melissa on stage dancing to With or Without You

My final show of the U2 360 tour in Pittsburgh was my 16th show of this leg of the 360 tour, 24th show of the 360 tour, and my 75th U2 show ever. I will never forget Larry walking toward me smiling and then giving me that great, big hug – what an amazing moment!!! Thank you Matt, Melissa, Brian, Bono and of course LARRY! I will never forget this night!

LARRY

Please watch my video of Larry and Bono singing LET ME IN THE SOUND

Please watch my video of Bono chatting and band introductions

Please watch my video of Larry starting I’ll Go Crazy

Please watch my video of the intro to Streets

Please watch my video of U2 leaving Heinz Field

the last Claw in the US

my last look of the U2 360 tour

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My ‘no rain’ streak ends in Minneapolis U2 360 7.23.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Larry Mullen, U2 with tags , , , , , on July 24, 2011 by DeenasDays

The U2 360 show in Minneapolis was fantastic – a great energy even through the pouring rain and lightning. It ended my ‘no rain’ streak – 14 shows this summer with no rain. Tonight’s highlights for me were a full performance of Stand By Me with K’naan, Stuck in a Moment (dedicated to Amy Winehouse) instead of Stay, and Larry smiling and waving to me as he walked on stage and as he left the stage.

the Claw in Minneapolis

My hotel in Minneapolis was literally right next to TCF Bank Stadium, so I stayed in bed until 2pm and then got ready and walked over to the stadium. I walked around the entire stadium trying to figure out where U2 would drive in. I thought it might be this spot in the back, but continued around to the other side of the GA line where I saw the crew going in and out and a bunch of fans waiting. I finally met Wendy whom I’ve been chatting with on twitter and facebook for months. I also met Stuart and Paul and talked with Jason, Tim, Cathal, Suzi and Denise. I met Jill and her friends who were also at the shows in Anaheim. Turns out I should have followed my instinct and stayed in that spot around the back of the stadium where I thought U2 would drive in because that’s where they came in and I missed them – but no one stopped anyway.

Minneapolis GA line

I went into the show around 6pm and went to Edge’s side of the inner circle so I could watch U2 walk to the stage, even though they were entering from the tunnel on Adam’s side I prefer to watch them walk under the stage – which is on Edge’s side. Deb and her husband were already there waiting. We ended up hanging out during the whole show, which was great fun. A guy from the crew told us they have names for each of us, but he wouldn’t tell us what they were as I am sure they are not flattering. He said they even play bingo and mark off spaces when they see us at a show. I told him to tell Larry I’ve been to every US show. He said he hasn’t even met Larry.

emergency map at TCF Bank stadium

As U2 walked toward the stage and made that turn to go into the underworld, Larry saw me and smiled and waved just like he did in St. Louis. I sort of captured it on video, but didn’t get a picture of it. My friends sitting behind the stage saw him wave to me, so I know I’m not imagining it. Please watch my video of U2 entering TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis

 

here they come!

It started to rain toward the end of Mysterious Ways and continued throughout the show, raining harder and harder and lightning during the encore. It seemed that the pouring rain caused Larry lots of problems – he was constantly adjusting his seat. Also because of the umbrellas, Larry’s drumkit didn’t turn around during Sunday Bloody Sunday. Edge didn’t seem to like the rain at all. He didn’t go on the bridge during Until the End of the World, even though Bono was on the other bridge waiting.

the Edge

here comes the rain

 

Before the band introductions, Bono mentioned that Minneapolis was originally supposed to the be the last show of the tour, then they added 2 more shows – he said, ’let’s start the end of the tour party tonight.’ Please watch my video of Bono’s band introductions

  With the help of K’naaan, U2 played a full version of Stand By Me after I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. Please watch my video of Stand By Me 

  

K'naan and Bono

U2 played Stuck in a Moment instead of Stay and dedicated it to Amy Winehouse after the news of her death earlier in the day. I like hearing Stuck much better than Stay. Magnificent was not played. Please watch my video of Bono and Larry singing LET ME IN THE SOUND from Get on Your Boots

  Please watch my video of Larry starting I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight

 

happy Bono

I didn’t walk around to Adam’s side to wait for U2 to leave because I was afraid I would fall in the pouring rain on the way over. Instead, I stood at the stairs and watched U2 leave the stage. Larry again saw me and smiled and waved. The picture below is right after he waved to me.

Goodnight Larry

The U2 show in Minneapolis was great – a fantastic energy much like it was in St. Louis. The rain didn’t damper the experience at all. In fact, it may have even made it better – and my hat survived the downpour. Please watch my video of an overview of the U2 360 show in Minneapolis (uploading now)

I left the next morning to drive to Joliet, Illinois, then today I drove to Pittsburgh for my last U2 360 show tomorow. I have seen 15 great shows (about 5 of those were epic), so whatever the show in Pittsburgh is will be icing on the cake. It will be my last chance to meet Larry, but if that doesn’t happen it’s ok. Larry shook my hand last month in Seattle as he was leaving the stage, so that was fantastic. Plus 10 years ago on the Elevation tour, Larry hugged me, gave me his champagne bottle and gave me his drumstick. I’m very lucky.

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Out of Control in New Jersey U2 360 7.20.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , on July 21, 2011 by DeenasDays

The U2 360 show in New Jersey was good, but it ended great with Out of Control when Larry asked Bono if they should play one more. U2 also played both The Fly and Magnificent, so we got 2 extra songs in Jersey and Edge came out to greet the fans before the show. Please watch my video of an overview of the U2 360 show in New Jersey

I stayed at the Homestead Suites next to the Sheraton and across from New Meadowlands Stadium, but I couldn’t walk to the stadium because of the highway. So I walked over to the Sheraton and took their shuttle over to the stadium. I picked up my redzone ticket and wristband and walked around to where everyone was waiting for U2 to arrive. I met Anisha, Melissa, Krystal, Sadie and Dafna whom I’ve been chatting with on Twitter and Facebook for months. I also met Patrick, who is Chuck’s friend from Austin and the lead singer of Austin’s U2 tribute band, and Matt’s cousin and his girlfriend, as well as talked friends with Barb and Alice.

U2 finally arrived, well everyone except Larry. Paul McGuinness drove in, then Adam, then Edge and then Bono. Edge came out to greet everyone as he did in Chicago. About two hours later around 6:30 or so, Larry finally arrived. There were still a few of us left waiting, but he didn’t stop. Please watch my short video of Edge greeting the fans in New Jersey

the back of The Edge with the fans

I ran into Mike, my oldest U2 friend. We saw a set list that someone had that said there was going to be an encore of Out of Control, Bad, and 40 closing the show. We didn’t believe it. Interpol didn’t come on until about 7:45. I realized that the lead singer must be an Elvis fan. He has Elvis-like sunglasses and says, ‘Thank you very much.’ I like their first two songs, but then his voice starts to get on my nerves.

lead singer of Interpol

I had redzone on Adam’s side of the stage, but decided to watch U2 walk in as I always do. I didn’t want to walk all the way around to Edge’s side to watch them walk onto the stage because the sun had really worn me out. So I just stayed on Adam’s side because they were walking out of the tunnel on his side. It was pretty exciting to watch U2 walk all the way down the tunnel – usually I just see them walking up to the stage. Please watch my video of U2 entering New Meadowlands Stadium

here they come!

After U2 walked by, I ran over to the redzone to watch the show. It seemed I was a bit more excited than everyone else there, especially when U2 added an extra song, Magnificent, after Get on Your Boots. Just like in St. Louis, Bono read a set list from a show they did 30 years ago in Jersey. Also, Bono said the exact same band introductions as in St. Louis, except without my ‘shout out.’ He did say Larry was still upset about U2 changing their name to the Larry Mullen Band, but left out the part about there are people here who agree with him. Please watch my video of Bono and Larry singing LET ME IN THE SOUND from Get on Your Boots

Please watch my video of the beginning of I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

and the end of Pride

RedZone

The redzone was more crowded than I thought it would be. I stood 2 people back from the catwalk and had a side view of the stage, so I could see everything. I still like my spot behind the stage better though. It’s closer and a better view of Larry. Also, Bono and Edge go behind the stage more than they come over to the catwalk on Adam’s side where I was. The redzone was great for I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight though. I got to see Adam, Edge and Larry up close – not just Larry. Please watch my video of I’ll Go Crazy

I Will Follow

Bono

Edge and Adam

Larry

After I’ll Go Crazy, I went to my usual spot behind the stage and felt right at home. It was less crowded and I was closer to Larry – and Bono when he came back for Sunday Bloody Sunday and Streets. Someone rushed the stage from behind the stage on Edge’s side during Streets. I saw Sammy and a security run after him, but couldn’t see what happened. Throughout the show, Bono kept commenting on how hot it was even though it was way hotter in St. Louis a few days earlier – it was 110 in St. Louis and not even 90 in New Jersey. But Bono was really struggling with the heat – speaking the lyrics a lot instead of singing. Please watch my video of Bono’s rap during Sunday Bloody Sunday

Please watch my video of Lary’s drum solo during Scarlet

Please watch my video of intro to Streets

and the end of Streets

Sunday Bloody Sunday

During With or Without You, I walked back to the tunnel to wait for U2 to leave. Paul McGuinness was standing behind me watching. After Moment of Surrender, they walked to the front of the stage and took their bows. I was of course watching Larry and saw him lean to Bono and say something like, ‘Do you want to play another one? It’s up to you.’ Then Bono said, ‘Let’s do one more.’ I heard the beginning of Out of Control and ran back to the stage, but some folks had left, so I was able to stand at the side. It was SO great! Please watch my short video of a bit of Out of Control

Out of Control

After, I went back to the stairs to watch U2 walk off stage and then ran back to the tunnel to watch them leave. As Edge and Bono approached the tunnel, they hugged this man. Security said it was Bruce Sprinsteen, but I didn’t think it looked like him. Please watch my short video of U2 leaving New Meadowlands stadium in New Jersey

Goodnight New Jersey!

Goodbye Larry!

I had to wait over an hour to catch the shuttle back to my hotel after the show. Unfortunately the morning after the U2 show in New Jersey, I had to drive 7 1/2 hours to Ohio and the next day I drove over 13 hours to Minneapolis for my second to last U2 360 show.

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U2 360 tour across America Days 66-67 St. Louis to New Jersey

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , , , , on July 20, 2011 by DeenasDays

I left St. Louis around noon the day after the fantastic U2 show in St. Louis. In fact it was so fantastic that I didn’t get much sleep, so I only drove about 350 miles to Dayton, Ohio. I originally wanted to make it to Columbus, which was only about another hour, but I just couldn’t do it. So I ordered an amazing pizza from Donatos (thin crust and lots of cheese), settled into my Motel 6 room, and watched Bono and Edge on Letterman.

Dayton's Donato's yummy Pizza!

Unfortunately, I didn’t get much sleep Monday night either and I had to drive 600 miles to New Jersey. I left Dayton at 6am, stopped twice, drove across the Pennsylvania turnpike again and arrived in our hotel across the street from the New Meadowland stadium.

New Meadowlands Stadium from my hotel in New Jersey

I have 2 nagging questions from my drive. Question 1 – Am I the only one who obeys the speed limit? I set my cruise control about 5 over the limit, but when the speed limit is reduced I reset my cruise control. Apparently, everyone else just ignores the ‘reduce speed limit’ signs and continue on at 65. Question 2 – Why do the bathroom stall doors open in toward the toilet? There is so much room in between the stalls and the sinks that the doors should open out, not in where there is barely enough room, especially if you have any sort of bag, purse or suitcase.

Anyway, I got a great night’s sleep last night in our hotel in New Jersey and even took a nap a couple hours after I woke up. But I was awakened by the fire alarm going off, which was luckily a false alarm. Now, I am going to watch tv, order lunch and walk over to the Sheraton around 2 to catch the shuttle to New Meadowlands Stadium for the U2 show tonight.

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U2 360 St. Louis 7.17.11 – one of my favorites!

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Bono, U2 with tags , , , , , , on July 18, 2011 by DeenasDays

The U2 360 show in St. Louis was amazing! Definitely one of my top 5 for the tour behind Chicago and Anaheim2 and tied with Seattle and Baltimore. Even though it was a standard set list, the band had such a great energy, especially Bono – he was really excited and happy. The Fly returned after its brief departure in Philadelphia, and Magnificent disappeared again. Both Bono and Larry acknowledged me on their way onto the stage and then Bono gave me a ‘shout out’ during the band introductions. This St. Louis show was the hottest show so far, beating Baltimore and Nashville, with it’s 110 heat index.

My friend Beth flew in the morning of the show. We talked the day before as she made last minute plans to come to St. Louis, so we decided that she would share the hotel room with Elvis, Cilla and myself. We relaxed in the hotel for a bit, then went to lunch on the way to Busch Stadium, which was only a couple blocks away. We had a great pasta lunch at Caleco’s thinking we should carb up to sustain the long day in the 110 degree heat!

Caleco's welcomes U2 fans for lunch

After lunch, we made our way to Busch Stadium to try to figure out where U2 would drive in. Luckily, the spot we chose was in the shade. My friend Chuck and Beth’s friend Tim were there. We also ran into Cathal and a few others. There was a bit of discrepency where the band was actually going to drive in. There were a lot of people on the other side of the stadium waiting, and only about 10 of us on our side. Turns out we were right and the band drove in just after 5 where we were waiting. Bono rolled down his window and waved,  and Edge and Adam waved from inside their cars. The guy in the fourth car, who I assumed was Larry, didn’t wave or look at us – just looked straight ahead. About 15 minutes or so later, another car drove in and this time it was Larry and he waved. We were surprised when no one came out to greet us, since there was only about 10 of us there.

the Claw at Busch stadium

 

U2 360 St. Louis 7.17.11

I walked into the stadium and over to the inner circle on Edge’s side, but it was closed. So I had to walk around to Adam’s side, get my stamp for re-entry, then walk back over to Edge’s side. Even though I could see that U2 was going to walk into the stadium from the tunnel on Adam’s side, I wanted to be on Edge’s side so I could watch them walk onto the stage, or under the stage actually. My friend Jason from Memphis joined me. He had contacted me earlier and drove up that afternoon and luckily bought a GA from someone outside the stadium around 6. I met a guy and his young son Tyler, I mean like 7 years old young, who had been to 9 shows this tour. Turns out, they read my blog and Tyler’s favorites are Larry and Bono. A guy from the crew asked me how many shows I’ve been to. When I told him all the US shows and I’m driving to all of them with my dogs, he said I was crazy and should just give my money to him. I told him I should work for U2, so I could get paid to follow the tour.

Interpol took the stage around 7:30 and played their usual set. I’m still not a fan, but they are ok. U2 didn’t come out until about 9:15. On the way to the stage, Larry saw me and smiled and waved. And not his usual obligatory smile and wave, but he actually seemed to recognize and acknowledge me. Then Bono smiled, waved and said Hi to me. I could definitely see recognition in his face – and it’s been a long time since I spoke with him in Seattle and Oakland. Please watch my video of U2 entering Busch Stadium, even though it isn’t very good because I got distracted when both Larry and Bono acknowledged me  

My excitement grew even greater when U2 followed the opener Even Better Than the Real Thing with The Fly, which they had removed from the set list in Philadelphia and replaced it with Magnificent. After The Fly, I knew the St. Louis show was going to be one of my favorites. U2 had such a great energy, and Bono seemed really excited and happy. The Fly was followed by Mysterious Ways and Until the End of the World, as usual but I just love 4 straight songs off Acthung Baby. And it doesn’t hurt that Larry starts Even Better than the Real Thing with his pounding drums and he and his drumkit turn around and face behind the stage during Mysterious Ways. The inner circle wasn’t that crowded, so I moved from my usual spot behind the stage and stood toward the side of the stage during Until the End of the World and I Will Follow and actually got pictures of the whole band.

Mysterious Ways

I Will Follow

Bono

 

The Edge

As if I wasn’t excited enough, or hot enough, from Get on Your Boots, Bono started his usual talk before I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. He read the set list from a show U2 played in St. Louis 30 years ago. I thought they would play an impromtu old song, especially when everyone cheered when he read Out of Control, but they didn’t. Then Bono started the band introductions. He said, ‘Larry is still upset that we changed our name to U2 from the Larry Mullen Band and there are some people here that agree with him’ – and Larry busted out laughing. Everyone thinks Bono was referring to me, and maybe he was since he and Larry did clearly notice me on the way to the stage. Please watch my video of Bono’s band introductions

This St. Louis show was so hot that Bono took off his signature jacket during the second or third song and performed in his tee shirt. Then he left Edge to introduce Stay while he went down to the underworld to change his shirt. Adam even went shirtless under his jacket during I’ll Go Crazy. But as hot as it was, U2 chose last night to wear their lighted jackets during Zooropa and City of Blinding Lights. I love Larry in that black jacket (it’s so Elvis), but I can’t believe they chose the hottest show of the tour to wear them. In the past, it’s only been at the cold shows.

Larry his Elvis lighted jacket

 After watching Larry start I’ll Go Crazy, turn around facing the back during Sunday Bloody Sunday, and his drum solo during Scarlet, I walked around to Adam’s side of the inner circle to watch the rest of the show. Even though I like Edge’s side better, I knew U2 would would leave on the tunnel on Adam’s side of the inner circle. As they walked by very quickly, I shouted out to Larry and he waved and smiled, but at my friend Chuck not at me.

Larry

Please watch my video of Larry starting I’ll Go Crazy

Please watch my video of Bono and Larry singing LET ME IN THE SOUND

Please watch my video of an overview of the St. Louis 360 show

July 17th was the 8th anniversary of my bloved Grandmother’s death, so maybe Grandmom had a hand in making the U2 360 show in St. Louis special for me. It was a great night. A fantastic show. One of my favorites! Now it’s on to New Jersey for the U2 360 show on Wednesday.

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U2 360 tour across America Day 64 – Philly to St. Louis

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , on July 17, 2011 by DeenasDays

Day 64 of my U2 360 tour across America brought me from Philadelphia to St. Louis, driving almost 900 miles in over 16 hours. It should have only taken about 14 hours, but two traffic jams in Indiana caused my delay. Today was much like my drive from Miami to Nashville, actually it was like deja vu. I think someone is trying to tell me to break these trips into two days instead of doing it all in one day. My drive from Anaheim to Baltimore was easier than my drive from Miami to Nashville and from Philadelphia to St. Louis.

I left Philadelphia just after 6am eastern standard time this morning. I drove the Pennsylvania Turnpike – again. I was on that dreaded $20-toll turnpike last week and two weeks before that, and I will be driving it again in a few days and again next week. Ugh! But I did come across a historical marker at the one of the first travel stops on the PA Turnpike, so at least that’s something :)

PA Turnpike

We stopped four times for gas, food, etc in addition to the two times we were stopped in traffic. Both traffic jams were on Route 70 West in Indiana about two hours apart, which was very frustrating. It was truly Carmageddon today everywhere – the 405 in Southern California was closed, 240 in Memphis was down to one lane, and Route 70 West in Indiana was shut down twice. But if I hadn’t been delayed, I wouldn’t have seen the beautiful sunset – there is always good that comes with the bad.

Illinois sunset

We finally arrived at our great Drury Plaza Hotel in St. Louis just past 9:30pm central standard time, over 16 hours later. As soon as I walked into the lobby, I realized this is the hotel I stayed at when I visited St. Louis 8 years ago when I went to the Orioles-Cardinals game. The staff here is fantastic! They answered my questions immediately and quickly brought me what I needed, as well as checked me in quickly knowing I had a long day.

view of the Arch from Drury Plaza

To reward myself for my rough day of driving, I ordered a pizza from Imo’s for a late dinner – ‘an original St. Louis style pizza.’ I didn’t even know there was a ’st. louis style’ pizza. It’s very thin crust with provolone cheese, but it tasted like cheddar was mixed in with it. It’s no Ledo’s, but it was really good.

St. Louis pizza

Now I need a good night’s sleep for the U2 360 show tomorrow at Busch Stadium. Elvis and Cilla have already been asleep for almost an hour now.

Cilla and Elvis had a rough day

 

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U2 360 Philadelphia 7.14.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , , , , on July 15, 2011 by DeenasDays

The U2 360 show in Philadelphia was a great show, made even better because I shared it with my old Elevation tour friends as well as couple new friends from the 360 tour. U2 brought back the original version of Magnificent, not the remix version. They haven’t played Magnificent since Anaheim1 on June 17th. It took the place of The Fly, but in the 6th spot in the set list not the usual 2nd. U2 ended the show by singing Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela.

I took a cab from my fabulous Hotel Palomar to Lincoln Financial Field around 3. I walked around the stadium and ran into Ayaz, Kim and Abbey – my friends from the Elevation tour. I finally arrived at the spot where U2 was going to drive in. Along the way, I met Christine and Natasha whom I’ve been talking with on Facebook. My friends Jenny and Tasha were also there. U2 drove in after 4pm. Bono came out to greet everyone, but the Philly fans got a little too excited and I couldn’t even get near Bono to see him, let alone talk with him.

Bono mobbed by Philly fans

After sort of seeing Bono, Natasha and I walked back around the stadium and went to the front of the GA line to watch everyone enter. I got to talk with my new friend Beth for a little bit and finally met Anthony! I also got to catch up a bit with Cathal, author of Me and U2. We heard the crew soundcheck Breathe and U2 soundcheck Magnificent, so it wasn’t a real surprise when they played it. We went into the stadium after the enter GA line filed in. It was quite a complicated walk down to the inner circle, which was already pretty crowded at 5:30. In fact, Adam’s side was closed.

the beginning of the GA line

the crowded inner circle in Philly

We went into Edge’s side of the inner circle and stood behind the stage to get our spot to watch U2 enter the stadium and go on stage. Rob, another friend from the Elevation days, joined us – as did Jenny and my new friend Andrew. I met Chris who I’ve been talking with on Twitter. Jenny and I were wearing our ‘Larry Mullen Band’ shirts and Natasha was wearing her ‘It’s All About Drums’ shirt. Dallas said Hello, shook my hand and complimented me on my hat and then said, ‘its not about the drums its about the guitar.’ When Interpol walked on stage which wasn’t until after 7:45, the drummer noticed our shirts and pointed at us. Then after their set when they were walking off stage, the drummer gave his drumsticks to Jenny and said, ‘This is for my love of Larry.’

Jenny with Interpol's drumsticks

There was again issues with venue security moving us away from where U2 walks onto the stage, but we found Rocco and he straightened it out again for us like he did in Anaheim. It’s great that U2 and their crew really care about their fans. I just wish they would communicate better with venue security. I actually got decent video of Larry, Adam, Edge and Bono walking onto the stage – no feet and elbows this time. Please watch my video of U2 entering the Linc in Philly

Adam and Larry go into the underworld

The inner circle was especially crowded. People were even in my spot on the back rail behind the stage. It was great to watch the show with my new friend Natasha and my old Elevation friends Jenny, Paola, Gina and Rob. It was the standard set list, except for the replacement of The Fly with the original Magnificent, Hallelujah into Streets (first time I heard it) and Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela. At the end of the show, we went back to tunnel where U2 would exit. Larry again took off his shirt on the way to his car. On the way out of the stadium, I met Steve who I’ve been talking with on Twitter. It didn’t take too long to get a cab back to the hotel. U2 ended at 11:30, and I was back at my hotel by 12:30.

Larry I'll Go Crazy

Bono and Edge

Please watch my video of Bono and Larry singing LET ME IN THE SOUND

Please watch my video of Larry starting I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight

Please watch my video of Larry’s drum solo in Scarlet

Please watch my video of U2 singing Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela

Please watch my video of an overview of the U2 360 show in Philadelphia

Today I’m going to relax in my lovely suite at the Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia and leave for the long 16 hour drive to St. Louis in the morning for the U2 360 show on Sunday.

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U2 360 tour across America Day 61 – Philadelphia at Hotel Palomar with Soundgarden

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , , , , , on July 13, 2011 by DeenasDays

Day 61 of my U2 360 tour brought me to Philadelphia. Growing up in Baltimore, I’ve been to Philadelphia many, many times, but never to this part of the city. I am staying at the wonderful Hotel Palomar in the arts district - many shops and restaurants all around. The staff at the Hotel Palomar is fantastic! They upgraded me to a one bedroom suite complete with refrigerator, microwave, sleeper sofa, 2 flatscreen tvs, a separate bedroom and living room and a huge bathroom. They framed an 8×10 picture of Elvis and Cilla and left them treats, beds and bowls. They left me bottled water and fruit. It is a great hotel!

living room of my suite at Hotel Palomar Philly

After unpacking, organizing and having lunch, I took a cab to Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing to see Soundgarden. I bought a fanclub GA, so we were let into the venue before the regular GA. My friend Emily joined me in line. We got to the front rail on the left - Edge side. Basically the same place I was last year when I saw Soundgarden at Lollapalooza. I was talking with a guy named Andrew who also saw Soundgarden at Lollapalooza last year. He is the lead singer of a band called Shadowplay who are recording their first album right now.

Soundgarden Philadelphia 7.13.11

After a crazy and an annoying opening band, Mars Volta, Soundgarden took the stage at 8:45. They played my favorites Spoonman, My Wave, Fell on Black Days, Rusty Cage, and Black Hole Sun.  They were great and seemed really excited that the Philly audience was so enthusiastic. Chris even said something like, ‘Finally a real crowd.’ Philly concerts are always the best, which is why the U2 show tomorrow night should be great.  

Chris Cornell

Soundgarden

About halfway through the show after Fell on Black Days (my favorite Soundgarden song), I moved off the front rail. I just couldn’t take it anymore. The audience was getting a bit rowdy and crowd surfing. I thought I would move back or to the side to have some room. I kept walking back, but it never cleared out. It was jammed with people everywhere. I think it was more crowded that U2 GA. Festival Pier is just basically a parking lot – no seats anywhere, just a big concrete area.

Soundgarden from halfway back at Festival Pier

 

Please watch my video of my great day in Philadelphia with Soundgarden

 
Now I’m going to hopefully get a good night’s sleep in my wonderful suite and rest up for the U2 show tomorrow!

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My U2 360 tour across America – the last leg of my musical journey

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 12, 2011 by DeenasDays

I can’t believe there are only two more weeks left on my U2 360 tour across America – only 5 shows left. I have been on the road for 60 days and driven over 14,000 miles so far. The time has just flown by. I’ve had such a wonderful time, met so many great people, and visited lots of great places. I have seen 11 fantastic U2 shows – the best being Anaheim2 and Chicago, with Nashville, Seattle and Baltimore being close seconds.

Anaheim2 was wonderful because for the first time on this leg of the tour, U2 completely changed the set list opening the show with 5 songs from Achtung Baby. It was also special for me because they brought back my favorite song I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, and I cried like a baby. It was a very emotional show for me. Chicago was amazing because U2 ended the show with an impromptu performance of One Tree Hill, which they haven’t played in its entirety in the US since 1987. One Tree Hill is off my favorite album The Johua Tree, so I was beyond excited. Almost equally as exciting was the performance of Out of Control, which hasn’t been played in the US on the 360 tour, and I have been waiting for it since May. After the back to back to back playing of Out of Control, Get on Your Boots and I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, I knew the Chicago show was going to be one of my favorites.

You can read about what I thought about all the U2 shows I’ve attended and my travels along the way here on my blog and in my book, which I hope to have published by the end of the year. But you won’t be able to read about my journey on U2TourFans, as I am no longer associated with them. I want everyone to know that I funded my road trip myself, never got a sponsor as I was promised, but did receive a few donations from fellow U2 fans. I am just a U2 fan sharing my musical journey through my blog and my book.

Tomorrow I start the last leg of my U2 360 tour across America, my last 5 shows. I’ve had a nice 4-day rest at my parents’ house in Maryland, but tomorrow it’s off to Phialdelphia. I will be staying at what I assume to be the fabulous Hotel Palomar as they have already upgraded me to a suite for my 3-night stay. I’m seeing Soundgarden at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing Wednesday night. I have GA tickets I bought through the fanclub, and we get let in a half hour earlier than the regular GA folks. Then Thursday is the U2 show at Lincoln Financial Field – GA there too like always. But before the show, I’m meeting my old Elevation tour friends for lunch. The Elevation show in Philadelphia 10 years ago is the reason we’re all friends! I’m going to relax in my suite at the Palomar the day after the U2 show in Philadelphia, then it’s off to St. Louis, New Jersey, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh.

If you’re at any of these last 5 US shows, please look for me in my straw cowboy hat and black Larry Mullen Band shirt and say Hi. Before the shows, I’ll be waiting for the band to arrive and during the shows hopefully inside the inner circle behind the stage watching Larry. I hope to see you the next 2 weeks On the Road with U2.

Memphis Mullen

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U2 360 tour across America Days 55-57 – Milwaukee, Football Hall of Fame and home to rest

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 10, 2011 by DeenasDays

After the fantastic U2 360 show in Chicago on July 5, I rested for a day in the hotel and then headed off to Milwaukee then to the Football Hall of Fame and then to my parents’ home in Maryland to rest for a few days before the final journey on my U2 360 tour across America. I loved, loved, loved Milwaukee and would move there if it didn’t snow from November through March – not a fan of winter. The Football Hall of Fame was as good as I expected, and it’s great to be at my parents’ house relaxing for a few days.

I left Chicago Thursday morning July 6th for the 90 minute drive to Milwauke. Luckily the fabulous Aloft hotel let us check in at 11:30am. I left the dogs in the room, put my sneakers on and walked through Milwaukee. I walked through the old historic German district to get to my first destination – Bronz Fonz. My whole reason for visiting Milwaukee was to see the Fonzie statue. Happy Days is my favorite show and took place in Milwaukee, although it wasn’t actually filmed there. Fonzie is on the Riverwalk along the Milwaukee River across from the Rock Bottom Brewery.

Me and the Fonz

After admiring Bronz Fonz, I talked with a local who told me all about Milwaukee. Then I walked about a mile to Summerfest, which is the largest festival in the world. It is 11 days and at least 5 stages. The entire festival is on concrete, so no mud. There is lots of vendors with food, drink, clothes, jewelry, etc. It was really great – actually as much of a fair as a music festival. I was there early, so I saw some of the unknown bands but they were very good. I saw Alison Scott from Minneapolis and this great band from Milwaukee, who I didn’t catch their name – listen to them in my video.

Summerfest

I started my mile and a half walk back to the hotel after a few hours walking around Summerfest. I stopped by the Milwaukee Public Market, walked along the Milwaukee River on the Riverwalk and stopped at the Cheese Mart to get dinner. I really love Milwaukee. It still has the old architecture – not all modern buildings. It isn’t crazy crowded with traffic or pedestrians like Chicago. It is a clean city and the people are very nice. I just had a really great feeling there, like it was home. A feeling I’ve only had on this trip when I was in Palm Springs – similar feeling to what I have when I’m in Memphis and Maryland – home.

Milwaukee riverwalk

Please watch my video of my wonderful day in Milwaukee

The next day I left for Canton, OH to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I had to drive back through Chicago on my 8 hour drive from Milwaukee to Canton. I arrived at the Hall of Fame just after 3:30. Since it wasn’t hot, I parked the car in the shade and left the dogs in the car while I toured the museum. They were fine as I was only in the Hall of Fame for about an hour because I was really only interested in the Denver Broncos stuff. The first thing I saw when I walked in was a giant photo of Shannon Sharpe because he is finally being inducted into the Football Hall of Fame this year! They also had Shannon’s shoes with ‘Big Play Shay #84′ printed on the tongue and a plaque about Shannon being the #1 Tightend. My other favorite player John Elway was inducted 7 years ago. There was plenty about Elway in the Hall of Fame including a display about ‘The Drive,’ a football commemorating his 50,000 yards passing, a replica of his locker and of course he bronze head for the enshrinement with plaque about his achievements.

Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH

Shannon Sharpe

 

John Elway

Please watch my video of my visit to the Football Hall of Fame



The next morning, July 9, I left early for Maryland. I arrived at my parents’ house in Ellicott City at noon, but first I stopped at Ledo’s for the best pizza in the world! I’m going to stay here and relax until Wednesday morning when I leave for Philadelphia for the last leg of my U2 360 tour across America. I have 5 more U2 shows in Philadelphia, St. Louis, New Jersey, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh. I won’t be doing any sight seeing though, just driving back and forth to the concerts. I wonder if any of these last 5 shows will top Chicago or if Larry will finally come out to greet the fans? Either way, it’s going to be a great last 2 weeks of my U2 360 tour across America.

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U2 360 is Out of Control in Chicago with One Tree Hill – 7.5.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), The Edge, U2 with tags , , , , , , , on July 6, 2011 by DeenasDays

The U2 360 show in Chicago, which was my 70th U2 show since 1992, was amazing!!!! U2 played Out of Control, which they haven’t played in the US on the 360 tour! I like it so much better than I Will Follow and have been wanting them to play it all tour. The shock of the night was when U2 closed the show with the spur of the moment addtion of One Tree Hill, which they haven’t played in the US since 1987! I love One Tree Hill as it’s off my favorite album The Joshua Tree. We met The Edge before the show and saw John Cusack watching the show. A great, great show – my favorite U2 360 show so far, even though I had no Larry love.

The day of U2 show in Chicago Tasha and I stayed in the hotel all morning and early afternoon. We had lunch in the hotel restaurant before going to Soldier Field. Since it is 2 miles from our hotel, we took a cab because we didn’t want to pay $46 for parking or get stuck in traffic after. We arrived at the stadium around 2:30 and waited for U2 to arrive. We knew where to wait because we were at Soldier Field in 2009 for the U2 360 opener of the US tour.

waiting for the band

Around 5:30, U2 arrived at Soldier Field. I’m not sure who arrived first because we couldn’t see who was in what car, except we did see Edge and Bono drive in. A few minutes later, Edge walked back out to greet the fans. I was suprised because it was a good 5 or 10 minutes after he drove in, plus no one had stopped to greet the fans since Bono did in Oakland on June 6th. Edge went to the other side of the street to sign autographs, so we didn’t think we would get the chance to meet him, but we did! He came to our side of the street and directly toward us. I had met Edge back on Elevation and gotten his autograph, so I just wanted a picture with him. Tasha asked if we could take a photo with him, but he said no. So we shook his hand - his guitar playing hand! I asked him if Larry was coming out. He said, “I can’t say for sure. I can’t speak for Larry.” I thanked him for coming out to greet us, but Tasha said it was too late and I had already offended him. I don’t think Edge had a sense of humour about it like Bono did in Seattle and Oakland. But I will keep asking everyone who comes out to greet us if Larry will also come out. In my head, they go backstage and tell Larry that girl asked about him again and eventually he will come out. But in reality I’m sure that doesn’t happen. Unfortunately, I did not get video of our encounter with The Edge because I turned off the video camera when he started walking toward us.

shaking hands with The Edge in Chicago

After meeting The Edge, we went into the stadium, went to the bathroom, got a drink and was inside the inner circle by 6pm or so. I started out on Adam’s side because that’s where Tasha wanted to be, but it was getting too crowded for me where she was standing, so I left when Interpol started. I did not love Interpol, but didn’t hate them either. I see them 5 more times, so maybe they’ll grow on me. I went over to Edge’s side of the inner circle because I wanted to watch U2 walk onto the stage, even though there were coming out of the tunnel on Adam’s side.

U2 enters Soldier Field

 

LARRY!

 

Bono!

Please watch my video of U2 entering Soldier Field

During the opener Even Better Than the Real Thing, I made my way back over to Adam’s side of the inner circle. During The Fly, Bono again screamed “Achtung Y’all!” like in the ZooTv days. During Mysterious Ways, Bono sang a snippet from Trying To Throw Your Arms Around the World. I am really hoping for an all Achtung Baby concert soon – haha. After Until the End of the World, instead of I Will Follow, U2 played Out of Control – finally! I have been wanting to hear Out of Control this entire tour. It is such a great song, so much energy, so much better than I Will Follow. I went nuts as soon as it started! Please watch my video of U2′s performance of Out of Control

After Out of Control, U2 went right into Get On Your Boots. This was an amazing back to back combo of songs full of excitement and energy. I really hope they keep doing it. I pretty much knew then that this Chicago show was going to be my favorite of the 360 tour so far. Please watch my video of Larry and Bono singing LET ME IN THE SOUND

 

Adam and Bono head to head during Boots

 

Larry and Bono LET ME IN THE SOUND

After Get on Your Boots, Bono started talking. This is usually the part where he introduces the band, but he talked about them more than actually introduced them. Bono said that Larry and Adam had been in Chicago for the 4th of July, like Tasha and I were, but he and Edge were not. Larry went to the White Sox game, which Tasha and I had thought about going to and didn’t. Ugh! Please watch my video of Bono talking in Soldier Field 

  Then U2 played my favorite I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, which was fantastic and the audience was really into it. Please watch my video of part of U2′s performance of I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

The rest of the set list was the same as it had been – or so we thought. There was a great energy in Soldier Field and the inner circle was really crowded, even where I stand behind the stage. Please watch my video of Larry during I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight

 and my video of the beginning of Where the Streets Have No Name

Larry I'll Go Crazy

 

Streets

 

Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me in the rain

After Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, we went back to get a spot to watch U2 walk out – we could see their cars waiting for them in the tunnel. We could also see John Cusack watching the show! After With or Without You, Bono said that two days ago was the 25th anniversary of Greg Caroll’s death and they had written a song about it, but they weren’t going to play it. The crowd booed, so Bono said they would discuss it and maybe play it after Moment of Surrender. Luckily for us Edge figured it out and U2 played One Tree Hill for the first time in the US since 1987. Bono said that if they screwed up, we could not put it on the internet. They did not screw up. It was amazing! Tasha and I went nuts. The Joshua Tree is my favorite album and I didn’t see the Joshua Tree tour, so anything played from it is a gift to me! My video is a little shaky because I was so excited, but the audio is quite good. Please watch my video of U2′s amazing performance of One Tree Hill

U2 left the stage and made their way toward us. Adam waved to Tasha. Larry just walked by. As they were almost to their cars, Larry and Adam simultaneously took off their shirts and got into their cars! U2 360 in Chicago was such a fantastic show! My favorite so far. Each U2 show seems to get better, but I don’t know how they will top this one. Please watch my video of an overview of U2 360 in Chicago

 We walked the 2 miles from Soldier Field back to our hotel, and so did a lot of other people – there was actually a pedestrian traffic jam.

mass exit from Soldier Field

I spent today in bed in my hotel room, which is the best way to spend the day after a show. Sort of feel badly about not being out enjoying Chicago, one of my favorite cities, but I’m just so tired. Besides, Tasha, Amy and I spent the 4th of July out and about in Chicago – walking up and down Michigan Avenue, having lunch at the Purple Pig and hanging out in Millenium Park – but not unfortunately at the White Sox game where Larry was.

Chicago 4th of July

 

lunch at the Purple Pig

 

the Chicago river

 

the Bean

 

fountain in Millenium Park

I have a week before my next U2 360 show in Philadelphia. Tomorrow I’m going to Milwaukee for the day and night attending Summerfest, then onto the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, then to my parents’ house in Ellicott City, Maryland for a few days of rest before the last 5 shows of my U2 360 tour. It’s gone by too quickly!

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U2 360 Nashville 7.2.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Larry Mullen, U2 with tags , , , , , on July 3, 2011 by DeenasDays

The U2 360 show in Nashville was fantastic, which was a nice reward for that long trafficy 16 hour drive from Miami the day before. It was my 50th day on my U2 360 across America tour, my 10th show this leg, my 69th U2 show overall and someone said Nasvhille was the 100th show of the entire 360 tour. U2 played The Wanderer for the first time, honoring Johnny Cash. After Moment of Surrender as U2 was walking off stage, Bono pulled a blind guy up on stage who played guitar while the band came back and played All I Want is You and then Bono gave him his ‘goal is soul’ guitar.

Tasha flew in the morning of the U2 show in Nashville. We relaxed in our hotel room in the morning, then had lunch at Blackstone on the way to Vanderbilt Stadium, which was about a 7 block walk. We arrived at the stadium and immediately discovered where the band was going to enter – we saw the signs for the dressing rooms on the building attached to the stadium. Since it was hot and sunny, we decided to stand in the parking garage to wait for them. We had a great view of where they were going to get out of their cars and enter the building, or if they walked out to sign autographs and take pictures we could run down to meet them. After a couple hours, everyone figured out where we were and joined behind us. Edge arrived first, waited in the car a while, and then went into the building. We noticed that Edge’s car had a Shelby County license plate, which is Memphis. Then we saw Willie Williams give Edge’s security guy a Sun Studio tee shirt. Were U2 in Memphis visiting Sun Studio and Graceland without me? Bono arrived next and started to walk toward us, but his security pulled him back saying they didn’t have time. Adam and Larry arrived at the same time. Adam got out of the car first and went into the building. Larry then got out of his car and smiled and waved to the fans then went into the building.

Vanderbilt University Nashville

 

the Claw in Nashville

Larry arrives at Vanderbilt in Nashville 7.2.11

I watched the show in Nashville from Adam’s side of the stage because Tasha loves Adam. Also, U2 entered from Adam’s side of the stage, so for only the 2nd time I didn’t watch them walk under the stage from Edge’s side. Bono again shouted ‘Achtung Y’all!’ during The Fly. Bono pulled our friend Dan up on stage during I Will Follow – it was Dan’s birthday. To honor Johnny Cash, U2 played The Wanderer for the first time ever in concert. I heard the audience cheer for the first time when Bono sang, ‘a shout rings out in the MEMPHIS sky’ during Pride. After Moment of Surrender, Edge, Larry and Adam were walking off stage when Bono announced they had a special guest. A guy appeared on stage and played guitar to All I Want is You while the rest of the band joined in. He dedicated the song to his wife and then Bono gave him his green ‘Goal is Soul’ guitar. Security was really annoying and wouldn’t let us stand to watch U2 walk out of the stadium, but we managed anyway. After screaming LARRY a few times, he finally turned to me and smiled and waved. As we were walking out of the stadium, we noticed the fan who was on stage was walking out right in front of us. He was blind, and he didn’t have the guitar with him. He said he had a sign saying something like ‘pull a blind man on stage’ and they were mailing him the guitar. I later realized I had been emailing him the day of the show trying to find him a GA ticket.

U2 enters Vanderbilt

 

LET ME IN THE SOUND

 

I'll Go Crazy

Streets

 

Tasha and Adam, the now famous fan who played guitar with U2 on All I Want is You

Please watch my video of U2 arriving at Vanderbilt stadium

Please watch my video of U2 entering Vanderbilt stadium

Please watch my video of Larry and Bono LET ME IN THE SOUND

Please watch my video as Bono introduces the band

Please watch my video of U2 peforming The Wanderer for the first time

Please watch my video of Larry during I’ll Go Crazy

Please watch my video of Larry’s drum solo during Scarlet

Please watch my video of the fan on stage playing All I Want is You with U2

Please watch my video of an overview of U2 360 Nashville

The U2 360 show in Nashville was a great show! It bumped Baltimore out of the spot for my second favorite show, and may even be better than Seattle – although Larry did shake my hand at the Seattle show. But in Nashville I saw Larry arrive and get out of the car and walk into the building, which I hadn’t seen Larry arrive at any of the previous 9 shows. We got 2 extra songs in Nashville - the first time playing of The Wanderer in memory of Johnny Cash, whom I love, and All I Want is You is played with a fan on stage who got to keep the guitar. Also I got to hang out with a lot of my friends – Tasha, Chuck, Jennifer, Melissa, and others. I didn’t take any pictures, which is proof I was really into the show. It was hot though – hotter than Baltimore even.

The morning after the U2 show in Nashville, we drove to Hendersonville about a half hour away to visit Johnny Cash’s grave. Tasha and I are both big Johnny Cash fans and had never been to his grave, even though I’ve lived in Memphis the past 3 years.

Johnny Cash grave site

John R Cash grave

John and June

We left Hendersonville to make our way to Chicago for the U2 show Tuesday.  We passed by the Corvette museum on the way and stopped at Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky – even though we thought he was born in Illinois. Now we’re spending today the 4th of July relaxing in our hotel in downtown Chicago. Later we’ll go out and enjoy one of our favorite cities. Tomorrow is the U2 360 show at Soldier Field, the only venue this leg that I’m seeing U2 where I’ve seen them before. I wonder what special moments will happen during U2 360 in Chicago – my 70th U2 show?

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U2360 across America Day 49 – Miami to Nashville

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , on July 2, 2011 by DeenasDays

After the U2 show in Miami Wednesday night, I spent Thursday relaxing in my fabulous suite in the fantastic Epic hotel. I left Miami at 6am est Friday morning and should arrived in Nashville around 7pm cst. But because of horrible traffic around Atlanta, I didn’t make it to Nashville until 9pm. I was in the car 16 hours driving over 925 miles. I was exhausted. Elvis and Cilla were exhausted. By the time I got checked in, unpacked and walked the dogs, it was after 10. I was in no shape to see UZoo at Dan McGuinness, which really disappointed me because I wanted to meet some fellow Tennessee U2 fans.

Still tired, I’m going to spend today in bed in my hotel until it’s time to walk over to Vanderbilt for the U2 show tonight. I’ve been really looking forward to this show not only because it’s sort of my hometown show (3 hours from Memphis), but because U2 hasn’t played Nashville in about 30 years. Should be a great one!

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