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U2 360 ANAHEIM1 6.17.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags 360 Tour, Anaheim, Angels Stadium, Larry Mullen, On the Road with U2, Paul McGuinness, U2 on November 9, 2011 by DeenasDays

DAY 35 – JUNE 17 – U2 360 #5 – ANAHEIM 1

The U2 360 show in Anaheim had the best energy of the first five shows I had seen in the US on that leg. The audience was really into it, but it was the same set list as the previous US shows I had seen. Please watch my video of an overview of Anaheim1, then finish reading.

U2 360 in Anaheim

I spent the day in my hotel room conserving my energy – as I did every show day. I left for Angels Stadium at 2pm. I got a little lost walking to the stadium – I went the wrong way twice. I got to the stadium shortly after 2:30, even though the stadium is just a few blocks from my hotel. I was tired and sweaty, as June Gloom brought the humidity. I think I got a little overheated and dehydrated because I had a terrible migraine the rest of the day and throughout the show.

U2 360 Anaheim 6.17.11

Angels Stadium

Arriving at the stadium, I noticed 2 GA lines on opposite sides of the stadium. I walked around to where I thought the band would drive in and found most of my friends already there waiting. I hung out with Chuck and Michelle, whom I had met in Seattle. I also met Tesh and Danielle. We were in the wrong place, so we moved around to the right place about a half hour later. U2 arrived around 4pm, not in their usual black towncars, but all in one white van. They had flown in on helicopters and landed across the way and then drove over to the stadium. No one stopped, but Larry did smile as he drove by – I like to think it was because he saw my ‘Larry Mullen Band’ shirt. This was the first time Bono has not stopped in the US this leg.

Tesh, me, Danielle

We got in the GA line and listened to the soundcheck, which included both The Fly and Ultra Violet, but neither were played in the show. We entered the stadium just after 5pm, got our stamps to re-enter the inner circle and then went up to the stands to sit and relax in the shade. Anaheim Stadium is a beautiful baseball park – the prettiest of all the stadiums I’ve seen.

Michelle, me, Chuck

inside Angels stadium

Lenny Kravitz and his band arrived to the stage in golf carts. They played from 7:30 to about 8:15 and the same set list as the previous four shows I had seen. After Lenny’s performance, I went back to wait for U2 to walk in. The venue security tried to get us to leave, but Rocco, U2’s stage manager, told them we were allowed to stay there to wait for the band. U2 walked to the stage just after 9pm and Larry once again smiled and waved at me as he entered.

here they come!

The inner circle was very crowded, probably because of all the VIPs. I stayed behind the stage for the entire show, which is fine because that’s the best view of Larry anyway. Plus I was nauseated from my migraine that I needed to lean against the railing. During Even Better Than the Real Thing, Bono said, “End of the June Gloom” referring to the month of humidity and clouds in Southern California. He went on to say, “Angels, where you gonna take us tonight?” referring to the Anaheim Angels baseball team. During Magnificent, Bono again refers to Arch Bishop TuTu as ‘our boss the Arch’, but then went on to say, “our other boss The Edge.”

my view behind the stage

I completely misunderstood the band introductions at the time. It wasn’t until I listened to the bootleg of the show that I understood what Bono had meant. I thought Bono was talking about Larry, but he was talking about Paul McGuinness. Bono said, “Tonight might be the night to toast a man who’s meant so much to this band. A man to whom we owe so much. A man without whom I don’t think we would be here tonight. Without this man, things might have turned out a little differently. Larry Mullen Jr (long pause) would not be a drummer in U2. He’d be a highway patrolman, but in Dublin.” I was screaming so loudly that I didn’t hear the rest of the band introductions. After saying what he, Edge and Adam would be if not in U2, he toasted Paul whose 60^th birthday was the day before. And for the first time ever, Paul McGuinness was brought on stage for and we sang Happy Birthday to him. Please watch the video of the band introductions.

Larry I'll Go Crazy

Bono dedicated Pride to Maria Shriver, who was in the audience. Before Vertigo, Bono said, “Big love across the border – Mexico.” Then went on to say, “Viva Mexico!” During I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight, Bono said, “How crazy can it get in Anaheim?” After Walk On, Bono again said, “End of the June Gloom Anaheim.” During With or Without You, I went back to wait for U2 to leave. I stood in the same place I did in Seattle (near the tunnel), hoping that Larry would once again grace me with a handshake. Before Moment of Surrender, Bono said, “We’ve never had a bad time in this neighborhood.” Larry didn’t come over to shake my hand, but he did smile and wave at me. So a smile and wave from Larry on the way into the show and on the way out of the show isn’t too shabby.

Good night Anaheim - see you tomorrow

The set list for U2 360 Anaheim 1 was as follows: Even Better Than The Real Thing, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, The Great Curve / Mysterious Ways, Elevation, Until the End of the World, Happy Birthday, All I Want Is You, Stay / In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, Beautiful Day / Space Oddity, Pride, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo / Are You Gonna Go My Way, I’ll Go Crazy / Discotheque / Life During Wartime / Psycho Killer, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On / You’ll Never Walk Alone, One / United We Stand, Will You Love Me Tomorrow / Where the Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender.

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On the Road to ANAHEIM on the U2 360 tour

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011) with tags 360 Tour, A Place in the Sun, Anaheim, Beverly Hills, Elvis Presley, Harmony Motel, Hollywood, LA, On the Road with U2, Palm Springs, The Joshua Tree, U2 on November 7, 2011 by DeenasDays

DAY 28 – JUNE 10

We left Oakland around 7:20am, and it was 55 degrees and arrived in Palm Springs just over 8 hours later and it was 95 degrees. We only stopped twice on our journey south on Route 5 up and down the mountains – again. It was a pretty drive though. But finally it was summer! For the first time since I left Memphis on May 14th, it was above 75 degrees. In fact, one day in Denver it was above 70 and one day in Seattle above 70, otherwise it was cold. Finally on June 10^th, summer had arrived!

from oakland to palm springs

I loved Palm Springs! I loved the desert! I was seriously considering moving there. The weather is perfect – hot, but no humidity so it’s cool in the mornings and nights. It is a very dog-friendly town – even restaurants allow them. It’s not crowded, it’s clean and seems safe. Most of the buildings in downtown Palm Springs are very 1960s retro. Our hotel, A Place in the Sun garden hote,l is my new favorite hotel. It is named after one of my favorite movies, A Place in the Sun starring Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, and Shelley Winters. The production crew stayed here while they were filming. The hotel is a collection of bungalows situated in a rectangle surrounding the pool with palm trees and mountains in the background. It was gorgeous! It was built in the 1950s, so it was very retro, which I obviously love. There is even a walled in patio, so the dogs had a little space to go off leash. And to make it even better, they upgraded me to a one bedroom bungalow, which is basically like an apartment with a full kitchen, dining room table, 2 couches and tv in the living room, a king bed, closet, and tv in the bedroom. They even had a library of books and movies for me to enjoy. Elvis and Cilla really enjoyed having an apartment with a patio that they could run around in, rather than being in a small hotel room. Palm Springs was my favorite city I visited on my U2 360 tour across America. Please watch my video of Day 28.

Palm Springs!

A Place in the Sun Garden Hotel, my new favorite spot

named after the movie of the same name, one of my favorites

a place in the sun pool

Elvis and Cilla enjoying their patio

DAY 29 – JUNE 11

After a great night’s sleep at my lovely bungalow at A Place in the Sun garden hotel, I left by 9am in search for Elvis – well his homes. My first stop was Elvis’ home on 845 W Chino Canyon, which he bought in 1970 and owned until he died in 1977. Luckily the owner, Reno, was leaving as I pulled up so we chatted for a bit. He couldn’t give me a tour of the house because June is the month he does maintenance. Unfortunately, not much in the house is original because it was broken into 4 days after Elvis died and then Graceland came and got everything. Reno has lived there for 7 years. There was a great metal Elvis sculpture on the front of the house that someone had put on before he moved there.

Elvis' home

My next stop had nothing to do with Elvis, but when there is a casino I must play. I went to the Spa Resort Casino and quickly lost my money. It is a very small casino, which did not have my favorite slots. I had lunch at the Oasis Buffet, which was ok, but no Paula Deen’s.

Spa Casino Resort

Next was the favorite part of my day. I toured Elvis’ honeymoon hideway. Elvis leased this house at 1350 Ladero Circle for a year, and he and Priscilla spent their honeymoon here on May 1, 1967. I had the most wonderful tour of every inch of this gorgeous 1960s house. It was great to see the living room that I had seen in so many pictures. Maria was the best tour guide and as big an Elvis fan as I am. It was a real pleasure to hear her Elvis in Palm Springs stories that I knew nothing about. She told me about Elvis’ shopping trips to Rite Aid and what he ate at his favorite restaurant. A visit to this Elvis house if a must for any Elvis fan visiting Palm Springs.

Elvis' honeymoon hideaway

where Elvis and Cilla honeymooned

My last stop of the day was the Rite Aid that Maria told me about. I needed to get some groceries anyway since I had a full kitchen, and I would in Anaheim as well. So I thought why not pick a few things up where Elvis shopped. And the next day I was going to have lunch at Elvis’ favorite restaurant in Palm Springs, Las Casuelas. Please watch my video of my day in Palm Springs with Elvis.

me and my elvis

DAY 30 – JUNE 12

I was supposed to make the pilgrimage to THE Joshua Tree, the one U2 was photographed with for my favorite album The Joshua Tree, but I realized that it was almost five hours north of Palm Springs. I knew it was in the Mohave Desert near Death Valley and was not in Joshua Tree Park, but I thought it was on the way to JoshuaTree National Park. Since I couldn’t go to the real Joshua Tree, I went to Harmony Motel, only an hour away, where U2 was also photographed. U2 stayed at the Harmony Motel while making The Joshua Tree album. It was a very small, retro motel – a far cry from the five star resort hotels U2 stay at now. Even though I couldn’t see THE Joshua Tree, I could see many Joshua Trees at Joshua Tree National Park. It is the 75th anniversary of the park, which is located within 10 miles from the Harmony Motel. Please watch my video of my day at Harmony Motel and Joshua Tree.

memphis mullen at Harmony Motel

Harmony Motel from the other side of the sign

Joshua Tree National Park

a Joshua Tree, not The Joshua Tree

After my U2 trip to Harmony Motel and Joshua Tree, I had lunch at Elvis’ favorite Palm Springs restaurant Las Casuelas. My friend Aaron from high school and his two friends, who were in Palm Springs for the weekend, met me there. We had great Mexican food and great conversation. It was a good time. I highly recommend the Enchiladas Rancheros. After lunch, I walked around downtown Palm Springs before returning to my wonderful A Place in the Sun garden hotel, where I would spend a relaxing evening on my patio and eating great New York style delivery pizza.

Elvis' favorite restaurant Las Casuelas

lunch with Aaron

my Palm Springs stuff

DAY 31 – JUNE 13

Day 31 of my U2 360 tour across America was an uneventful one, chores rather then sightseeing. We left the fabulous Palm Springs around 10:15am and were in Anaheim by noon. It was 89 degrees when we left Palm Srings and 73 degrees when we arrived in Anaheim. What a difference 90 miles makes. Please watch my short video of my drive from Palm Springs to Anaheim.

The hotels gods continued with me to Anaheim. I checked into the TownePlace Suites to find that the manager had upgraded me to a two bedroom suite. I was very happy because I was going to be there for 6 nights, so it will be much more comfortable having this apartment-like suite as opposed to a regular hotel room. This was the longest I would stay at anyone place along my trip. I had 3 flatscreen tvs, 2 bedrooms, a living room with a couch and coffee table, a dining table, bathroom and full kitchen. I was at the end of the hall on the first floor right by the door, which was really convenient for the dogs. It was like our own little apartment in Anaheim for 6 nights. Plus it was only a 10 minute walk to Angels Stadium for the U2 shows.

After unloading everything out of my car, I went to the grocery store, which was only a mile down the road. I got enough groceries to last the week as well as for my 3-day drive to Baltimore the following week. After grocery shopping, I did two loads of laundry because I had no clean clothes at all. Then I unpacked and organized the rest of my things and planned the rest of my week in Southern California.

DAY 32 – JUNE 14

Day 32 of my U2 360 tour across America was a great one spent on a bus sight seeing around downtown LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the original Farmer’s Market, Venice Beach and Marina Del Ray. When I arrived in Anaheim, I researched bus tours to Hollywood and found StarLine tours. They had a very comprehensive tour of LA and surrounding areas that picked me up at my hotel and brought me back after the tour. This tour was run by VIP tours. I was picked up at 9am and didn’t return until 6pm. It was a long, great day!

The first part of our bus trip, which was mostly folks from England and myself, took us to downtown Los Angeles. Our first stop was the LA Memorial Coliseum, the site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics and where the Dodgers used to play. We passed by USC on the way to the Staples Center and the Nokia Theatre. We drove through the financial district on our way to our next stop at Olvera Street, where there were streets vendors and LA’s oldest house built in 1818. On our way to Hollywood, we drove by the Capitol Records building. Then across from the Hollywood Bowl, I spotted Bret Michael’s tour bus parked with the shades closed. I found out that he was playing at the Hollywood Bowl that night. Please watch my video of LA.

LA Memorial Coliseum

Staples Center

Olvera Street

Capitol Records

Bret Michaels tour bus across from Hollywood Bowl

We finally made it to Hollywood Boulevard and had about 45 minutes to walk around. I walked down the Walk of Stars and saw Mickey Mouse at his star and then came upon Olivia Newton-John’s star, which is the only thing I remember from our 1984 trip. I walked passed the historic Roosevelt Hotel to check out the footprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. The first I saw was for the movie Giant, which consisted of the footprints of Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor. It should have also included James Dean, but he died, so instead director George Steven’s footprints were included. I came across the footprints of Natalie Wood, Bing Crosby, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward together, Roy Rogers and Trigger, Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, John Travolta, Nic Cage and finally Lana Turner. I searched everywhere for my favorite actress Lana Turner’s footprints and finally had to ask someone to consult the map.

Mickey Mouse on Hollywood Blvd

Olivia Newton-John's star

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

Giant

Lana Turner

I left the Chinese Theatre to find higher ground so I could see the Hollywood sign. On my way, I came across a lot of people camped out in line on Hollywood Boulevard. I asked why they were waiting out. As U2 fans had done in Denver and Seattle, these folks had also brought shoes to donate to Souls for Soul and were waiting for their free U2 tickets from the Hard Rock Cafe. I went into the Hard Rock to get my dad a pin, as he collects them, and was told that June 14, 2011 was the 40th anniversary of the Hard Rock – June 14^this also my parents’ wedding anniversary. I finally made it up the Egyptian mall to see the Hollywood sign, but it was very hazy and far away – at least I saw it though.

the Hollywood sign in mist of the June Gloom

We got back on the bus and headed through West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard, which is actually Route 66. We drove by the Chateau Marmont where John Belushi died and where Marilyn Monroe lived. We saw Mel’s Drive In, where the movie American Graffiti was filmed – the parking lot looks much larger in the movie. We also drove by the Viper Room and saw the corner where River Phoenix died and drove by the Whiskey and the Roxy. Please watch my video of Hollywood.

Viper Room on Sunset Blvd

We then drove through Beverly Hills and saw the former homes of Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Dr. We drove down Rodeo Drive and saw the most expensive car ever – $2.2M, and we drove by the Beverly Wilshire hotel. Our next stop was lunch at the Farmer’s Market, which was the first farmer’s market in the US. I had lunch at Du-par’s, which has been there since 1938. I noticed Diane Ladd was having lunch a few tables away. I snuck a picture, but it was too dark. The farmer’s market is located next door to CBS Studios, so I stood by the gate for a bit to see if I could see Maura West leaving Young and the Restless, but I didn’t see anyone.

Beverly Hills

Rodeo Drive

America's 1st Farmers Market

Diane Ladd having lunch a few tables away at DuPar's

waiting for Maura West

Next we were off to the beaches. We drove on Santa Monica Boulevard, which is route 10 – the longest freeway in the US from the west coast to Jacksonville, Florida. We didn’t stop in Santa Monica, but drove by the Santa Monica Pier. It was cloudy at the beach, but I could still see the pier – sort of. We then stopped at Venice Beach, and what a crazy place that was. It was a crowded cement boardwalk full of street vendors, dogs, bicycles, segweys, skateboarders and roller skaters. In a span of 45 minutes, I saw someone pass out and taken away by an ambulance, took part in a Lipton tea commercial, and smelled all sorts of marijuana. It was quite an eventful 45 minutes. Please watch my video of Venice Beach.

Venice Beach

The last stop of our tour was at Fisherman’s Village in Marina Del Ray, which is the largest man-made marina in the world. It was nice to smell the salt air again. I had the best strawberry milkshake there. I really enjoyed my day touring around LA and was glad I took the bus tour because it made it stress free, but it was sort of a blur. I was so concerned with getting all the pictures and videos of every hot spot in the time allotted at each place.

Marina Del Ray

my Hollywood stuff

DAYS 33&34 – JUNE 15&16

I didn’t sleep at all the night after my great tour of LA, so I decided to just stay in bed all day. I watched Country Strong on pay per view and napped. That night I had dinner with my cousin Cherie and her husband Mike, who only lived a few miles from my hotel. After our yummy Mexican dinner at Fresca’s and then went back to their house and hung out with their dogs.

They refer to the weather in June in Southern California ‘June Gloom’ and it certainly was. It was cloudy, cool and humid – yes humid. It was 68 degrees with 70% humidity. In the morning I took the Saturn to Hardin GMC for an oil change and make sure everything was ok for my long 3000 mile drive in 3-4 days to Baltimore.

In the afternoon, I went to Downtown Disney, which was basically an outside mall with lots of shops and restaurants including ESPNZone and House of Blues. I wanted to check it out since I was in Anaheim a few miles from Disneyland, but had no interest in actually going to Disneyland – too many kids and I didn’t want to ride the rides. So I walked around Downtown Disney and had lunch at La Brea Bakery Cafe – sat outside on the patio. I had a great caesar salad and cheese sliders – for once I didn’t get a tuna melt. I should really add caesar salad to my food tour along with tuna and pizza. After lunch I went into the huge World of Disney store and bought some souvenirs. I told myself I wouldn’t buy any tee shirts this summer while traveling across the US, but thus far I had bought four – one from Red Rocks, a Nirvana tee from Seattle, one from Joshua Tree and one from Disney. Please watch my video of my day in Downtown Disney.

Downtown Disney

my Disney stuff

It had been 10 days since the last U2 show. These next two shows in Anaheim were going to be fantastic – the second was to be my favorite of the tour.

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U2 360 OAKLAND 6.7.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Bono, Fans, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2 with tags 360 Tour, A Perfect Day, fisherman's wharf, Larry Mullen, Lou Reed, McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, On the Road with U2, San Francisco, U2 on November 3, 2011 by DeenasDays

DAYS 23&24 – June 5&6

We left Seattle just before 1pm the day after the U2 show in Seattle and after 800 miles we were in Oakland 2 days later. The first day we drove to Eugene, Oregon and spent the night at a Motel 6. It was the first time on my trip that I drove to another city the day after the U2 show, and I was exhausted – even though I only drove 5 hours. It was also the first time I drove and it didn’t rain.

The second day was Cilla’s 4th birthday, which she spent in the back of the car for 9 hours. We left Eugene just before 9am and arrived at La Quinta hotel in Oakland just after 6pm, stopping 3 times along the way. I was in such a good mood on the drive. I’m not sure if it was a good night’s sleep or the memory of Larry’s smile walking toward me at the end of the Seattle show that kept me happily on my way. Even the guy at the California inspection was in a good mood that day. He was a U2 fan. He said the U2 trucks came through a few days ago on their way to Oakland. I was really happy I was going to be in California for the next 13 days. I really loved traveling out west, especially the west coast – definitely my favorite part of my trip. What I didn’t like was having to backtrack routes. I drove north on route 5 from Reno to Portland, and then drove south on route 5 from Seattle to Oakland. But that was nothing compared to July when I would go back and forth across the Ohio and PA turnpikes over and over.

In Oakland I noticed that in addition to this being my U2 360 tour, this was also my tuna and pizza tour. I pretty much lived on tuna and pizza the entire 3 months – and sweet tea and sun chips. I had the best tuna melt I’ve ever had at the Hotel VQ in Denver, had an ok tuna melt at Carrow’s in Reno, and a great tuna salad sandwich at Pike Place Market in Seattle. In addition, I’ve had tuna subs from various Subways along the way. I had a yummy pizza in Kansas City my first night on the road. I had pizza from the hotel restaurants at the Ramada Reno, Vintage Plaza Portland, and Monaco Seattle. The best of these was the margherita pizza in Portland. I also had domino’s pizza in Eugene last night because I was too tired to look for anything else.

DAY 25 – JUNE 7 – U2 360 #4 – OAKLAND

The U2 360 show in Oakland had the same set list as the previous three shows in the US, but was a little different. First, the baseball infield was fenced off, so the GA area was smaller – as was the inner circle behind the stage. Second, there were two opening bands, so U2 didn’t come on until 9:30. Third, and most important to me, Larry sang!!!

U2 360 Oakland 6.7.11

I spent the first half of the day resting in my hotel room to conserve energy for the show, as I did before every show. My routine was stay in bed reading and watching tv until about 1, take Elvis and Cilla out, eat and shower, and then head over to the stadium around 2 or 3. I would wait out for U2 to arrive, then go into the show.

Even though my hotel was less than a mile from McAfee Coliseum, I took the free hotel shuttle over to the Coliseum just after 2:00. I walked around the stadium and arena and finally found my friends, Matt, Melissa and Kim waiting for U2 to arrive. Barb found us and then I met Paula, who brought me a cool pin and later sent me the review from the Oakland paper and pictures she took at the show. Bono arrived just after 5pm, stopped the car right in front of us and hopped out.

waiting for U2

As soon as Bono got out of the car, I pointed at him and then at my ‘Larry Mullen Band’ shirt and said, “Now Bono…” He put his hands in the air and said, “I tried.” Then he walked right over to us, and I said, “So he’s not coming (referring to Larry)?” Bono said, “I tried.” While he was signing autographs, I told him that it’s ok because I’ll be at other shows. Bono asked me, “What is your name, Deah?” I said, “Deena.” He said, “Yes, I remember.” He went on to talk to others. Bono looked tired, his voice was scratchy, and he said he was sick. Before he got back into the car to go inside, Bono looked over to me and shouted, “I’ll try again.” It was in Oakland that I realized my quest on the 360 tour, besides driving to every US show, was to meet Larry. I thought it would be easy, since Bono had come out to greet the fans the first four US shows and I had already talked with him twice about meeting Larry. Little did I know that was my last chance to speak with Bono. Please watch my video talking with Bono in Oakland.

Bono greets fans

Bono talks with Matt, Melissa and Kim

I went into the Coliseum in Oakland after 6pm and still got into the inner circle. It was a strange set up though. The baseball infield was fenced off, so the GA section was a lot smaller. And the back of the inner circle behind the stage where I usually stand was a bit narrower as well. Also, there was a wall of sky boxes behind the stage, which made for an echoing drum sound. Because the GA was smaller, the inner circle was more crowded. It was a very laid back crowd and very cold and windy that night.

the infield is off limits in Oakland

There were two opening bands for U2 in Oakland. Local band Moonalice played from 7:00 to 7:30. I was not impressed. The sound was bad and just not my cup of tea. Lenny Kravitz played from about 7:50 to 8:30. It was the same set list as Seattle. Lenny puts on a really great show.

I waited for U2 to enter the Coliseum. They were going to enter from directly behind the stage rather than come around from the side, so I could get great video and pictures of their entrance. As they walked to the stage, Larry looked at me and smiled and waved – and I was actually able to capture it on video!

The set list in Oakland was the same as the previous three shows in the US with one notable exception (and for me the highlight of the show) – Larry sang a part of Lou Reed’s Perfect Day. There were no band introductions at the Oakland show. Instead, Bono talked about the G3 Summit the night before with Greenday and Metallica and the possibility of doing a music festival with them. Edge spoke a bit about it and then Bono asked Larry what else was discussed. Larry said, “What goes on at that summit, stays at that summit.” Bono then asked Larry if any individuals names came up. Larry responded, “Lou Reed perhaps” and sang a bit of Lou Reed’s Perfect Day, then concluded by saying, “Lou, we love you man.” Lou Reed was at the show. I couldn’t believe Larry sang! I was SO excited! I haven’t seen Larry sing in concert since ZooTv!

Larry sings in Oakland!

Larry I'll Go Crazy

The set list for U2 360 in Oakland was as follows: Even Better Than The Real Thing, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, Mysterious Ways, Elevation, Until the End of the World / Anthem / Where Have All The Flowers Gone, Perfect Day / Happy Birthday, All I Want Is You, Stay, Beautiful Day / Space Oddity, Pride, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I’ll Go Crazy / Discotheque / Life During Wartime / Psycho Killer, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On, One, Will You Love Me Tomorrow – Where the Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender.

Please watch my video of an overview of the U2 360 show in Oakland 6.7.11.

Bono and Larry Sunday Bloody Sunday

DAYS 26&27 – JUNE 8&9

The day after the U2 show in Oakland, I just stayed in my hotel room napping, reading, watching tv and relaxing. Luckily I had enough leftovers (pizza of course), so I didn’t have to go out for food – just to walk the dogs. My hotel here is nice because it has free breakfast, free shuttle to and from the concert, and they delivered a microwave and refrigerator, but the walls are very thin. Every time someone shuts a door or is talking in the hall, my dogs bark – even at 4am while I’m sleeping. So I didn’t sleep much in Oakland.

The next day I drove to Jack London Square in Oakland and took the 9:15am ferry to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Unfortunately, there were about four large groups of children on field trips on the ferry and it was cloudy and cold when I arrived in San Francsico. Of course it was warming up and sunny as I was leaving to return back to Oakland.

waiting for the ferry

I spent my time in San Francisco at Fisherman’s Wharf, walking up and down and all around. I looked at the historical ships on Hyde Street Pier and had lunch at historic Boudin’s (sourdough since 1849). I could barely see the Golden Gate Bridge through the fog, but I could see Alcatraz and some good views of the San Francisco skyline and hilly streets. Luckily, I had been to San Francisco before, so I’ve seen all the sights. Please watch my video of Day 27 in San Francisco.

Fisherman's Wharf

Hyde St Pier

Alcatraz

San Francisco

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U2 360 SEATTLE 6.4.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Bono, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags 360 Tour, Larry Mullen, Lenny Kravitz, On the Road with U2, Qwest Field, Seattle, U2 on November 1, 2011 by DeenasDays

DAY 22 – JUNE 4 – U2 360 #3 – Qwest Field SEATTLE

The U2 360 show in Seattle was better than the previous two shows I had been to in Denver and Salt Lake City. Even though it was the same set list, the audience was much more into it, the band was having a blast and actually seemed a little more into as well, Lenny Kravitz was a better opening act than The Fray, and oh yeah I talked with Bono before the show about Larry and Larry shook my hand as he was leaving the show.

U2 360 Seattle 6.4.11

To conserve energy on that rare sunny day on June 4th, Jenny and I took a cab to Qwest Field – even though it was just under a mile away. We got to the stadium at 3:00, got in the GA line just long enough to get our wristbands and then walked around to wait for U2 to arrive. We met some new folks and talked with old friends. I met Chuck and Michelle whom I’ve stayed friends with. Chuck and I would go on to see many other shows together. They told us Larry had just went it, so I was a little disappointed – but they were wrong.

U2 in Seattle

Qwest Field

After a short time, we saw the flashing lights of the police escort and black SUVs. Edge, Bono, Adam AND LARRY drove into Qwest Field right in front of us. We looked down the long driveway and saw Bono get out and head back toward us. He hopped on the back of the policeman’s motorcycle and in seconds was talking with us. Jenny and I were in our ‘Larry Mullen Band’ shirts as usual. I shouted, “Is Larry ever coming out to greet the fans?” Bono responded, “He only likes you. I love you.” Then Bono went on to say, “You like that kind of cold stare” (referring to Larry). Before Bono was about to leave, he asked the small crowd of about 30 people, “Where are the Larry Mullen people?” I shouted, ‘Right here!” and pushed my way toward Bono. He read my shirt as if to make sure I was the ‘Larry Mullen Band’ girl he had been talking to earlier. Then Bono asked, “Do you have a message I can deliver?” I was confused and frantic. I thought he was going to tell me a message from Larry, but I quickly realized what he had said and I replied, “Yes, tell Larry to come out in Oakland since he didn’t come out here.” He said, “OK.” I then went on to tell him that I would be at all the US shows, but I don’t think he heard me. Bono then asked my name and repeated it back to me, “Deena.” When he got in his golf cart to go back, I saw him write something down. I was hoping it was my message to Larry. I had no idea what this conversation would eventually lead to almost two months later in Pittsburgh.

Chuck, Bono and me

The Larry Mullen Band

We got in the GA line and had about an hour wait in the hot Seattle sun before we were let into Qwest Field. While waiting we got to hear the sound check. I was quite excited to hear The Fly, but disappointed it wasn’t included in the set list later. Once inside, we got a nice spot in the inner circle on Adam’s side – a great view for Lenny Kravitz. Lenny was a great opening act, a lot better than The Fray. He didn’t take the stage until 7:30 and only played 45 minutes, but played the four songs I know – It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over, American Woman, Fly Away, and Are You Gonna Go My Way. Lenny had these great female backup singers that reminded me of Elvis’ Sweet Inspirations. Lenny also did karate moves that reminded me of Elvis. Could Lenny be a fan of The King? Please watch my video of an overview of Lenny Kravitz opening in Seattle.

Lenny Kravitz

After Lenny Kravitz’ performance, we went over to Edge’s side and stood behind the stage to wait for U2 to enter. It was odd getting our neck’s stamped (instead of our hands) for re-entry to the inner circle, but this was to be the practice for most of the tour. Security kicked us off the rail where we were waiting for U2 to enter, claiming the fire marshall wanted that space cleared. So instead of having us lined up along the rail like we were, they had us lined up horizontally sort of blocking the way to the inner circle. Not sure how that wasn’t a fire hazard. This was also to happen for most of the tour. But as soon as U2 came out of that tunnel, security couldn’t hold us back and we were again on the rail. Larry came by and smiled at me, and I think he may have waved – of course I was screaming his name and wearing my Larry Mullen Band shirt. We decided to stay on Edge’s side for the show, and it was a good decision. We had a great view of the show. It was side view, but we could see everything. During Even Better Than the Real Thing, Bono shouted, “The Emerald City shining in the sun.”

the Edge

During Get on Your Boots right before my favorite “LET ME IN THE SOUND”, Bono said, “Larry Mullen!” Apparently he did this at most shows, but I never heard him because I was too busy screaming. I would get SO excited for Get on Your Boots! Before Magnificent, Bono said, “Here comes the Boss – the Arch” (referring to Arch Bishop Desmin Tutu and his part in the Magnificentremix.

U2 in Seattle

Before Until the End of the World, Bono sings, “It’s the end of the world as we know it. Edge feels fine.” Some folks from REM were at the show. During the band introductions, Bono talked about how June 4th was a date we are all going to remember. He again mentioned the rare sunny day in Seattle. He said the band was going to start again and we should pretend we didn’t know them. Bono said, “You think of him as a tough guy, but he’s a very thoughtful man. On the drums, Larry Mullen Jr!”

Bono

For the first time, video of Commander Kelly at the Space Station is shown before Beautiful Day. He is holding words from the song and then says, “Tell my wife I love her.” Video of Kelly is shown later in the song as he recites the lyrics. Commander Kelly is married to Gabby Gifford who was shot months earlier. This video was played before Beautiful Dayfor the rest of the tour. The audience would get really excited each time he would say their city’s name. I don’t think they realized it was recorded and he was actually talking to us from space.

where’s adam?

At the end of Vertigo, we went behind the stage to wait for Larry and his conga to start his walk for I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight. He again smiled at me as I screamed his name and jumped up and down – actually I think he was laughing at me, but I’ll take it. For Moment of Surrender, we moved behind the stage to wait for U2 to leave. Instead of standing by the stairs at the stage where we could have gotten a good picture, we waited back toward where the tunnel is. As Larry was walking out, Jenny shouted, “Larry!” He smiled and made a b line for us. He shook Jenny’s hand and then mine – still smiling. I thanked him. Excited as I was, I thought to myself that this does not excuse Larry from coming out to meet me in Oakland, assuming Bono gives him my message.

my favorite picture of Larry I took this tour

As we were walking through the crowded parking lot, we passed by Eddie Vedder and his bodyguard looking for their car. I of course ran after them to try to get a picture, but was unsuccessful. I did manage to snap one just before Eddie was getting into the car, but it was of course blurry and of the back of him.

chasing Eddie Vedder

The set list for the June 4th 360 show in Seattle was as follows: Even Better Than The Real Thing, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, Mysterious Ways, Elevation, It’s the End of the World as We Know It / Until the End of the World / Where Have All the Flowers Gone, All I Want Is You, Stay, Beautiful Day / Space Oddity, Pride, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I’ll Go Crazy / Discotheque /Life During Wartime / Psycho Killer, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On /You’ll Never Walk Alone, One / Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Where the Streets Have No Name / All You Need is Love, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender.

That Seattle show is still one of my favorites of the 360 tour. It had a much a better energy than the previous two I had seen in Denver and Salt Lake City. Also, it was great to see it with my old Elevation friend Jenny – I had been alone at my first two shows. It was also the show where I met Chuck, whom I have stayed friends with and saw many shows with on 360. Seattle was where I met and spoke with Bono about meeting Larry and where Larry shook my hand as he left. It was a great night!

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On the Road to SEATTLE on the U2 360 tour

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags 360 Tour, Killing Bono, Lake Tahoe, Nirvana, On the Road with U2, One Life No Regrets, Portland, Reno, road trip, Seattle, U2 on November 1, 2011 by DeenasDays

DAY 13 – MAY 26

My mom, Aunt Pauline, Elvis, Cilla and I piled in the car once again and left Salt Lake City for Reno, Nevada. Eight hours later, we arrived at the Ramada Reno Hotel and Casino, where we would stay for the next five nights. We were so happy to stay in the same place for more than a couple nights. I really liked our hotel, which had a restaurant and small casino, as well as a really nice big room. I wanted to stay on the strip, but no hotels allowed 2 dogs. Of course I would have rather been in Las Vegas than Reno, but Reno was on the way from Salt Lake City to Seattle.

our Reno hotel

DAY 14 – MAY 27

We had a yummy breakfast in the hotel restaurant before taking the free hotel shuttle a mile down the road to the Reno strip for a day of gambling. We played at Eldorado, Silver Legacy, Circus Circus and Harrah’s. I won a little bit, but ended up about even for the day. We had lunch at Café Sedona at Silver Legacy. After about 6 hours on the Reno strip, we took the hotel shuttle back and had dinner in the hotel restaurant and gambled a little more in the hotel casino. I did not love Reno. It was a bit ghetto – nothing like Vegas.

Reno

DAY 15 – MAY 28

We started out our day just like yesterday, with a yummy filling breakfast in our hotel. But that’s where the similarity ended. This 15th day of my U2 360 tour across America brought me, my mom and my aunt through Carson City and into the snow of Lake Tahoe. Our first stop was just about 10-15 minutes from our hotel, south of Reno on the way to Carson City and Lake Tahoe. We stopped at the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory. I think I bought enough candy to last me for the rest of my U2 360 road trip – peanut butter fudge, chocolate covered graham crackers, chocolate caramels and a big hunk of white chocolate. We made it to Carson City and just drove through and see what it was like. There was a casino and a couple of cool looking bars and a park, but not a big vacation destination. We reached Lake Tahoe and the temperature drastically dropped. It was about 50 degrees when we left Reno and it dropped into the 30s by the time we stopped at Lake Tahoe to take pictures. We drove around the Lake and went into the Horizon Casino. I wanted to stop here because it used to be the Sahara Casino where Elvis performed in the 1970s. There was no longer any evidence of the King though. We decided rather than drive back the way we came, to drive all the way around Lake Tahoe. So we made our way into California along route 89. This road was quite narrow and at many points had no guard rail and just dropped off with no shoulder. My mom was terrified and at one pointed shouted, “Stop the car and let me out!” After, she didn’t even remember saying it she was so scared. To make matters worse, it was snowing – hard. 32 degrees and snowing on Memorial Day Weekend – the official start of summer. I never thought it would be this cold on my summer road trip, or that I would encounter snow – twice!

driving to Tahoe

got my candy

Lake Tahoe

freezing Lake Tahoe

snowing!

DAY 16 – MAY 29

My mom, my aunt and I started off our Sunday at Peg’s Glorified Ham and Eggs for breakfast. Apparently it is the must-eat breakfast spot – definitely a local spot, not a lot of tourists there. It lived up to its name for me. Breakfast was fantastic and they had fresh squeezed orange juice. After breakfast, the sleet/snow/rain had stopped and we headed out to the Grand Sierra Resort. We noticed this casino on our way to Lake Tahoe. The Grand Sierra Hotel and Casino is only about a mile from our hotel and about a mile from downtown Reno. I would definitely stay there if I ever get back to Reno. They allow dogs and is reasonably priced! It’s the best casino I’ve seen in Reno – reminds me of Dover Downs. Grand Sierra has a great variety of slots and several bars and restaurants, so there is no real need to ever leave the resort. And besides free drinks, they were also giving out free cookies!

DAY 17 – MAY 30

Before taking Mom and Aunt Pauline to the airport for their noon flight home, we had breakfast in our hotel and then went back to the fabulous Grand Sierra Resort to gamble for a couple hours. After I dropped them off at the airport, I went to Petco to get dog food for Elvis and Cilla, got gas for our trip tomorrow, and went to Subway for lunch. I was back at the hotel by 1, and Elvis, Cilla and I just relaxed for the rest of the day before our long drive to Portland the next day. Part one of my U2 360 tour had ended.

DAY 18 – MAY 31

Elvis, Cilla and I left Reno at 6:30am and finally arrived in Portland, Oregon 715 miles later at 6:30pm. I took the long way, so I could drive on bigger roads – 80 west to 5 north. It was beautiful scenery between the rain and fog up and down the mountains. I stopped just twice on our 12 hour drive listening to U2 the entire way – as I would do for the rest of my trip since my mom and aunt were no longer with me. When I got to the fabulous Vintage Plaza hotel in Portland, there was a welcome sign for Elvis and Cilla, they had upgraded us to a huge suite, and gave me free valet parking. In our beautiful suite, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb was playing in the cd player and there was a framed picture of Elvis and Cilla. Also I had a bottle of wine waiting for me as well as vouchers for the restaurant and honor bar. And Elvis and Cilla had all sorts of treats waiting for them as well.

on the way to Portland

are we there yet?

Hotel Vintage Plaza Portland

Welcome Elvis and Cilla!

Please watch my video of Day 18 – our long drive to Portland and our lovely suite at the Hotel Vintage Plaza.

DAY 19 – JUNE 1

My stay at the Hotel Vintage Plaza in Portland got even better and better. I literally made my upgraded luxurious suite our haven for 36 hours, only going outside to take Elvis and Cilla to O’Bryant Square. It was nice just to do nothing after almost 3 weeks of going and going. I used my restaurant vouchers and ordered lunch and dinner in my room. It was fantastic! I loved Portland. Even though I only saw the couple blocks around my hotel, it seems like my kind of city – big enough where there is plenty to do and very liberal and dog friendly.

enjoying the high life

O'Bryant Square

DAY 20 – JUNE 2

Upon my checkout of the Hotel Vintage Plaza, Jonathan, who had checked me in, left me All That You Can’t Leave Behind cd for my drive to Seattle. On my way to my car, I met Jeri, the General Manager, and her dog Georgie, Diva of Pet Relations. Jeri contacted all the Kimpton hotels I was going to be staying at (Seattle, Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia) asking them to treat me well. Kimpton Hotels is now my favorite hotel brand. They have the best customer service I’ve ever seen and are truly dog friendly. They do no charge extra for dogs nor do they have breed or size restrictions. They also provide dog snacks, toys and bowls.

We arrived in at the Monaco Hotel in Seattle around 12:30 after passing by the Tacoma Dome, where I saw U2 10 years ago on the Elevation Tour, and passing by Qwest Field, where U2 is playing on this 360 tour. Jenny joined us for our stay in Seattle, which was to be one of the best times of my entire trip. In fact my time in Seattle began my favorite part of my U2 360 tour – from Seattle to Oakland to Anaheim to Baltimore. Not my favorite U2 shows, but my favorite part of traveling.

Monaco Seatle welcomes Elvis & Cilla

We attended the North American premiere of Killing Bono at the Seattle International Film Festival. It was shown at the Neptune Theatre, one of the University District’s oldest theatres. The movie Killing Bono is based on Neil McCormick’s memoir Killing Bono: I was Bono’s Doppelganger. I liked the book better. In Killing Bono, Neil McCormick tells the story of his life and how he was always competing, in his mind, with U2. He went to school with Bono, Larry, Adam and Edge and was forming a band at the same time they were. In fact, his brother Ivan was almost in U2 – he was in Larry’s kitchen at that first rehearsal. Neil always wanted to be famous and be in the biggest band in the world, but that happened to Bono not him. The movie Killing Bono was good. It was well-done, entertaining and funny. I especially liked Robert Sheehan who played Ivan McCormick, Neil’s brother. I liked that the only U2 song that was played was I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, especially since I’m wasn’t hearing it live at the time. The Larry character of course did not do Larry justice, but the Adam’s character late 1970s hair was dead on. What I did not like was that the movie took some liberties with the truth and added scenes for dramatic purposes that did not happen. One of these scenes was Neil McCormick pointing a gun at Bono deciding if he was going to kill him. It was very disturbing. All I kept thinking was ‘Mark Chapman.’ The book Killing Bono had more U2 in it, especially when they were starting out, and continued throughout Neil McCormick’s writing career – past 1987 where the movie ended. After the showing, director Nick Hamm skyped in and did a Q & A with the audience. He said that U2, with the exception of Larry, viewed Killing Bono in Australia when they were touring there. He said they found themselves amusing, especially Adam’s hair. I was surprised that the small theatre was only about half full, and that it wasn’t all U2 fans. There were some folks there with U2 shirts on, but it was mostly film festival fans. I expected it to be in a huge sold out theatre with wall to wall U2 fans. I mean I changed my plans and came into Seattle a day early just so I could see the North American premiere of Killing Bono.

North American premier of Killing Bono

Seattle International Film Festival

Please watch my video of Day 20 of our drive to Seattle.

DAY 21 – JUNE 3

Jenny and I started our day with breakfast at the Blue Water Taco Grill. I had a yummy veggie scramble. Then we walked to the Monorail, which is still operating from when it started at the 1961 World’s Fair – the same fair where Elvis filmed It Happened at the World’s Fair. The Monorail took us to the Space Needle, but we didn’t go up in it. I went up in it 10 years ago when I was here for U2’s Elevation show in Tacoma. But right next to the Space Needle is the Experience Music Project, which was showing a Nirvana exhibit – the reason why I went to the EMP.

Seattle Monorail

Space Needle

The Experience Music Project was named and modeled after Jimmy Hendrix. The Nirvana exhibit was great. It had memorabilia, photos, performances, documentaries, and a studio where fans can record their Nirvana stories. I did not tell about the dreams/nightmares I had after Kurt’s death involving me yelling at Courtney. I bought a Kurt Cobain biography, a Nirvana tee shirt, Elvis guitar picks, a drum keychain and Seattle and EMP/Nirvana magnets.

Experience Music Project

guitar sculpture

Nirvana at EMP

in utero

we miss you Kurt

After the EMP, Jenny and I wanted to take a bus tour and had only a short time to make it. While we were rushing to catch the light rail, we heard the drums for Desire. We paused because we weren’t sure we heard it correctly, but then we heard ‘Lover I’m on the street.’ So we ran toward Desire. It was a band and gospel choir on the back of a semi truck. The banner above the stage read ‘One Life No Regrets’ and then in smaller letters ‘noregretsu2.’ The singer, Patrick Stark, turned 40 and wanted to make sure he was living his life with no regrets – something I could identify with. He had always had a fear of singing in public, so to conquer his fear he was making a documentary called One Life No Regrets about his quest to sing on stage with U2. In preparation, he sang a set of U2 songs with a Gospel choir – Desire, In God’s Country, All I Want is You, One, Until the End of the World. Please watch the video of One Life No Regrets.

One Life No Regrets

After our impromptu U2 show, Jenny and I walked to Pike Place Market for lunch. We stumbled upon the Hard Rock on our way and people were lined up just like they were at the Denver Hard Rock waiting for free tickets to the U2 concert. They brought shoes to donate to the Souls for Soul charity, and those first 100 people or so were to get free U2 tickets. We went to the Fish Market and saw them throw the fish and then had lunch at the café overlooking the water. I of course had tuna. What else do you have at a fish market?

Hard Rock Seattle (notice the upside down guitar)

Pike Place Market

After lunch it was finally time for our Sub Seattle bus tour, which we had tried to take earlier but got sidetracked by Patrick’s U2 show. We lucked out and it was only Jenny and I on the tour. This Sub Seattle tour told us the non-toursity, non-obvious facts about Seattle. We went to Beacon Hill, Washington Lake and my reason on going on the tour Kurt Cobain’s house. We also saw the Black Hole Sun sculpture, which supposedly inspired Soundgarden’s song. Looking through the hole, you can see the Space Needle in the distance. After our busy day walking around in the rare Seattle sun, we just relaxed in our hotel room and ordered room service. Seattle is a great city, but very hilly!

Sub Seattle bus tour

Washington Lake

Kurt Cobain's house

Black Hole Sun

my Seattle stuff

I loved Seattle. It is a great city with great people, and while I was there the weather was great. My time in Seattle was one of the best times I had on my entire trip. Please watch my video of my day in Seattle.

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U2 360 SALT LAKE CITY 5.24.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Concerts, Larry Mullen, U2 with tags 360 Tour, Larry Mullen, On the Road with U2, Rice Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Temple Square, U2, University of Utah on September 6, 2011 by DeenasDays

Day 10 – May 23

We left Denver at 9:20am and spent most of our day driving through Wyoming. First we stopped in the smallest town in the US, Buford – population 1. We met the one guy who lives there and runs the store and gas station. He’s been featured on many tv news shows. Then we had lunch at Perkins in Laramie because Mom and Aunt Pauline can’t grab something and eat in the car. After lunch, we hit some pretty serious hail before coming upon the beautiful mountains outside of Salt Lake City. We arrived at our hotel Homestead Suites at 7:20pm and had dinner at the Olive Garden because it was the only restaurant close by. Ten hours is a long day driving, and we didn’t feel like searching for somewhere to eat.

Buford, WY

Please watch my video of Day 10 on the road from Denver to Salt Lake City

Day 11 – May 24 – U2 360 #2 Salt Lake City

My mom and Aunt Pauline really wanted to see the canyons of Salt Lake City. All I was concerned about was the U2 show that night. We drove past Rice Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah where the show was going to be that night – it was only a few miles from the hotel. It seemed as if we drove around forever searching for canyons to see. We thought we had directions, but we I guess we were wrong. We finally stumbled upon Emigration Canyon and had lunch at Ruth’s Diner, which had been there since 1930. It was a great place and and the best macaroni and cheese I think I ever had, although my stomach didn’t really agree.

Ruth's Diner in Emigration Canyon in SLC

Mom and Aunt Pauline stayed at the hotel and relaxed and did their laundry while I went to the U2 show. I left at 3pm, drove a few miles and realized I didn’t have my ticket. I had to turn around and go back and get it. This was one of only three times that I drove to a U2 show out of the the 16 shows this leg. Something happened at this U2 show that has never happened to me before – free parking! The University of Utah had free parking for the U2 concert. I couldn’t believe. Of course I had to walk about 20 minutes through campus to get to Rice Eccles Stadium. It was just about 4pm when I happened upon the GA line. I started to talk to people, so I decided to just stay in the line. This was the only time this leg of the tour that I got in the GA line and did not wait for U2 to arrive. I met Jason, who I had been talking with on Twitter. We met up at a few more shows along the tour, like Nashville and Minneapolis. Once inside, I went to Adam’s side of the inner circle, but by 7pm it was so crowded I couldn’t even get into my pocket to take out my camera. I decided to move. I walked around the stadium while The Fray played. I went into the stands to get a drink. I ran into Mike again and my old Elevation friends Matt and Melissa. I went over to Edge’s side of the inner circle to watch U2 walk in and then went back over to Adam’s side to watch the show. During Walk On, I went to soundboard and watched the rest of the show from there. This is was the only show I didn’t watch U2 leave the stage from the back. I didn’t get any Larry love in Salt Lake City – no smiles, nods or waves.

U2 360 Salt Lake City 5.24.11

the long walk to the stadium

the only time i stood in the ga line - got in at 4pm

very crowded inner circle in SLC

beautiful salt lake city mountains behind the 360 stage

This was a good show, but the audience still wasn’t that into it – not like I remember from 2009. Maybe people are just more mellow in Denver and Salt Lake City. U2 entered and it was still light out – first time I have experienced this. It was very cool. During the opener Even Better Than the Real Thing, Bono says ‘beautiful Utah!’ Bono says, ‘Bass and Drums!’ during Until the End of the World as he did at a few shows – this really excites me! Bono really didn’t do band introductions, he just talked about how a lot had changed since 2009 with Adam becoming a father and Larry acting in a movie. Then goes on to make fun of Larry saying he is going to star in a Billy Idol biopic this summer – after Billy cleaned up. Larry really thought this was funny and cracked up. I really miss I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. I like All I Want is You and was excited to hear it in Denver because I hadn’t heard it in a while, but it is no replacement for Still Haven’t Found. All I Want is You is a love song, not an uplifting song like Still Haven’t Found – just not a good trade. The highlight of this show by far was Love Rescue Me, even if it was only a few lines. I cried, but luckily I had the presence of mind to video it. Love Rescue Me is my second favorite songs from my second favorite album Rattle and Hum, and I had never heard it before. It was Bob Dylan’s birthday, which is why they played it and after we sang Happy Birthday to Bob Dylan. Bono again brought up the ‘three sisters’ to read the peom before Beautiful Day. He commented how they have been on the road with U2 seeing 10 shows. Big deal! I have seen 59 U2 shows in the past 19 years and was on the road for 2 ½ months to see 16 more with U2. It’s fine, I got my recognition later. During I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight, Bono says ‘Salt Lake City on a Tuesday night I know where we can take this,’ and snippets Discotheque and Mofo (instead of Please). Bono introduced the band after Moment of Surrender just before they left the stage.

Adam in the daylight

Until the End of the World

Larry looking at me? haha

the Claw in SLC

The set list for U2 360 in Salt Lake City on May 24, 2011 was as follows: Even Better Than the Real Thing, I Will Follow, Get on Your Boots, Magnificent remix, Mysterious Ways, Elevation, Until the End of the World, All I Want is You / Love Rescue Me / Happy Birthday, Stay, Beautiful Day / Here Comes the Sun, Pride, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I’ll Go Crazy / Discotheque / Mofo, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On / You’ll Never Walk Alone, One, Blowin in the Wind / The Times They Are a Changin / Where the Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender.

Please watch my video of the U2 360 show in Salt Lake City

Please click here to see all of my pictures from the U2 360 show in Salt Lake City

Day 12 – May 25

The day after the U2 show in Salt Lake City, we toured around Temple Square. We parked at the Joseph Smith Building, which reminded me a lot of The Peabody in Memphis. Joseph Smith started the Mormon church. Right next to the Joseph Smith building was the Brigham Young statue. Brigham Young brought the Mormon church to Salt Lake City after Joseph Smith was killed. We went through the south visitor center where I learned all of this. There was a model of the Temple, since we weren’t allowed inside the actual Temple. We went to Assembly Hall, which is a small church. We saw the Christest statue in the north visitor center. We attended the Tabernacle Organ Recital, which was really beautiful. We went on top of the building where there was a huge garden that overlooked the city and even had a waterfall down the front of the building. Then we went back to the Joseph Smith building and had lunch at the Garden Café on the 10^thfloor. It was nice to see all the sights at Temple Square in Salt Lake city, but it wasn’t anything too exciting. But Salt Lake City had some of the most beautiful views – everywhere you looked snowcapped mountains. Simply beautiful! After our tiring day, we just went back to our hotel and relaxed after getting some groceries at Whole Foods. I got pizza to try to start up my pizza in every city quest.

Brigham Young statue

beautiful view from the rooftop garden

The Temple

Please watch my video of Day 12 in Temple Square

Please click here to see all my pictures from Salt Lake City

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U2 360 DENVER 5.21.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Larry Mullen, U2 with tags 360 Tour, Broncos, Denver, Invesco Field at Mile High, Larry Mullen, On the Road with U2, Red Rocks, The Fray, U2 on August 30, 2011 by DeenasDays

Day 8 – May 21 – U2 360 #1 Denver

I woke up at 8am and looked out my hotel window to see the GA line. I went to the hotel restaurant to use their WiFi to upload videos and then took lunch back to my room. I walked Elvis and Cilla over to the GA line to hang out for a bit. I saw my old Elevation friends Dan, Alice, Khelia, Babette, the twins and Barbara. I also met some folks from Facebook and Twitter, like Christie, with whom I had been talking. Then I went back to the room and rested for a while.

GA line at 8am from my hotel room

me, Elvis, Cilla at the GA line

I went back over to the stadium around 4pm to wait for U2 to arrive. As I walked up the hill, the wind almost blew my hat off. It got really cold, so I bought a U2 hoodie. Thank goodness I did because I would wear that sweatshirt at the next 5 shows. Bono and Edge arrived after 5:30. They stopped and signed, but there were too many people for me to get close to them. Besides, I saw a car waiting down the drive, and I knew it was Larry. It was, but he didn’t stop or even roll down the window and wave – this was to be my fate for the next 15 shows. I walked in the GA entrance after 6pm – no line, no stress. I was heading to Adam’s side of the inner circle as was my habit in ’09, but I saw my oldest U2 friend from high school Mike, and we decided to go over to Edge’s side. It was great to be at Invesco Field at Mile High where my beloved Denver Broncos play football. Local band The Fray opened, but I didn’t really care for them.

U2 360 Denver 5.21.11

U2 at Mile High

the inner circle

I went behind the stage to wait for U2 to walk in, as I would do for all the shows. In 2009, U2 walked up the stairs to the stage, but now they walked beside the stairs on Edge’s side and underneath the stage. So I was very close to them as they walked by. I yelled for Larry, as I would do for all the shows, and he looked at me, smiled and nodded. I almost cried. Little did I know what more was to come in the next 2 1/2 months. I followed Larry around, as I would do for all the shows, when he turned around during Mysterious Ways and Sunday Bloody Sunday and then when he walked around for I’ll Go Crazy. Larry also smiled and nodded at me during I’ll Go Crazyand when he was leaving stage when I called out his name. It was nice to be able to move around rather than stuck to one spot as I had been in 2009 and past tours. And surprisingly Bono and Edge came behind the stage quite a bit.

Larry right after he looked into my eyes, nodded and smiled at me

Bono enters

LET ME IN THE SOUND

Mysterious Ways

The Edge

Bono

Zooropa

Larry in black leather jacket City of Blinding Lights

Larry I

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Where the Streets Have No Name

Goodnight Denver!

It was a great show, but I was surprised that the audience wasn’t that into it. I thought they would be crazy since it was the first show in the US, and I thought Broncos fans were loud – maybe Broncos fans aren’t U2 fans. Tim Tebow was at the show. I didn’t see him, but Bono said he was ‘in the house.’ It was a great set list, except my favorite song I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For was left out. But I was SO excited to hear Pride back in the set list, so much so that I think it has to be put back into my top five favorite U2 songs. My over excited reaction even surprised me. I heard Zooropa and Scarlet for the first time ever. During the opener Even Better Than the Real Thing, Bono says, ‘One Mile,’ for the Mile High city of Denver. I love the beginning of this song and the show with Larry banging those drums! U2 tries a remix of Magnificent with samples of Bishop Tutu and what sounds like a gospel choir. Bono says, ‘it’s in development.’ During Mysterious Ways, Larry and his drum kit turn around and face the back and Bono says, ‘Mile High Colorado.’ I like this song so much better live, especially with the ‘Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!’ at the beginning. During Until the End of the World, Bono gives a little end of the world speech because that night May 21, 2011 was supposed to be the end of the world. Bono said he would be alright as long as Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton and the Edge were with him. Me too Bono, me too. During the band introductions, Bono says, ‘Part terminator, part Duracell bunny. On the drums, Larry Mullen Jr!’ Before Beautiful Day, Bono brought up three sisters wearing ‘Larry Mullen Band’ shirts and they read a poem. This sort of bugged me because I know those girls didn’t have those shirts 10 years ago when Paola made ours. At the end of the poem, Bono said, ‘I’m in the Larry Mullen Band.’ At the end of Beautiful Day, Bono says,’Rocky Mountain! Colorado!’ and then sings a bit of Here Comes the Sun. During Zooropa and City of Blinding Lights, U2 wore these black jackets, except Adam’s was white, that lit up. It was really cool and Larry looked hot in his black leather jacket, like he was right out of the 1950s. As if he needs to look any hotter?! After the shock wore off from being so close to Larry during the beginning of I’ll Go Crazy and he was out of my reach, I was very excited to hear snippets of Discoteque and Please. During Sunday Bloody Sunday, Larry and his drum kit again turn to face the back and Bono says, ‘Where’s Red Rocks? Right here.’ Before Moment of Surrender, Bono introduces Dallas and makes him take a bow.

The set list for the first show in the US on the last leg of the 360 tour was Even Better Than the Real Thing, I Will Follow, Get on Your Boots, Magnificent remix, Mysterious Ways, Elevation, Until the End of the World, All I Want is You, Stay, Beautiful Day / Here comes the Sun, Pride, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight / Discotheque / Please, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On / You’ll Never Walk Alone, One / Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, Where the Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender.

the Claw in Denver

Please watch my video of the U2 360 show in Denver.

Day 9 – May 22

I didn’t get much sleep the night after my first U2 show – not surprising. I went up to the hotel restaurant and had breakfast, blogged and uploaded my videos and pictures. Then I drove into downtown Denver to pick up Mom and Aunt Pauline to go to Red Rocks. I had been once before back in 1998 when I visited Denver, but I just went to the ampitheatre. I didn’t know about the musuem, visitor’s center and gift shop. So this time we visited everything. We didn’t walk down to the stage though, just stood up top and looked down. It’s so beautiful at Red Rocks. It would have been amazing to have been there on June 5, 1983 when U2 played, but I was only 10 and didn’t even know who they were. I again got a magnet and tee shirt for souvenirs. No books this time. I couldn’t find any. On our way back from Red Rocks, we stopped in the little town of Morrison and had lunch at TNT. It was a cute little town along a stream with lots of motorcycles.

Red Rocks park in Denver

U2 at Red Rocks

Red Rocks

Please watch my video from Day 9 at Red Rocks in Denver

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One Month After U2 360

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Bono, Larry Mullen, U2 with tags 360 Tour, Anaheim, Bono, Chicago, Larry Mullen, Minneapolis, Nashville, Oakland, On the Road with U2, Pittsburgh, Seattle, U2 on August 26, 2011 by DeenasDays

One month ago tonight my musical journey on the U2 360 tour came to an end, and I finally found what I was looking for. After driving over 18,000 miles through 31 states to attend all 16 U2 shows in the US wearing my ‘Larry Mullen Band’ shirt to each one, Larry hugged me on his way the stage at the last US show in Pittsburgh July 26, 2011. It was a moment I will never forget.

My 3 months on the road with U2 were filled with many great moments. My best memories are visiting Mount Rushmore, meeting Beth in Denver and becoming great friends, crying when I heard ‘Love Rescue Me’ for the first time at the Salt Lake City show, talking with Bono before the show in Seattle about meeting Larry then Larry shaking my hand after leaving the stage in Seattle, meeting Chuck in Seattle and becoming great friends, talking with Bono before the show in Oakland about meeting Larry, hearing Larry sing at the Oakland show, visiting Palm Springs, opening the show with 5 straight songs from ‘Achtung Baby’ and crying when I heard ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ for the first time this leg at the second show in Anaheim, screaming so loud when I saw Larry take off his shirt on the way to his car then getting the set list in Baltimore, seeing Larry (and the rest of the boys) arrive and get out of their cars in Nashville and then hearing ‘The Wanderer’ for the first time, visiting Johnny Cash’ grave, shaking Edge’s hand before the show in Chicago then hearing ‘Out of Control’ for the first time this leg and ‘One Tree Hill’ for the first time ever, visiting Milwaukee, seeing the U2 show in Philly with my old Elevation friends Jenny, Paola and Gina and with my new friend Natasha, the recognition on both Larry’s and Bono’s faces when they saw me as they walked to the stage in St Louis and then Bono’s ‘shout out’ to me during the band introductions, meeting Anisha in New Jersey and becoming great friends, dancing in the rain with Deb and her husband at the show in Minneapolis, the selflessness of my old Elevation friends Matt and Melissa talking with Bono about me meeting Larry in Pittsburgh, watching the show in Pittsburgh with my old Elevation friend Abbey and the show ending with ‘Bad,’ and countless smiles, nods and waves from Larry throughout my 16 shows. But there was no greater moment than Larry walking over to me on his way to the stage in Pittsburgh, not saying a word and wrapping his arms around me at my last U2 show.

Not a lot has happened in the past month since that fateful night in Pittsburgh. I guess it’s taking me longer than I thought it would to get back into the swing of things. After the tour ended, I spent almost 2 weeks at my parents’ house in Maryland before heading back home to Memphis. Since I’ve been home, I went to Elvis Week, I was sick, I have been looking for a job, and I have just started writing my book about my magnificent musical journey on the road with U2. I’m just now starting to feel normal again – whatever that is. In the coming days and weeks, I will post a detailed recap of my entire 3-month road trip on the U2 360 tour.

For some great photos of the U2 360 tour, please go to Tony Chiappetta’s site at http://t.co/yAXyNgd

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After 3 months I’m finally home and my musical journey is really over

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags 360 Tour, book, Denver Broncos, Elvis Presley, Elvis week, Memphis, On the Road with U2, road trip, U2 on August 8, 2011 by DeenasDays

My U2 360 tour ended 2 weeks ago, but it just hit me today that it’s really over. I’m finally home. I drove exactly 18,073 miles through 31 states since I left Memphis May 14th. Since my last U2 show in Pittsburgh, I’ve been hiding out at my parents’ house in Maryland avoiding reality – the reality of finding a job.

The final leg of my journey began Sunday morning just before 10am as I left my parents’ house. I stopped twice and was in Kingston, TN about 9 hours later. This morning I left just before 5:30am est and was back home in Memphis by 10am cst, after making my last travel plaza stop. I’m going to miss eating Subway and Sun Chips and drinking bottles of water, tea and gatorade from my cooler.

I’ve spent today watching tv show season finales from May that I recorded and buying tickets for Fall events: the play Memphis and the Denver Broncos – Tennessee Titans football game in Nashville – yay a road trip! Tomorrow I need to get groceries, do laundry, clean the house and get ready for reality.

Luckily I have another week before reality truly sets in because tomorrow starts Elvis Week, and I have many events to attend, which you can read about on my other blog DeenasDays.com But don’t worry, I am still going to write a detailed recap on my U2 360 tour because many of you said you wanted to read about it again – plus it will help with my book and help get over my post tour blues. Speaking of my book, should I title it On the Road with U2: my musical journey or On the Road with U2: my search for Larry or On the Road with U2: it’s all about drums ?

Happy Birthday Edge!

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Recap of my U2 360 Tour is coming soon

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags 360 Tour, On the Road with U2, U2 on August 4, 2011 by DeenasDays

In the coming days and weeks I will recap my magnificent Musical Journey on the U2 360 Tour – all 18,000 miles and all 16 shows. Please watch my highlight video of my U2 360 tour.

my favorite picture i took from the U2 360 tour

I’ve been at my parents’ house this past week, the week since my U2 360 tour ended, so I haven’t had too much time to myself to thoroughly review my musical journey. I’m leaving to go back home to Memphis soon, then I will sit down and seriously give some thought to my experiences on the U2 360 US Tour. I have my journal and previous blog posts about my road trip, but I also want to listen to the boot legs of the shows I went to – I will have them soon thanks to Shelly. Check back next week as I start to write a complete recap of my road trip across America to all 16 U2 360 shows in the US.

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my Musical Journey ended 1 week ago on the U2 360 tour with a hug from Larry – this is the story of what led up to it

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Larry Mullen with tags 360 Tour, Larry Mullen, musical journey, On the Road with U2, Pittsburgh, U2 on August 2, 2011 by DeenasDays

It was one week ago tonight that my Musical Journey ended with Larry hugging me on his way to the stage of the last show in the US on U2′s 360 tour. I keep replaying it over and over in my head. Larry walked toward me, smiling, jumping down to me, putting his arms around me without saying a word, and hugging me. It seemed like it lasted forever, but after watching videos, it was only a few seconds – but those were some magnificent few seconds! 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

Larry looking over at me as he walks toward the stage

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

Larry jumping down to hug me

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

I had met Larry only once 10 years ago on the Elevation tour in Baltimore. Larry, Bono, Edge and Adam all stopped on their way into the arena to greet the fans who were waiting. When Larry got to me, I said, ‘I don’t have anything for you sign, but can I have a hug?’ Larry hugged me, I cried and that was that.

Larry hugs me 10 years ago on the Elevation tour

Although it was wonderful to be face to face with Larry and have him hug me, I wanted to actually speak with him and get a picture with him. I thought this 360 tour would be my chance since I was driving to all 16 US show, so I arrived at each stadium by 3pm to wait for U2 to arrive. I wore my black Larry Mullen Band shirt and straw cowboy hat to every show. At the first show in Denver, Bono and Edge stopped and met with everyone but there were too many people around for me to get close. For the next show in Salt Lake City I didn’t wait for U2 to arrive because I came across the GA line first and started talking with people, so I just got in line at 4pm.

I arrived to the stadium in Seattle just before 3:30. There were about 20-30 fans waiting who said that Larry already went in, so I was really upset. But they were wrong – can’t believe they didn’t even know what Larry looks like! A few minutes later U2 arrived, including Larry. Bono came back out riding on the back of a policeman’s motorcycle. He was talking with the fans, and I interrupted and shouted, “Is Larry ever coming out to meet the fans?” Bono replied, “He only likes you. I love you. You obviously like that kind of cold stare don’t you?” He continued to talk to others, I walked away, and then Bono shouted, “Where are the Larry Mullen Band people?” I responded, “Right here!” and then pushed my way toward him. Bono asked me, “Do you have a message I can deliver (to Larry)?” So I asked Bono to please ask Larry to come out and greet the fans in Oakland, which was the next show. Bono asked my name and then repeated it back to me. When he got in the golf cart to leave, it looked as if he wrote something down. At the end of the concert, I stood by the tunnel to watch U2 leave. Larry saw me, smiled, walked over, and shook my hand. So maybe Bono did say something to Larry. Please watch my video of talking with Bono about Larry

Chuck, Bono, me

Three days later in Oakland, I arrived at the stadium by 3pm to make sure I didn’t miss Larry arriving because I was sure that Bono would deliver my message and I would finally talk with Larry. U2 arrived and Bono was in the first car as usual and stopped right in front of us. As soon as Bono got out of the car, I pointed at him and then at my Larry Mullen Band shirt and said, “Now Bono…” He put his hands in the air and said, “I tried.” He walked over to us, and I said, “So he’s not coming (referring to Larry)?” Bono said, “I tried.” While he was signing autographs, I told him that it’s ok because I’ll be at other shows. Bono asked me, “What is your name Deah?” I said, “Deena.” He said, “Yes, I remember.” He went on to talk to others. Before he got back into the car to go inside, Bono looked over to me and shouted, “I’ll try again.”

For the next month, U2 did not stop on their way into any stadium in the US. But luckily in Nashville we were able to stand in the parking garage overlooking the area where U2 got out of the cars and went into their dressing rooms in the building next to the stadium. Larry waved to everyone as he walked by.

Larry

A few days later in Chicago, Edge stopped on his way into Soldier Field. I shook Edge’s 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 Edge for coming out to greet us, but I think 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.

the Edge

A week later, Bono came out to greet everyone before the show in Philadelphia, but people were crazy and swarming him so I couldn’t get close enough to see him let alone talk with him. In St Louis a few days later, there were only a few of us waiting for U2 to arrive, but no one stopped to greet us. Larry did wave as he drove by though. Inside the stadium, I stood at the stage to watch U2 walk to the stage (as I did every show), and Larry and Bono noticed me (as they did most shows) and smiled and waved. During the band introductions Bono 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. A few days later Edge stopped on his way into the stadium in New Jersey stopped to greet the fans, but since I had already met him in Chicago I stood back and let others meet him – besides he didn’t seem too interested in delivering a message to Larry for me.

A week later at the final US show in Pittsburgh both 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. My friends 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. I waited on Edge’s side of the inner circle to wait for U2 to enter, as I always do. Brian came over and told me that he was still working on getting me to meet Larry. When U2 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. 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. That was my favorite moment of the U2 360 tour and a perfect ending to my Musical Journey!

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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 360 Tour, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Larry Mullen, memoir, On the Road with U2, road trip, U2 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 360 Tour, Larry Mullen, On the Road with U2, Pittsburgh, U2 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 360 Tour, Bono, Larry Mullen, Minneapolis, On the Road with U2, U2 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 360 Tour, Adam Clayton, Bono, Interpol, Larry Mullen, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, On the Road with U2, The Edge, U2 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 360 Tour, East Rutherford, New Jersey, Ohio, On the Road with U2, road trip, St. Louis, U2 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 360 Tour, Busch Stadium, Larry Mullen, On the Road with U2, St. Louis, The Larry Mullen Band, U2 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 360 Tour, Arch, Drury Plaza Hotel, Indiana, On the Road with U2, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, pizza, St. Louis, U2 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 360 Tour, Bono, Interpol, Larry Mullen, Lincoln Financial Field, On the Road with U2, Philadelphia, U2 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 360 Tour, Festival Pier at Penn's Landing, Hotel Palomare, Kimpton hotels, On the Road with U2, Philadelphia, Shadowplay, Soundgarden, U2 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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On the Road With U2

Archive for the 360 (2011) Category

U2 360 ANAHEIM1 6.17.11

On the Road to ANAHEIM on the U2 360 tour

U2 360 OAKLAND 6.7.11

U2 360 SEATTLE 6.4.11

On the Road to SEATTLE on the U2 360 tour

U2 360 SALT LAKE CITY 5.24.11

U2 360 DENVER 5.21.11

One Month After U2 360

After 3 months I’m finally home and my musical journey is really over

Recap of my U2 360 Tour is coming soon

my Musical Journey ended 1 week ago on the U2 360 tour with a hug from Larry – this is the story of what led up to it

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

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

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

Out of Control in New Jersey U2 360 7.20.11

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

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

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

U2 360 Philadelphia 7.14.11

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

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