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U2 360 NEW JERSEY 7.20.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Concerts, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours with tags 360 Tour, East Rutherford, Larry Mullen, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, On the Road with U2, Out of Control, The Edge, U2 on December 2, 2011 by DeenasDays

DAYS 66&67 – JULY 18&19

After the horrible days I had driving from Miami to Nashville in one day and Philadelphia to St. Louis in one, I decided to break up the drive from St. Louis to New Jersey into 2 days. 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 with lots and lots of cheese), settled into my Motel 6 hotel room, and watched Bono and Edge on Letterman. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much sleep that 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 Homestead Suites hotel across the street from the New Meadowlands stadium.

New Meadowlands Stadium East Rutherford, NJ

DAY 68 – JULY 20 – U2 360 #14 – NEW JERSEY

The U2 360 show in East Rutherford, New Jersey was the longest of the US tour at 2 ½ hours – it included two extra songs. U2 played Out of Control, not instead of I Will Follow but in addition to. They also played both The Fly, in its typical second spot, and Magnificent, after Get on Your Boots which was a first. And as in Philadelphia, it was the original album version of Magnificent, not the remix of the earlier shows. And Edge came out to greet the fans before the show.

U2 360 New Jersey 7.20.11

I finally got a great night’s sleep the night before the U2 show in Jersey and also 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. Then on to my normal show day routine of watching tv, ordering lunch, walking the dogs before going to the stadium. Even though I was at the Homestead Suites across the street from the New Meadowlands Stadium, I couldn’t walk there because of the highway, so luckily the Sheraton next door had a shuttle going over. I thought that would be easier than driving over myself and parking, but I was wrong. It was $20 for one person, since I didn’t want to wait until after 5pm to go over. I had to be there when U2 arrived because I knew the one time I wasn’t there, Larry would stop.

U2 shuttle

I picked up my red zone ticket and wristband and walked around to where everyone was waiting for U2 to arrive. Quite a large crowd had already gathered to wait 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.

The Edge's back

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. I walked around and asked Jerry in security if Larry would stop to sign, but he just smiled and said he didn’t know. I waited forever for Larry to arrive. Not sure why he didn’t arrive with the rest of the band. 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.

Edge greets the fans in New Jersey

For the first time, I had a red zone ticket. It was 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. I ran into Mike, my oldest U2 friend – from The Joshua Tree days in high school. We saw a set list that someone had that said there was going to be an encore of Out of Control, Bad, and 40closing the show, but 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 had Elvis-like sunglasses and said, ‘Thank you very much.’ I liked their first two songs, but then his voice started to get on my nerves.

Interpol

It was pretty exciting to watch U2 walk all the way down the tunnel – usually I just see them walking up to the stage. I could have sworn that when Larry and Adam emerged from the tunnel, they saw me (because I was directly in front of them and don’t really blend in with the crowd) and Larry sort of jokingly hid behind Adam grabbing him as if to say, ‘oh no there she is again!’

here they come!

After U2 walked by, I ran over to the red zone 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. The red zone was more crowded than I thought it would be. I stood two people back from the catwalk and had a side view of the stage, so I could see everything. I still liked my spot behind the stage better though. It’s closer and had 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 red zone was great for I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonightthough. I got to see Adam, Edge and Larry up close.

the (RED) zone

During Even Better Than the Real Thing, Bono said, “Jersey on a hot summer night. Where you going to take us?” Even though St. Louis was way hotter than Jersey, Bono only called St. Louis a ‘warm summer night.’ Bono commented all night how hot it was in New Jersey (not even 90 degrees), even though it was much hotter in St. Louis (110 degrees) a few days earlier. I think he was still overheated from St. Louis. Bono again introduced The Fly as “crowd rock circa 1991.” Bono was really into The Fly – almost angrily screaming the lyrics. At the end of Mysterious Ways, Bono again threw in a little Trying to Throw Your Arms Around the World as he did in Chicago, but a very little this time with “going to run to you run to you run to you.” During Until the End of the World Bono said, “Love and Peace” but no ‘bass and drums.’ Bono again said the most special word of the night was ‘surrender’ during I Will Follow saying, “I surrender. We surrender.” After Magnificent, which was played after Get on Your Bootsfor the first time, Bono said, “Magnificent new stadium. We have played East Rutherford 24 times.” I realize I have been to 9 of those East Rutherford shows.

The Fly

Mysterious Ways

I Will Follow

Magnificent

As he had done at the St. Louis show, Bono read a set list from 30 years ago. Also just like in St. Louis, Bono said, “Some things change but so much remains the same in this band. I’d like to point out that Larry Mullen is still trying to figure out why it’s called U2 and not the Larry Mullen Band. And I think he has a point. We’re very greatful Sir for taking us off the streets of Dublin. Thank you.” But this time no mention indirectly of me. During I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For Bono said, “We want to thank Father Springsteen for the lend of the hall and some other things besides. Thank you Bruce.” Just like at the St. Louis show, Edge spoke before Stay while Bono changed his shirt and then started to play Stuck in a Moment by accident. Too bad, I would rather hear Stuck than Stay. During Elevation Bono said, “So hot tonight I feel like I could die.” After Pride, the audience kept singing the “oh oh oh ohs” for quite some time and Bono said, “Noisy New Jersey.” Before Miss SarajevoBono said, “If you’re Irish, this is really hot.”

City of Blinding Lights

Vertigo

I'll Go Crazy

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 closer to 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 security run after him, but couldn’t see what happened. It figures one of the few shows I’m not on Edge’s side that happened. After Walk On Bono said, “Oh my God New Jersey thank you!” During With or Without You, I walked back to the tunnel to wait for U2 to leave. Paul McGuinness was standing behind me watching the show. Bono said, “Feeling a little faint earlier. I hope you don’t mind. It’s hot here!” Bono dedicated Moment of Surrender to the E Street Band and Bruce. After Moment of Surrender, U2 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, since some folks had left I was able to stand up front at the side of the stage. It was SO great! Please watch my video of an overview of the U2 360 show in New Jersey.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Where the Streets Have No Name

Out of Control

After Out of Control, I went back to the stairs to watch U2 walk off stage and then I 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 Springsteen, but I didn’t think it looked like him. I had to wait over an hour to catch the shuttle back to my hotel after the show. The entire parking lot was almost empty before we got on the shuttle back to the hotel. It figured that the longest show of the US tour coupled with an unfortunate late shuttle happened the night before I had to get up and drive halfway to Minneapolis for the next U2 show.

Goodnight New Jersey

The set list for the U2 360 show in New Jersey was as follows: Even Better Than The Real Thing, The Fly, Mysterious Ways, Until the End of the World / Anthem, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For / Promised Land, Stay / In the Wee Small Hours, Beautiful Day / Space Oddity, Elevation, Pride, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I’ll Go Crazy / Discotheque / Psycho Killer / Life During Wartime, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On, One, Hallelujah / Where the Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender / Jungleland, Out of Control.

After the New Jersey show, I didn’t feel like it was that great of a show. I remember being really excited for Out of Control of course, but just thought it was the typical U2 show – nothing particularly extraordinary. But after listening to the bootleg, that U2 360 show in New Jersey was really good. U2 really did end with four fantastic shows in the US – St. Louis, New Jersey, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh.

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

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), The Edge, U2 with tags 360 Tour, Chicago, John Cusack, On the Road with U2, One Tree Hill, Out of Control, The Edge, U2 on July 6, 2011 by DeenasDays

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

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

waiting for the band

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

shaking hands with The Edge in Chicago

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

U2 enters Soldier Field

LARRY!

Bono!

Please watch my video of U2 entering Soldier Field

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

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

Adam and Bono head to head during Boots

Larry and Bono LET ME IN THE SOUND

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

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

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

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

Larry I'll Go Crazy

Streets

Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me in the rain

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

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

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

mass exit from Soldier Field

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

Chicago 4th of July

lunch at the Purple Pig

the Chicago river

the Bean

fountain in Millenium Park

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

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360 in Las Vegas 2009

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Adam Clayton, Bono, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags 360 Tour, Adam Clayton, BEP, Black Eyed Peas, Bono, Elvis Presley, Freemont Street, Joe Espisito, Larry Mullen, Las Vegas, On the Road with U2, Red Rock Casino, The Edge, U2 on March 22, 2011 by DeenasDays

Friday October 23, 2009 – U2 Las Vegas

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

view from our room at Red Rock casino

U2 360 in Vegas

U2 arrives in Vegas

Bono stops to chat

U2 360 Las Vegas 10.23.09

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

our view at the rail

BEP in Vegas

HEY HEY HEY!

Get on Your Boots

Larry Mullen Jr right behind you

Adam

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

Larry Sunday Bloody Sunday

Bono Sunday Bloody Sunday

Larry and Bono Sunday Bloody Sunday

Moment of Surrender

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

Saturday October 24, 2009

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

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

didn't even know about this downtown vegas sign

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

Joe Espisito

talking with Joe while he autographs his book

thank you Joe!

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

Sunday October 25, 2009

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

the 2nd happiest place on earth

Happy Days slots!

love the flamingo!

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

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360 in Oklahoma 2009

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2009), Adam Clayton, Bono, Concerts, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags 360 Tour, Adam Clayton, Barry Sanders, Beautiful Day, Black Eyed Peas, Bono, Garth Brooks, I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight, In a Little While, Larry Mullen, Norman, Oklahoma State University, On the Road with U2, Orange Parade, Paul McGuinness, Robin Ventura, Stillwater, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Tasha Hindman, The Edge, U2, University of Oklahoma, Unknown Caller, Until the End of the World on March 21, 2011 by DeenasDays

Friday October 16, 2009

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

Saturday October 17, 2009

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

OSU Sea of Orange Parade

the parade begins

Tasha and Robin

Garth Brooks, Barry Sanders, Robin Ventura

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

The Claw in Norman

Sunday October 18, 2009 – U2 Norman

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

U2 360 Norman 10.18.09

U2 OKU parking pass

U2 arrive in Norman

true 360 stage in Norman (not my pic)

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

our view from inside oklahoma memorial stadium

Black Eyed Peas open

Tasha and Paul McGuinness

LET ME IN THE SOUND!

Bono up and down

Tasha taking Adam's picture

Beautiful Day

Bono

Unknown Caller is back!

Bono between Adam's legs

Bono kisses Adam

Until the End of the World

right after Larry smiled, nodded and waved at me

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Yay!

Goodbye Norman

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

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360 in Maryland / DC 2009

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

Saturday September 26, 2009

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

Sunday September 27, 2009

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

Monday September 28, 2009

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

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

U2 360 DC 9.29.09

the redzone line at 4pm

my view from the front rail

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

Edge, Bono and Adam in DC

LET ME IN THE SOUND!

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

Larry right after he smiled at me

Edge and Bono

is adam a bit confused?

Edge and Larry rock out

Bono finds a friend

sunday bloody sunday

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

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

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the End of Elevation – Tampa & Miami December 1-2, 2001

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Adam Clayton, Bono, Concerts, Elevation, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags Adam Clayton, Bono, Elevation, Florida, Garbage, Larry Mullen, Miami, On the Road with U2, Shirley Manson, Tampa, The Edge, U2 on February 25, 2011 by DeenasDays

December 4, 2001 – the final elevation shows in Tampa and Miami

The glorious Elevation Tour has come to an end. Very sad, but what an amazing time we had!

Tasha, Jenny and Paola came over Thursday night, and we watched U2 stuff until about 1am. We left Friday morning December 1st at 5am, flew to Tampa, and arrived around 11am. Our hotel was absolutely beautiful and right next to the Ice Palace. We had lunch outside on the water at this nice restaurant. We got into the GA line around 1:30pm. We were numbers 6, 7, 8, and 9. We ran into some people we knew like Anna and Melissa. We had pizza for dinner in the GA line. We got silly around midnight. We slept on and off outside and in the hotel. The U2 trucks came in around 7am. We had a nice buffet breakfast at the hotel. We didn’t try to meet the band because we weren’t allowed to leave the GA line after we got our wristbands. But we heard that Bono and Edge stopped around 6:30, so I least I didn’t miss Larry.

U2 Elevation Tampa 12.1.01

Tasha, me, Jenny, Paola in Tampa GA line

Even though we were at the front of the line, it got chaotic with people running and pushing, but somehow we got right up at the rail between Bono and Adam – a bit closer to Bono than we were for Providence2. From left to right, it was Jenny, me, Paola, Tasha. Paola and I wore our ‘Larry Mullen Band’ shirts, Tasha wore her ‘Adam Clayton Band’ shirt, and Jenny wore her MLK Pride shirt. Garbage opened and during their set, Shirley Manson looked at us and said something like ‘We have some fans of the Larry Mullen Band here. What else does your shirt say? It’s All About Drums. Yes, it is.’ That was very cool. When U2 came out, I tried to make eye contact with Larry. Paola had a sign to get a drumstick. Larry walked over and gave her one. I don’t really remember it, which is weird but Tasha took a picture of Larry leaning over as he’s handing the drumstick to Paola.

Garbage opens in Tampa

Larry giving Paola his drumstick

Bono wearing a way too small NY tee a fan gave him

The show in Tampa December 1, 2001 was SO amazing! I was just REALLY into it! U2 played Angel of Harlem instead of Wild Honey, which was great. They played all of Peace on Earth for the first time. They played My Sweet Lord in honor of the passing of George Harrison a few days earlier. It was very touching. They played Wild Horses during Bad! I liked the Tampa show as much as the Baltimore show. It just had an amazing energy!

We headed to Miami immediately after the Tampa show. After a long time at Denny’s, we arrived at American Airlines Arena just before 5am. We were numbers 108, 109, 110, and 111 in the GA line. We slept in the car until about 9am. We hung out with some folks like Claudia and Kathleen and then checked into our ghetto hotel. We showered, got our pictures developed, got lunch, and checked back into line. Then we went over to this cool Irish pub in South Beach to pick up our ETS tickets. We got tee shirts with 12.2.01 Miami and an Elevation picture on the back, as well as a poster with the 3^rd leg cities on it. We checked back in the line to get our wristbands and then went over to wait for U2 to arrive. A limo drove in around 4:30 and supposedly it was Larry, but I couldn’t tell who it was. We waited until just before 6, but no one else ever came arrived. We found out later U2 came in around 7, but didn’t stop so we didn’t miss anything.

U2 Elevation Miami 12.2.01

sleeping in the car in Miami

We ended up one person back from the rail in front of Adam. We were pretty far to the right – just 3 people from the end of the rail. Garbage again opened. Before their last song, Shirley said their drummer was fired and he left. All of a sudden, I see Sammy dart out to the drum kit. Then Larry walks out on stage in a navy blue shirt – a new shirt! He played the drums to ‘Only Happy When it Rains,’ which is now my favorite Garbage song. He was so into it and so happy. When he walked out onto the stage, I put my hand on Tasha’s shoulder to stabilize yself, since we weren’t at the rail, so I could jump and down. My heart was pounding so fast! I was SO excited!

Larry plays drums with Garbage (shirley autographed this pic later)

Larry is Only Happy When It Rains

now on to U2

This Miami show on December 2, 2001 was awesome! I got to hear ‘In God’s Country’ for the first time ever!!! Bono played the harmonica at the end of it. Ahhh! U2 played Mysterious Ways, which was the first time I heard it on this leg. They played Wild Horses and My Sweet Lord again. Matt was pulled up on stage to play Knockin on Heaven’s Door with the band. Dan was pulled up again during Stuck in a Moment. And Tasha finally had her concert moment with Adam. She was wearing her bright orange PopTart shirt, and Paola had a sign that read, ‘PopTart needs a pick’ with an arrow pointing to Tasha. So after Pride, Adam reached out to give Tasha his pick. We he gave it to her, he squeezed her hand. I broke down crying during the show. I started crying during Streets, all through Still Haven’t Found and into Pride. It just hit me that this was the last show, plus I was exhausted.

Matt plays with Bono and Edge

Dan and Bono

Larry and Bono in Miami

Adam and Edge in Miami

the End of Elevation

After the show, we hung out with everyone outside the arena: Ayaz, Dan, Mike, Dan, Anna, Ruth, Alice, Gabriella, Khelia. U2 had already left, so we just watched the trucks pull out.

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Elevation Philadelphia 11.2.01

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Adam Clayton, Bono, Concerts, Elevation, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags Adam Clayton, Bono, Elevation, Larry Mullen, On the Road with U2, The Edge, U2 on February 24, 2011 by DeenasDays

November 2, 2001 Philadelphia, PA

I drove down from Providence Thursday and arrived in Philadelphia around 4:30pm the day before the show. I was number 21 in the GA line. Tasha and I went to a diner for dinner, then got our pictures developed from Providence and got some snacks for the GA line. By 9:30pm everyone had arrived at First Union Center – Kate, Cathy, Jennifer, Paola, Valerie, Abbey. We ended up sleeping in my car (Tasha and I) for about 3 hours. Laura was nice enough to lend us her shower. Dan, Jenny, Ayaz showed up in the morning. It was the most organized GA line ever. It was fun and relaxing and warm. Just a Beautiful Day all around.

U2 Elevation Philly 11.2.01

We got at the rail in front of Adam. We wanted to be a little more center, but we were fine. Stereophonics opened. Tasha wore her ‘Adam Clayton Band’ shirt, and I of course wore my ‘Larry Mullen Band’ shirt. We showed Sammy and Stu. Sammy seemed very excited. I held up my ‘Larry thanks for the drink’ sign as U2 walked on stage. Larry saw it and gave me the Fonzie thumbs up with a smile. The set list was pretty much the same except they played Out of Control and Peace on Earth. Of course I went nuts when Bono introduced Larry during Out of Control. At the end of the show when they were all waving, Larry looked at me, smiled and nodded.

Bono, Edge, Adam in Philly

We all met out front after the show and took a group picture. We tried waiting for the band, but they had already left. Me, Tasha, Paola, Jennifer and Ayaz went to IHOP and spent the night at Tasha’s.

the Elevation crew

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Larry’s 40th Birthday – Elevation Providence October 30-31, 2001

Posted in Concerts, Larry Mullen, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Tours, Elevation, U2, 'On the Road with U2' with tags U2, Larry Mullen, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Elevation, On the Road with U2, Providence, Dunkin Donuts Center, The Larry Mullen Band on February 23, 2011 by DeenasDays

October 30, 2001 Providence 1

I drove up to Providence Monday morning after the Jersey show. I got in the GA line at Dunkin Donuts Center around 3:30pm the day before the show and was number 12 in line. It was a pretty chill line. I went up to my hotel room around 9pm to eat and watch tv. I went back down to the GA line for a little bit until 11:30 when Gabriella, Alice, Khelia, Ruth and I went back to my room to watch U2 on David Letterman. U2 played New York and Stuck in a Moment, then Bono was interviewed. I slept in my room until about 5:30am and then got back into the GA line. Paola flew in around noon. We hung out in line and then went to the mall for some food. We waited for the band to arrive, but they didn’t arrive until after 6pm.

U2 Elevation Providence1 10.30.01

Because of a slow wristband-er, I didn’t quite get the spot at the rail that I wanted. I ended up a bit too far to the right, but I was right in front of Adam. Paola was excited because it was her first time inside the heart up front at the rail. Stereophonics opened. During Out of Control when Bono introduced Larry, I went nuts screaming and jumping up and down. The security guard John motioned to me, then said something to one of the other guards. A bit later, John came over to read my shirt – ‘The Larry Mullen Band. It’s All About Drums.’ He smiled and gave me the set list. The only difference to this set list was When Will I see You Again was played before Walk On. After the show, we got in the GA line for the next night because it was Larry’s 40^th Birthday show. I was number 7 in line. Tasha had driven up and met us after the show. We got some food, then Tasha slept in the hotel while Paola and I slept outside in line.

Bono in Providence

U2 in Providence

Elevation Providence1 set list 10.30.01

October 31, 2001 Providence 2 Larry’s 40^th Birthday

This was the best show ever! There will never be another one like it! I woke up outside around 8am – pretty good sleeping outside in 30 degrees for 5 hours. I went up to the warm hotel room until about 10am, then had some breakfast. I stayed in the GA line all day without leaving, except to take a shower around 3:30. I got everyone in the GA line to sign the big orange birthday card I made for Larry. I put my name and email address on the back just in case. The band didn’t arrive until after we were inside. Me, Tasha and Paola wore our Larry Mullen Band shirts. We got our spots at the rail up front and center between Bono and Adam. I held up my birthday card for Larry as they walked on stage, but he didn’t notice it. There were many, many signs including one saying, ‘Bono let Larry sing.’ During Elevation, Bono sang, ‘ Celebration’ then said, ‘Happy Birthday.’

U2 Elevation Providence2 10.31.01

After Stuck in a Moment, Larry’s 40^th birthday celebration began. We sang Happy Birthday to Larry. A birthday cake was brought out and Larry pretended to throw it out into the audience. Larry took the mic and came to the front to talk while Bono sat behind the drums. Larry said, ‘Bono couldn’t play drums. It took me 40 years to get up front. I’m glad I’m spending my birthday with 18,000 of my closest friends. I feel like I could borrow money from you.’ Then Bono asked for a bottle of champagne, which he shook up a la ZooTV and sprayed the audience. Edge took a swig, then Larry drank and continued to drink for the next few songs. After Kite, Larry got off the drums and made a B line for me. I got my card and shirt in hand so I could give it to him, but that’s not why he was there. He gave me the champagne bottle – with champagne still in it. I drank some and shared it with Paola and Tasha. Larry wanted to share his birthday with ME! He wanted ME to have a drink on his birthday. I was SO excited I didn’t even know they played Wild Honey. I thought it was Staring at the Sun. I didn’t really come around until Please. After Pride, Larry came back over to me so I could give him the birthday card and Elvis tee shirt. I said, ‘Thank you. Happy Birthday.’ He smiled and said, ‘Thank You.’ He looked into my eyes, just like he had in Jersey. Then Paola gave Larry her Larry scrapbook, which contains the picture of him hugging me. Later on, Bono noticed our shirts, shook his head and smiled. Before leaving the stage Larry took Michelle’s Elvis sunglasses with sideburns and put them on. I was so elated after the show – walking around hugging the champagne bottle. I told my story on video for this women making a U2 GA documentary. I’m sure I made a fool of myself, but I was just VERY excited. Paola, Tasha and I went up to our warm, comfortable hotel room, ordered pizza, watched tv and went to sleep. What an amazing Larry night!

Larry in Providence

Bono and Larry in Providence

Larry's birthday cake

Bono plays the drums

the champagne

Larry drinks the champagne

right after Larry gives me the champagne

Larry loves me - haha

Larry taking birthday card and elvis tee

Yay Larry!

Me with Larry's champagne bottle after the show

Providence 2 set list 10.31.01: Elevation, Beautiful Day, Until the End of the World, New Year’s Day, I Will Follow, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Stuck in a Moment, Happy Birthday Larry, Party Girl, Slow Dancing, Kite, Wild Honey, Please, Bad / 40, Where the Streets Have No Name, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Pride, Bullet the Blue Sky, What’s Going On, New York, One, When Will I See You Again, Walk On

This Providence 2 was my favorite U2 show, not only on the Elevation tour, but favorite U2 show ever. I doubt there will ever be another night like it. Granted it was Larry’s 40th Birthday, and I love Larry. But also for the rarities U2 played that night. Slow Dancing was played for the first time on Elevation, and only the 11th time ever. Party Girl and Wild Honey were played for the first time on that leg of Elevation – and I’ve only heard those songs a couple of times ever. Apparently I was so enamored of my night of Larry moments that I forgot to write about the rare set list in my journal that night. I have still have that champagne bottle on my shelf, along with Larry’s drumstick he gave me in Jersey.

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Elevation New Jersey 10.28.01

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Adam Clayton, Bono, Elevation, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags Adam Clayton, Bono, Elevation, Larry Mullen, New Jersey, On the Road with U2, The Edge, U2 on February 22, 2011 by DeenasDays

October 28, 2001 East Rutherford, New Jersey

Tasha, Paola and I went to the Continental Airlines Arena right after the New York 3 show. This was to be Paola’s first GA show. We got our numbers (I was 46) and went back to our hotel to sleep. We were back in the GA line at 7am. It was the most relaxing GA line – a nice change of pace from the NY shows. We went to wait for the band to arrive from 3:00 to 5:15, but they never came. There was chaos when we returned to the GA line. The idiot security people opened up 3 gates, so those of us who had been waiting all day were right next to people who had just arrived. And all 3 of these lines were to go through one door. Sensing severe danger, Tasha, Kate and I decided to get out of ‘line’ and go back to wait for the band to come in and go into the show later. Unfortunately we missed Bono and Edge by about 10 minutes. But we did arrive in time for Paul McGuinness, but he was too mobbed to talk to. We went into the show after 7, leisurely went to the bathroom, got a snack, and watched the show from the soundboard. It was surprisingly close. Not a bad view at all. Stereophonics opened. U2 played All I Want is You instead of Bad. Jersey wasn’t as good to me this time around.

U2 Elevation Jersey 10.28.01

Bono kisses Adam in Jersey

U2 says Goodbye to Jersey

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Elevation New York October 24, 25, 27, 2001

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Adam Clayton, Bono, Concerts, Elevation, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags Adam Clayton, Bono, Elevation, FDNY, Garbage, Larry Mullen, Madison Square Garden, New York City, No Doubt, On the Road with U2, Stereophonics, The Edge, U2 on February 21, 2011 by DeenasDays

October 24, 2001 New York City 1 at Madison Square Garden

Tasha and I arrived in New York City at Madison Square Garden at 5:15am. We were 39 & 40 in the GA line. For whatever reason, I was VERY excited to see Macy’s a block away and then I noticed the Empire State Building. Around 9am, we saw Sammy and Dallas come in. We saw a lot of familiar faces. We made a new friend in Babette. After a stressful GA line procedure, we managed to get great spots at the rail between Bono and Adam. Garbage opened. NY1 rivaled the Baltimore show, but not quite as good. Same set list, except U2 played Bad instead of Please. I had a great Larry moment! During Kite, the spotlight wasn’t on Larry yet. When it finally came on, I screamed, clapped, jumped and down. He looked at me, nodded and smiled. Our friend Dan got pulled up on stage during Stuck in a Moment. Our friend Ruth got pulled up on stage and played guitar and sang Knockin on Heaven’s Door with U2. All the policemen and firemen who died on 9/11 were listed on the screens during One. We hung out a bit with everyone after the show, then Tasha and I took the train back to Princeton, then drove back to Tasha’s place in Philadelphia.

U2 Elevation NYC 10.24.01

Tasha & I at U2 at the Garden

October 25, 2001 New York City 2 at Madison Square Garden

Tasha and I had seats for NY2, which was quite relaxing but we realized that being in the GA line was half of the fun. We got to MSG early to buy tee shirts, programs and eat dinner. Our seats were behind/side stage between Adam and Larry. No Doubt opened. The set list was actually a little different. U2 played I Will Follow instead of Out of Control, Stay instead of Staring at the Sun, and Unchained Melody instead of Peace on Earth. We again took the train back to Princeton and then drove back to Tasha’s in Philadelphia.

U2 Elevation NYC 10.25.01

Adam, Edge, Larry at the Garden

Bono at the Garden

my Elevation 3rd leg tee (front)

my Elevation 3rd leg tee (back)

my Elevation tour hat

October 27, 2001 New York City 3 at Madison Square Garden

Tasha and I drove up to Jersey Friday night. We went to our hotel while Jenny, Kate, Jennifer and Valerie got in the GA line. Tasha and I slept then took the bus into New York City in the morning arriving at MSG around 7am. This GA line was even more stressful then Wednesday’s, but somehow we ended up at the rail in front of Adam. Stereophonics opened. The set list was pretty much the same, except U2 played Please acoustic as well as Bad. The highlight of the night was when Bono pulled Jenny up at the tip of the heart during New York and kissed her on the lips. It was great because she’s been a U2 fan since 1981 and nothing like that has ever happened to her. But the truly inspiring part of the night was during Walk On when Bono had the FDNY come on stage. They shook hands, the firefighters spoke, Bono sang with his firefighter hat and FDNY shirt on. After Walk On, the firefighters spoke and kept speaking after U2 left the stage. Then U2 came back out and played Out of Control with the firefighters on stage. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Absolutely moving!

U2 Elevation NYC 10.27.01

Pride (in the name of Love)

Bono at the Garden

Larry and Adam at the Garden

Bono and FDNY

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The Day I Met Larry – Elevation Baltimore 10.19.01

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Adam Clayton, Bono, Concerts, Elevation, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags Adam Clayton, Baltimore, Bono, Elevation, Larry Mullen, On the Road with U2, The Edge, U2 on February 18, 2011 by DeenasDays

Sunday October 21, 2001 Baltimore, MD

I started the third leg of the Elevation Tour in my hometown of Baltimore, and am going to the next 7 shows. The U2 show at the Baltimore Arena on October 19, 2001 was absolutely amazing! The best I’ve seen out of ZooTv, Popmart and the first leg of Elevation! Our adventure started Thursday when me, Jennifer, John, Tasha, Dan and Jenny met downtown for dinner to celebrate Tasha’s birthday. After, we drove by the arena to check out the GA line. There were already about 50 people in line at 10:30pm. Jenny and Dan got in line while the rest of us went back home to get our stuff. We got in line around 1:30am. We had fun hanging out with everyone, but it was quite cold. Tasha and I slept in my car for about an hour.

U2 Elevation Baltimore 10.19.01

We went over to meet the band around 3pm. They finally came in at 4:30pm. I videotaped them driving in, Bono walking out, Edge walking out, Larry walking out, Adam walking out, and all of them signing autographs. We could barely believe that they were all four outside signing autographs. This was the first U2 played Baltimore and they all four came outside to meet all the fans. Adam signed Tasha’s purple pants. She was VERY excited. He said, ‘They’re great ones.’ When Larry came one person away from me, his bodyguard told me to turn off the videocamera. So I did not get video of my encounter with Larry, but Tasha took a great picture of it. Larry walked to me. I said, ‘I don’t have anything for you to sign, so can I have a hug?’ Larry looked at me a little strange, then smiled and said yes. Then we hugged and it was a nice, strong hug. In the picture, Larry has a big smile on his face. After the hug, I thanked him. Tasha hugged me and then I cried like a baby. I was so overcome with emotion. I had been waiting to meet Larry for 14 years!

Larry hugs me in Baltimore

Bono talking to me in Baltimore

Edge, Adam and Bono meeting Baltimore fans

The concert itself was so unreal! We stood at the tip of the heart on the outside. It was me, Tasha, Jenny, Cathy, and Kate. Garbage was supposed to open, but the drummer got sick, so Graham Parker & the Figgs filled in at the last minute before heading over to their own show. As soon as ‘All You Need is Love’ came on, the crowd went wild, and even crazier for ‘St. Pepper’s.’ And then ‘WOO-OOH-HOO! ELEVATION!’ During ‘New Year’s Day,’ Cathy and I held up her American Flag that she had brought. Bono took it from us. He hugged it. He looked at me and said, ‘You take it back.’ He handed it back to me so gently. He said, ‘Thank you.’ I said, ‘Thank you.’ Then he started walking away, turned to me, gave me the peace sign and nodded. Best Bono concert moment EVER for me. I have a fantastic picture of the Bono hugging the flag. Song highlights of the Baltimore show for me were: I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (I cried), Pride (with MLK’s speech a la ZooTV), Out of Control, Staring at the Sun and Please. A guy behind us was pulled up on stage to play Knocking on Heaven’s Door with the band. During One, all of the names of the passengers on the flights from 9/11 were displayed – and then they went right into Peace on Earth. I cried through all of this. They ended the show with Walk On. It was the most emotional and spiritual and uplifting U2 show. Just unbelievable!

Tasha & I singing in Baltimore

holding the flag in Baltimore

Bono hugs the American flag in Baltimore

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MTV Video Music Awards – September 6, 2001

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Adam Clayton, Bono, Fans, Larry Mullen, The Edge, U2 with tags Adam Clayton, Bono, Larry Mullen, MTV Video Music Awards, New York City, On the Road with U2, The Edge, U2 on February 17, 2011 by DeenasDays

Friday September 7, 2001 VMAs New York City

Arguably the best night of my life last night. Tasha and I were in New York City at the Metropolitan Opera House right at the rope on the red carpet for the MTV Video Music Awards. We were diagonally behind the MTV News desk. We had signed up to be seat fillers for the VMAs, but we did not get into the award show, instead we were on the red carpet for the arrivals. Jennifer Lopez arrived first, but the first person I was excited for was Chris Kattan from Saturday Night Live. We kept shouting ‘Mango’ and he waved. Then we saw Will Ferrell from Saturday Night Live. We cheered at him and said we liked his pants – he interacted with us. We then saw Fatboy Slim and nobody else knew who he was. We wished him luck and he waved and thanked us. We then got VERY excited for Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. They smiled and waved at us.

It got to be 8:45pm and still no sign of U2, and we were getting a little worried. Then all of a sudden, I saw Larry down at the other end of the red carpet. I began SCREAMING! Then I saw Adam, and then Bono and Edge. Larry was the first to make it to us. I lost it! Blowing kisses, holding my heart, screaming, pretty much making a fool of myself. He smiled and waved at me. Edge then came over and smiled and waved. Then we saw Paul McGuinness on our side of the rope. We thanked him. He looked at us strangely, then he smiled. Tasha shook his hand, and I patted him on his back. Then all of a sudden, I see Adam on our side of the rope as well. He tripped on the red carpet. We shouted his name, so he turned around. I was holding his hand. He was kind of bent over as if he was limbo-ing. He had this goofy look on his face. He was acting like he was going to fall. Then Bono came over the rope to shake our hands. We will probably never again meet all four of them at once. It was absolutely amazing! We then watched as John Norris interviewed U2.

After the pre-show was over, we went to this bar called O’Connor’s (or something like that) on 64^th Street and Columbus. We watched the VMAs there, ate chicken pot pie and drank iced tea. Then we took the train back to Jersey, then I drove home and was asleep by 5am

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End of Elevation, well the 1st leg anyway – June 21-22, 2001 New Jersey

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Bono, Concerts, Elevation, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags Bono, Continental Airlines Arena, Elevation, Larry Mullen, New Jersey, On the Road with U2, The Edge, U2 on February 16, 2011 by DeenasDays

Saturday June 23, 2001 East Rutherford, NJ

The first leg of the Elevation tour is over, and I am very sad. I drove up to New Jersey around 6:30pm Wednesday night and met Tasha at the hotel around 10pm. We got up early Thursday morning and were in the GA line at Continental Airlines Arena by 6:15am. I was number 30 in line. Tasha tried all day to get a GA, but couldn’t so she stayed in her seat behind the stage. I stood at the rail in front of Adam – again.

U2 Elevation Jersey 6.21.01

Jersey1 on June 21^st was a great show! A girl two people down from me had a sign that read, “Larry May I please have your drumsticks?” Right after Walk On, Larry hopped up and walked right over to her. I took a great close up picture as Larry leaned over to give her his drumstick. Then he looked right into my eyes and nodded. I leaned further than anyone. He gave me his drumstick. I mouthed Thank You So Much. He again nodded. As soon as I got the drumstick, I teared up. Then I looked up at Tasha in her seat behind the stage and we both started jumping up and down. Then I just walked back into the middle of the heart by myself and started to cry and shake. Best moment of the tour for me! I exited the arena clutching my drumstick that Larry gave me after looking into my eyes. I met up with Tasha outside, and we hugged and squealed. I told her the story, and then she cried. I couldn’t get to sleep until about 2:30am and woke up 2 hours later for the final show on this leg of the tour.

Larry giving me his drumstick in Jersey

Bono in Jersey

Elevation in Jersey

We were in the GA line by 5am Friday for the last show. I was number 14 this time. We went over around 3:30pm to wait for U2 to come in, but at 5:15 they had not arrived yet so I got back in the GA line. Five minutes after I left, Larry arrived and signed autographs for everyone. I stood at the rail two people to the right of Bono’s microphone. PJ Harvey opened.

U2 Elevation Jersey 6.22.01

Jersey2 on June 22^nd was absolutely amazing! U2 played Wild Honey for the first time. Daniel Lanois played with them on Ground Beneath Her Feet and Wild Honey. Bono finally did the extra verse to With or Without You – ‘we’ll shine like stars in the summer night.’ I got Adam’s fake pick from Dallas. I made a sign that simply read, “Thank You Larry!” I held it up as they walked on stage, and Larry nodded. Then I held it up at the end of Beautiful Day (or Until the End of the World) and Larry nodded and smiled. After the show, I held up the sign again and patted my heart, Larry saw and smiled and nodded again then walked off the stage.

Larry in Jersey

Bono in Jersey

Edge in Jersey

Elevation Jersey2 Set List 6.22.01 (and pick)

Tasha and I decided to wait for the band after the show. Larry left around 1:30am, but we couldn’t really tell it was him in the car. By 3:30am, Tasha and I were the only ones left outside the arena. Not sure why we were still waiting. I think we were in denial about the tour ending. After being up for 24 hours, we finally went to sleep.

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‘What do they sing in DC?’ – Elevation DC June 14-15, 2001

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Bono, Concerts, Elevation, Larry Mullen, The Edge, U2 with tags Bono, Elevation, Larry Mullen, MCI Center, On the Road with U2, The Edge, U2, Washington DC on February 15, 2011 by DeenasDays

Saturday June 16, 2001 Washington, DC

“What do they sing in DC?” I will never forget when Bono looked down at me at the tip of the heart and asked me that after Desire. I just froze. I was still in awe of being THAT close to Larry. Then Bono sang Ground Beneath Her Feet to the girl three down from me. He messed up one of the lines, I laughed, he looked at me and smiled. I was sick at this first DC show at MCI Center on June 14th, but those personal moments made up for it.

U2 Elevation DC 6.14.01

Larry in DC

Bono & Edge in DC

Larry at the tip of the heart in DC

For the second DC show on June 15^th, I did not spend much time in the GA line. Instead I slept in the hotel room, hung out with Jennifer and John in the Discovery Store and Ruby Tuesday’s. My friend Laurie joined us for this show. We stood at the rail in front of Adam. U2 played 11 O’Clock Tick Tock, Sweetest Thing, New Year’s Day, and All I Want is You, but they did not play Gone or Bad. DC2 was a really great show – up there with Boston4 and Philly2. Great crowd energy! PJ Harvey again opened these shows.

U2 Elevation DC 6.15.01

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Elevation Philadephia June 11-12, 2001

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Concerts, Elevation, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags Elevation, First Union Center, Larry Mullen, Larry Mullen Band, On the Road with U2, Philadelphia, The Edge, U2 on February 14, 2011 by DeenasDays

Wednesday June 13, 2001 Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia shows on June 11 and 12 did not disappoint. I got up at 5:30am Monday morning June 11th, drove to Philadelphia, and was in the GA line at First Union Center by 8:10am. Had a long, hot day in the sun. Tasha was there all day trying to get a GA ticket, but never did. We became friends with Cathy and Kate, and I met Rob, who is a friend of Tasha’s. I stood at the rail just to the right of Adam for Philly1 on June 11^th. U2 played a bit of Night and Day after Beautiful Day. Other than that, it was the standard set list with the addition of In a Little While. A Larry Mullen Band tee shirt was thrown on stage and Larry put it on his drumkit and it remained there for the rest of the show. We brought cut out paper fish for opening act PJ Harvey’s ‘Down By the Water.’ She was very excited and said she didn’t know the fish traveled from Boston. I slept at Tasha’s after the show.

U2 Elevation Philly 6.11.01

Gone in Philly

Larry puts Paola's Larry Mullen Band shirt on his drumkit

Larry Mullen Band in Philly

The next morning, I was back in the GA line at 7:30am. I hung out with Cathy and Kate most of the day. Around 3pm, we went over where U2 drives in with hopes of meeting them. There were only about 10 of us waiting. Around 3:40, a car drove in and stopped right in front of us. Edge got out of the car! We asked if he would sign, and he said ‘Yes.’ We asked if he would take pictures, he said he wouldn’t pose, but ‘snap away.’ I was the second person he came to. I asked him to sign my scrapbook, and he signed the upper left hand corner. Now the others will have to sign the remaining 3 corners. I got about 6 pictures of Edge. Later Paul McGuinness and PJ Harvey drove in, then Larry and Adam. Bono drove in just about 4:45. By then there were at least 30 people who started screaming and swarming around Bono, who signed a few autographs and took a few pictures before leaving after about 2 minutes. Bono said he wasn’t feeling well, and he looked really out of it. Edge, on the other hand, was great. He stayed until he had signed everyone’s stuff. He didn’t say much though, but he was very nice. I finally got Tasha a GA ticket, and she joined us in the GA line around 5:30pm.

U2 Elevation Philly 6.12.01 - meeting the Edge

Edge's autograph in Philly

Philly2 on June 12^th was absolutely amazing! A great experience! My favorite so far! Tasha and I stood at the rail between Bono and Adam. U2 played Mysterious Ways early and Stuck in a Moment later. Bono sang a verse of Stuck in a Moment right to Tasha and I. They played In a Little While on the main stage right in front of us – the best version I’ve ever heard! An amazing version of Ground Beneath Her Feet, All I Want is You, and New Year’s Day were also played, as well as covers of In My Life and Gloria. But Gone, Bad and Pride were not played. About 5 of us held a Jubilee 2000 banner before One. Bono saw it, was excited and wanted it, so we handed it to him. I touched his hand. It’s good to have long arms. Before the show, I was trying to get Sammy’s attention to get drumsticks, but my voice is shot, so Tasha yelled. Sammy looked at us, and we motioned drumsticks and he sort of nodded. After the show, Tasha yelled to Sammy again. He walked right over to me telling the security guard to make sure I get the drumstick, but I leaned over far enough to take it from him. Again, long arms. Then he gave the other drumstick to Tasha.

Larry in Philly

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Elevation Boston June 8-9, 2001

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Adam Clayton, Bono, Concerts, Elevation, Larry Mullen, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags Adam Clayton, Bono, Boston, Elevation, Larry Mullen, On the Road with U2, The Edge, U2 on February 11, 2011 by DeenasDays

Saturday June 9, 2001 Boston, MA

The Boston shows on June 8 and 9 were amazing! I’ve only slept 7 hours in 2 days, but it was worth it. I flew up to Boston on June 7^th. I waited in the GA line at the Fleet Center from 7am to 6pm before each show. I got to hang out with a lot of great people like Tasha, Aaron, and Mike. There were four Boston shows, but I only went to the last two. I was up front at the rail in front of Adam for both shows and PJ Harvey again opened.

Boston GA line

PJ Harvey in Boston

Last night’s show (Boston 3 June 8th) was great. U2 played Ground Beneath Her Feet, All I Want is You, Angel of Harlem, and New Year’s Day. They did not play Bad, In a Little While or Pride. When they played 11 O’clock Tick Tock, the crowd went nuts! I wore my Elvis tee again and took my sign, but no drumsticks. I may try again in Philly.

U2 Elevation Boston 6.8.01

Bono and Adam in Boston

Larry silouette in Boston

Tonight’s show (Boston 4 June 9th) was absolutely amazing! The set list was as follows: Elevation, Pride, Until the End of the World, The Fly, Even Better Than the Real Thing, Mysterious Ways, In My Life / Stuck in a Moment, Kite, Gone, New York, Out of Control, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Desire / Van Morrison’s Gloria, Party Girl, Stay, Bad / Allison, Where the Streets Have no Name, Beautiful Day, Bullet the Blue Sky, With or Without You, One / She’s a Mystery to Me, Walk On. I found out later that they were supposed to play an acoustic version of I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, which is my favorite song, but played Stay instead. A fan got on stage during Walk On and U2 security tackled him right in front of us. Bono tackled the security guard to let the guy on stage. Wow! Intense! Boston Red Sox third baseman Nomar Garciapara stood behind us.

U2 Elevation Boston 6.9.01

Larry in Boston

Bono in Boston

Edge, Adam, Larry in Boston

Bono blows bubbles in Boston

Larry leaves Boston

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Elevation Lexington 5.4.01

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Bono, Concerts, Elevation, The Edge, Tours, U2 with tags Bono, Elevation, KY, Lexington, On the Road with U2, Rupp Arena, The Edge, U2 on February 4, 2011 by DeenasDays

Friday May 4, 2001 Lexington, KY

Best U2 concert ever!! I know I write that after each concert, but they get better every time I see them! Vicki and I flew into Lexington around 11am, went to lunch, shopped a little, then I got in the GA line at Rupp Arena around 2pm – Vicki had a seat. Bono came out around 4pm and thanked us. He was only out there for a few minutes, but I got a few pictures. I hung out with a bunch of nice people in the GA line, including Brad, who I met in Charlotte.

Even though I was within the first 150 people in line, I still stood at the tip of the heart. The best place to stand – you can’t convince me otherwise. PJ Harvey opened again. I heard Kite and Stay for the first time. U2 also played an acoustic version of Desire, but they did not play Gone, Staring at the Sun, Discotheque or Ground Beneath Her Feet. I touched Bono’s hand once – the first time he leaned into the crowd. And then I patted his shoulder as he ran between the catwalk and us (where security is) – first time for that. I think Pride may have been my favorite this time. Bono was much more talkative tonight and much more political. I took my camera in this time and got some nice shots. What a night! Best U2 show!

Tomorrow on to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby!

U2 Elevation Lexington 5.4.01

Edge and Bono in Kentucky

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On the Road With U2

Archive for the The Edge Category

U2 360 NEW JERSEY 7.20.11

U2 360 SEATTLE 6.4.11

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

360 in Las Vegas 2009

360 in Oklahoma 2009

360 in Maryland / DC 2009

the End of Elevation – Tampa & Miami December 1-2, 2001

Elevation Philadelphia 11.2.01

Larry’s 40th Birthday – Elevation Providence October 30-31, 2001

Elevation New Jersey 10.28.01

Elevation New York October 24, 25, 27, 2001

The Day I Met Larry – Elevation Baltimore 10.19.01

MTV Video Music Awards – September 6, 2001

End of Elevation, well the 1st leg anyway – June 21-22, 2001 New Jersey

‘What do they sing in DC?’ – Elevation DC June 14-15, 2001

Elevation Philadephia June 11-12, 2001

Elevation Boston June 8-9, 2001

Elevation Lexington 5.4.01

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