Archive for Anaheim

U2 360 ANAHEIM2 6.18.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Larry Mullen, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , on November 11, 2011 by DeenasDays

DAY 36 – JUNE 18 – U2 360 #6 – ANAHEIM2

Anaheim was the only city where U2 played two back to back shows on that final leg of the 360 tour. I almost didn’t go to the second show because it was on a Saturday night, and I had to drive across the country in 3 days to make it to the show in Baltimore on Wednesday night. People were trying to get me to skip the show to make the drive easier, but I decided to stay. And thank goodness I did because because Anaheim2 was my favorite show of the U2 360 tour.

U2 360 Anaheim2 6.18.11

I stayed in my hotel room until I left for the stadium at 2:30. I didn’t get lost that second day, so I arrived very quickly. I got my GA wristband and went around to wait for U2 to arrive. They again arrived in 2 helicopters and again did not stop.

Angels Stadium

I went inside after the GA line had already gone in. It was a more relaxed feel tonight. The inner circle wasn’t as crowded. I again got a soda and sat in the stands until Lenny Kravitz came on. As I walked around the general admission, I saw Cindy Crawford. She was stunning and very nice – posing for pictures.

Lenny Kravitz

Cindy Crawford

I saw my friends Chuck, Matt, Melissa and Kim. I went behind the stage and stood at the tunnel where U2 walks into the stadium. I again watched the show from behind the stage, so I could watch Larry – as I did almost every show of the tour.

Here they come!

Larry!

there they go

That second night in Anaheim, U2 finally changed the set list – and change it they did! With every new change, I grew more and more excited! For the first and only time in the US, U2 started the show with five straight songs from Achtung Baby, celebrating its 20th anniversary. During Even Better Than the Real Thing, Bono said, “Southern California. Orange County. Where you gonna take us tonight? You take us higher!” And that they did. The second song of the night was The Fly, which hadn’t been played since 2006 in Hawaii. During The Fly, Bono yelled, “Achtung Ya’ll!” just as he had during ZooTv. Where the Streets Have No Name, which is usually in the encore, was the 6th song of the night.

Streets

During Get on Your Boots right before my favorite LET ME IN THE SOUND!, Bono said, “Larry Mullen do you know how beautiful you are?”Please watch my video of LET ME IN THE SOUND. Bono introduced Larry as “a movie star” saying, “it had to happen.” He went on to say, “our Lawrence plays opposite the great Donald Sutherland in The Man on the Train.” Please watch my video of the band introductions. My favorite part of the night was when U2 finally brought my favorite song I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For back into the set list for the first time that leg – and it remained there for the rest of the tour. Bono dedicated it to Quincy Jones, who was in the audience, and said, “This song means a great deal to us.” I cried like a baby, literally tears streaming down my face. This was one of my favorite moments of the entire 360 tour – very special to me.

U2 played Stuck in a Moment instead of Stay, which made me extremely happy. Bono of course dedicated it to Michael Hutchence, but also talked about Edge and how he would be a great neighbor – referring to the petition against him building a house there. Bono also mentioned that it was Edge’s wedding anniversary. The black lighted jackets made a return during Zooropa and City of Blinding Lights. I love Larry in that black leather jacket! Larry smiled at me during I’ll Go Crazy. There was only one encore at that second show in Anaheim. A sixth song from Achtung Baby, Ultra Violet, made its way into the set list for the first time that leg replacing Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me. Before Moment of Surrender, Bono paid tribute to Clarence Clemons who died earlier that day. He sang a part of Jungleland after Moment of Surrender. Magnificent was left out of the set list for the first and only time that leg. I again went back near the tunnel to watch U2 leave the stadium. Larry saw me and smiled and waved and seemed like he wanted to come over, but didn’t – but he kept looking back at me.

 

The set list of my favorite show of the U2 360 tour (Anaheim2) was as follows: Even Better Than The Real Thing, The Fly, Mysterious Ways / Don’t Speak, Until the End of the World, One, Amazing Grace / Where the Streets Have No Name / All You Need Is Love, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots / She Loves You, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Stuck In a Moment, Beautiful Day / Space Oddity, Elevation, Pride, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo / It’s Only Rock and Roll, I’ll Go Crazy / Discotheque / Please, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On / Never Walk Alone, Ultraviolet, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender / Jungleland

I had the best time at this show! I am SO glad I didn’t skip it just to get a head start on my cross country drive to Baltimore. Never listen to reason. Follow your passion. This ended part two of my U2 360 road trip. The main sightseeing part of my trip was over. That first month was my favorite part of my trip, even though it only contained one of my favorite shows – traveling out west was my favorite.

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U2 360 ANAHEIM1 6.17.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , , , 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 60th 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 , , , , , , , , , , , 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 10th, 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 14this 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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One Month After U2 360

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Bono, Larry Mullen, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , , , 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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memphis Mullen

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U2 360 tour across America – 2700 miles from Anaheim to Baltimore

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 23, 2011 by DeenasDays

On Sunday, the morning after the second U2 show in Anaheim I left for my cross country trip to Baltimore. I had just 3 1/2 days to drive 2700 miles from California to Maryland to make it to the U2 show in Baltimore on Wednesday. It was very important that I go to the Baltimore show because it is my hometown show, and I have great memories from the Elevation show in Baltimore 10 years ago.

People tried to dissuade me from trying to make this long journey in just 3 1/2 days, but I’ve never really listened to reason. Some said I should either skip the second Anaheim show or skip the Baltimore show in order to have a more relaxing drive. I didn’t want to skip either. I had made this challenge to myself to drive to every U2 show in the US on this leg of the 360 tour, so I had to try. For 3 1/2 days, I survived on subway subs, cheese crackers, pizza, water and sweet tea, stopped at Love’s and spent nights at Motel 6s along the way. But I made it! I left Anaheim, California at 7:30am pacific time Sunday June 19th and arrived at my parents’ house in Ellicott City, Maryland at 11:30am eastern standard time Wednesday June 22nd, the morning of the U2 360 show in Baltimore.

The first day Elvis, Cilla and I drove 777 miles from Anaheim to Albuquerque in 12 hours, stopping just 3 times. I passed through the towns in Arizona and New Mexico along Route 66 that I didn’t get to see last year on my Route 66 road trip from Tulsa to Albuquerque.

somewhere in Arizona or New Mexico

The next morning we left Albuquerque at 6:15, drove 733 miles to Ft. Smith, Arkansas in 11 hours, stopping just twice. I had wanted to make it to Little Rock or even Memphis, but I just couldn’t do it. I was wiped. It was the first day that I did not enjoy the drive. Although I did enjoy passing by Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texan ranch in Amarillo, Texas where I had so much fun last year.

the long drive

The third day of our drive we left Ft. Smith at 5:40am, drove 863 miles in 14 hours to Wytheville, Virginia, stopping 4 times, sitting in traffic and driving through blinding rain storms. We also stopped by our house in Memphis, and it was still standing and everything was alright. It was nice to be home if only for a half hour.

Memphis skyline

 

The next morning it was finally Show Day – the reward for my long drive. We left Wytheville, Virginia at 6:10am, drove 326 miles and arrived at my parents’ house in Ellicott City, Maryland at 11:25am, stopping twice. I made it – and with hours to spare before the U2 360 show in Baltimore.  Again, never listen to reason, follow your passion – always!

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U2 360 Anaheim2 6.18.11 – the best show so far

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Larry Mullen, U2 with tags , , , on June 19, 2011 by DeenasDays

Anaheim2 was the best show of the tour so far. U2 completely changed the set list beginning the show with 5 straight songs from Achtung Baby, including The Fly. My favorite I Still Havent Found What Im Looking For made its return tonight, and I cried like a baby. They kept Pride in the set list and took out Magnificent.

I stayed in my hotel room until I left for the stadium at 2:30. I didn’t get lost this time, so I arrived very quickly. I got my GA wristband and went around for U2 to arrive. They again arrived in 2 helicopters and again did not stop.

U2 360 Anaheim2 6.18.11

I went inside after the GA line had already went in. It was a more relaxed feel tonight. The inner circle wasn’t as crowded. I again got a soda and sat in the stands until Lenny Kravitz came on. As I walked around, I saw Cindy Crawford. She is stunning and very nice – posing for pictures.

Lenny Kravitz

 

Cindy Crawford

I went behind the stage and stood at the tunnel where U2 walks into the stadium. I again watched the show from behind the stage, so I could watch Larry. He smiled at me during I’ll Go Crazy. The black lighted jackets made a returned during Zooropa and City of Blinding Lights. I love Larry in that black leather jacket! There was only one encore tonight. I again went back and watched U2 leave the stadium. Larry saw me and smiled and waved and seemed like he wanted to come over, but didn’t – but he kept looking.

Larry enters

I had the best time at this show! I am SO glad I didn’t skip it just to get a head start on my cross country drive to Baltimore. Never listen to reason. Follow your passion.

Here is the great set list from Anaheim2:

Even better than the real thing
The fly
Mysterious ways
Until the end of world
One / amazing grace
Streets
I will follow
Boots / she loves you
Intros
Still haven’t found
Stuck in a moment
Beautiful day
Elevation
Pride
Miss Sarajevo
Zooropa
City of blinding lights
Vertigo
I’ll go crazy
Sunday bloody Sunday
Scarlet
Walk on / you’ll never walk alone
Ultra violet
With or without you
Moment of surrender

Please watch my videos from the great Anaheim2 show.

U2 enters Angels Stadium http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI5eWYuXJyA

part of The Fly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWM9_NbsgSI

LET ME IN THE SOUND http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljVjIHlOyGY

Band introductions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v5DwcIkCnk

The end of Still Haven’t Found (uploading now)

Larry I’ll Go Crazy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6meUtjd2vz4

Anaheim2 overview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpIx4WhGxDc

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U2 360 Anaheim1 6.17.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Larry Mullen, U2 with tags , , , , , on June 18, 2011 by DeenasDays

The U2 360 show in Anaheim had the best energy so far of the five shows I’ve seen in the US on this leg. The audience was really into it. It was the same set list as the previous US shows this leg. Please watch my video of an overview of the first U2 360 show in Anaheim http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbLzXCO37Jw

U2 360 Anaheim1 6.17.11

I spent the day in my hotel room conserving my energy for tonight’s show. 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 today. I think I got a little overheated and dehydrated because I had a terrible migraine the rest of the day and throughout the show.

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. Of course we were all 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. 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.

Please watch my video of getting to Angels Stadium http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4DWlNVA0v0

We got in the GA line and listened to the soundcheck, which included both The Fly and Ultra Violetbut neither were played in tonight’s 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.

inside Angels stadium

my GA wristband

anaheim inner circle

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’ve 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 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.

Please watch my video of U2 walking to the stage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeumBjvJPOo

Please watch my video of Even Better Than the Real Thing intro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDVbrMII62E

Please watch my video of Larry and Bono during Get on Your Boots http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT6miRWeSiA

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. Bono’s band introductions were great. He thanked Larry for everything that U2 was, saying they would be nothing without him. Bono also brought Paul McGuinness on stage for the first time ever. Yesterday was Paul’s birthday, so we sang Happy Birthday to him.

Please watch my video of Bono’s band introductions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEy7RYyeVSw

Please watch my video of Larry during the beginning of I’ll Go Crazy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdlHTVzsMxk

Larry I

Please watch my video of Larry’s drum solo during Scarlet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4aPgLgJasA

During With or Without You, I went back to wait for U2 to leave. I stood in the same place I did in Seattle, hoping that Larry would once again grace me with a handshake. He didn’t, 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.

Please watch my video of U2 leaving the stage at Angels Stadium http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXv8GaCjM3Y

Tomorrow there is another U2 360 show at Angels Stadium in Anaheim. This is the only time in the US that U2 are playing two back to back shows in the same city, so hopefully they will change up the set list a bit. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to blog about it tomorrow night or post videos or pics. I have to get right to sleep in preparation for my 3000 mile cross country drive to make it to the Baltimore U2 360 show on Wednesday. Please send good thoughts my way :)

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U2360USA Days 33 & 34 – Anaheim June Gloom

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011) with tags , , , , on June 16, 2011 by DeenasDays

They call it ‘June Gloom’ here in Southern California, and it certainly is. It is cloudy, cool and humid – yes humid. It’s 68 degrees and 70% humidity and after walking the dogs, I’m sweating more than I did in Palm Springs when it was 95 degrees and 10% humidity. Why do I live in Memphis? I hate humidity. But if I move to Palm Springs, can I still be called Memphis Mullen? Anyway, days 33 & 34 of my U2 360 tour across America have me relaxing in Anaheim.

Yesterday, I stayed at the hotel all day relaxing with the dogs. I watched the movie ’Country Strong’ and napped. Last night I had dinner at Fresca’s with Cherie and Mike and then went back to their house and played with their dogs. It was a good night.

This 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 starting Sunday.

I went to Downtown Disney, which is basically an outside mall with lots of shops and restaurants including ESPNZone and House of Blues. I wanted to check it out since I am in Anaheim a few miles from Disneyland, but have no interest in actually going to Disneyland – too many kids and I don’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 so far I’ve bought four – one from Red Rocks, a Nirvana tee from Seattle, one from Joshua Tree and one from Disney.

Downtown Disney

Please watch a short video of my time in Downtown Disney http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zeg2gpZZ7Ds

Now I’m back at my hotel and am going to relax with the dogs and maybe go over to Angels stadium this evening with hopes of hearing U2 rehearse for this weekend’s shows.

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U2360USA Day 31 – Palm Springs to Anaheim

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

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.

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

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 next 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. I still have to make an appointment to get my Saturn’s oil changed, which I’ll call about tomorrow. And I have to get a ticket to the Dodgers game Wednesday. But I did buy a ticket for a bus tour of LA and Hollywood tomorrow. They pick me up at my hotel in the morning, so I don’t have to venture out on those crazy LA freeways!

Please watch my short video of my short drive from Palm Springs to Anaheim http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0N4mtnxdf0

4 days until U2 360 in Anaheim!

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On the Road with U2 – finally!

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

Tomorrow I leave for the U2 360 tour, a journey that I have been planning for over a year. I am so excited! For 2 ½ months I will be driving with my 2 dogs, Elvis and Cilla, across America to all 16 US shows. Along the way, meeting great people and visiting great places – writing about all of my experiences for a book and recording everything for a documentary.

The U2 360 tour will bring me to Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Oakland, Anaheim, Baltimore, Michigan, Miami, Nashville, Chicago, Philadelphia, St. Louis, New Jersey, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh. In between all of these concerts, I am also going to visit Kansas City, Omaha, Mount Rushmore, Reno, Tahoe, Portland, San Francisco, Palm Springs, Hollywood, Milwaukee, James Dean’s grave in Indiana, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and the Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

While on the road, I will write daily updates, including pictures and videos, that I will post here on my blog On the Road with U2. Throughout each day, I will also be posting on Facebook (Deena Dietrich) and Twitter (MemphisMullen).

I would also like to have U2 Fan Meet Ups the nights before the U2 concerts – when I’m not totally exhausted from all the driving. There are already pre-concert parties planned in Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Baltimore, and Nashville that I am attending. So if I can get enough interest, I would like to organize U2 Fan Meet Ups in Oakland, Anaheim, Chicago, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh for the nights before the U2 concerts in those cities.

Thank you to everyone who is supporting me – both with your kind words and reading my posts.

I look forward to seeing everyone this summer ON THE ROAD WITH U2!

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