The U2ieTour shows in Denver were the last added. I sold two of my NYC shows, so I could go to Denver. One, because it was a weekend. Two, because I am a Broncos fan and like going to Denver. Three, because I wanted to see U2 in a different city. And four, because I knew these shows in Denver would be relaxed and chill, but I had no idea they would be Epic! I achieved my goal (and then some) for this tour on only my third show. Earlier this year I realized my dream when I published my U2 tours memoir On the Road with U2 – my musical journey. It was my goal this tour to talk with Larry and Bono about my book, give them a copy and have them sign a copy for me – and that all happened Saturday June 6, 2015 in Denver!

Denver Day 1 – June 5, 2015
I left my house for Denver at 11:30am est Friday June 5, 2015, which was the 32nd anniversary of when U2 played Red Rocks in Denver on June 5, 1983. As I went through the security at BWI, the guy saw my “Larry Mullen Band” shirt and exclaimed, “Larry Mullen?” I responded, “Do you know who he is?” And he said, “Yes of course” then went on to ask me if I was excited and told me to have fun. My U2 weekend in Denver had begun! On the way to my gate, I ran into Mike (my very first U2 friend, friends since high school and still seeing shows together almost 30 years later – very cool!) We had a long boarding process and left almost a half hour late, but somehow landed on time in Denver. It was a three and a half hour flight on which I watched almost four episodes of Beverly Hills 90210 and eating three snacks along the way – traveling makes me very hungry. When we landed, it was pouring rain and I had to wait about 20 minutes for the Super Shuttle. By the time I reached my hotel (almost two hours later because of rush hour traffic and being the last one dropped off), the sun was shining. I finally made it to my room at 5:30pm mst, eight hours after I had left my house that morning. The SpringHill Suites Downtown Denver is a great hotel! My room was spacious and modern and just beautiful. I had a mini fridge and microwave, a sofa bed, a partial wall with a desk, a king size bed a bathroom with soap and shampoo dispensers in the shower. Too bad I wasn’t staying longer.

After unpacking and relaxing a bit, at 7pm I took the free hotel shuttle over to the Hard Rock for our Fan MeetUp. We had a great time! We had six tables of four reserved for us up in the mezzanine section overlooking the stage for the Under a Blood Red Sky show. I finally got to meet the folks I had been chatting with all these months online like Dahna, Jen, Marcy, Mel, Dana, Kathy and Linda. My friend Chuck (whom I met on 360 and saw a lot of shows with) was there with his friend and Joy (whom I met in Vancouver) was there with her friend Latha – and of course my friend Mike was there. We had blast. Three people bought my book and Linda won the “Happy as Larry” shirt. Billy (Bono) and Jerry (Larry) from UABRS also stopped by to say Hi before their show. And Bryan, from Hard Rock who set everything up for us, also stopped by to make sure we had everything we needed. We had dinner (I had a yummy bacon cheeseburger and fries – took half back to hotel) and drinks and of course talked U2 before the show started at 10pm. It was a fun show, which I periscoped. The Under a Blood Red Sky set list included: The Miracle, Volcano, Vertigo, Electric Co, Out of Control, I Will Follow, Gloria, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Pride, Streets, Bullet, One, Bad, Unforgettable Fire, Wired, Two Hearts Beat as One, and Every Breaking Wave with the Electrical Storm video playing in the background which was by far my favorite part of the show! After the show, I walked back to Mike’s hotel just a block away so I could catch a cab back to my hotel.

Denver 2 – June 6, 2015 – an EPIC day!
I woke up at 6:30am after only three hours sleep. I must have anticipated the excitement that was going to take place that day. I stayed in bed until about 8am and then went down to the lobby for my free breakfast buffet. I had some yummy scrambled eggs with cheese and OJ. I tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t. I ate my other half of my burger from Hard Rock as I watched Secretariat. I ordered an 18″ extra cheese, little sauce, thin crust pizza cut into squares to have after the concert and well as the next day. Still couldn’t sleep and my eyes hurt. I finally got out of bed, got ready and walked over in the bright sunshine to the Pepsi Center around 1pm.

There were about 15 to 20 people waiting for U2 arrive when I got there. Within a half hour it started to rain, then it started to pour and then it started to really pour as in standing rain up to the curb with a cold sideways rain. Everyone left but about seven of us, including Dahna and Jen. We stayed too long and there was no point to leave after we were already soaked. We would have gotten even wetter walking through the downpour. So we just stood under a tree with our hoods on. It probably rained for about a half our or so and then the sun came out, bright hot sunshine to help dry us off. Everyone who was there came back and we were chatting when all of a sudden a black suv pulls up taking us by surprise because it was only 2:15pm. But it was The Edge! We all scrambled to line up on the curb with our cameras. We were told Edge would not sign anything, but he would take pictures. When Edge walked up to me, I was still trying to figure out my phone camera and make sure it was turned on selfie mode. Luckily I snapped a quick photo (my hair still dripping). I don’t even think I said hello to the man, who is gorgeous by the way (just beautiful bone structure and oh so sweet). Edge greeted everyone waiting. This was my third time meeting Edge, but my first picture with him. I first met Edge 14 years ago on Elevation in Philly and got his autograph, and I met Edge a second time in 2011 on 360 in Chicago and shook his hand.  

Within the next hour, a lot more people showed up and the line now extended the length of the street – but still only single file on the curb. Around 3:30ish, another black suv pulled up and I noticed it was Larry’s bodyguard. I began to freak out and shake. Then Larry got out of the car and I almost started to hypervenilate. I knew I was about to achieve my goal I had for this tour. I had an amazing concert moment on 360 with Larry in 2011 at the Pittsburgh show when he hugged me on his way to the stage, but I hadn’t actually met Larry since the Elevation tour 14 years ago when I asked him for a hug. I had been planning in my mind what I would say to Larry this tour if I met him, and I was SO excited he stopped before Bono did so I could give Larry my book. I wanted U2 to have my book I wrote, but I really wanted to give it to Larry – Bono was my back up as I knew I would meet him. But since Larry didn’t come out to greet the fans at any of the US shows in 2011 on 360, I had no idea if I would get the chance to meet him – but I did! I don’t remember too much because I think I kind of blacked out. To the best of my recollection, this is what happened when I met Larry for only the second time. We were told Larry would not take pictures, but he would sign autographs. As Larry got closer and closer, I kept hearing Latha next to me telling me to breathe and it would be ok. Larry arrived in front of me and I immediately showed him my book and said something like, “This is a book I wrote about all the U2 shows I’ve been to over the years and I would like you and the guys to have a copy.” I’m not sure what his response was. I then said, “Would you please sign a copy for me?” I think he said, “sure.” At some point during this interaction, I pointed to my “Larry Mullen Band” shirt and said something like “You remember me right? You know your my favorite?” – or some such nonsense. My friend Dahna captured this moment for me and Lori got a picture of Larry signing my book – and someone else posted a picture of Larry carrying my book as he walked down the line of fans. As Larry arrived at the end of the line, he started to take photos with everyone and some people from our side of the line ran down to get their picture with Larry, but I didn’t. I think I was still shock. I regret not trying to get my picture with Larry, but that gives me something to aspire to in Chicago. I am just so happy Larry has a copy of my book I wrote, considering he was the inspiration for it. By the way, I autographed the copy I gave him. It read, “Larry, Bono, Edge and Adam, Thank you for the soundtrack to the my life. It’s All About Drums! Deena Dietrich.” So I reached my goal for the U2ieTour in just my third show – I gave Larry my book I wrote and he signed a copy for me. Now I have 12 shows to try to finally get my photo with Larry, but I can relax because U2 has my book I wrote about them and that’s all I really wanted! But then a bit of a panic set in – Larry actually has my book, Larry can actually read my book – all that gushing about him and trying to meet him. 

Maybe about 15 minutes later, Bono arrived. There were even more people now, and Bono started at the opposite end of the line where the people had just arrived. Unlike my encounter with Larry, I remember every detail of my time with Bono – because I am much calmer with Bono. When Bono arrived in front of me I showed him my book and told him, “This is the book I wrote about all the U2 shows I’ve been to over the years.” And Bono said, “Really?” with an impressed, surprised sort of tone. I then said, “I gave a copy to Larry because you know I like that cold stare.” Bono said, “I do too” and his eyes lit up and looked at me with a little smirk as if saying to himself, “This girl is quoting me to me.” And I was. (I was referring to my conversation with Bono in 2011 on 360 in Seattle when I asked him if Larry was ever going to come out to greet the fans, and Bono said, “You like that cold stare don’t you?” – click here to see that video). After Bono autographed my book, I pointed to my “Larry Mullen Band” shirt and said, “You remember me … from Seattle?” Bono said, ” Oh YEAH I remember YOU!” I’m not sure if he did or was just playing along, but it was a great moment either way. I then thanked Brian (Bono’s security guard) for Pittsburgh (Larry hugging me on his way to the stage), and asked him if he remembered me. He said, “You’re welcome. Yes I remember.” Again, who knows if he did, but I’ve wanted to thank him for that magical moment because it was all due to Brian. (You can read about that here.) I have met and spoken with Bono a handful of times over the years, but this was only the second autograph I have gotten from him. The first time I met Bono was back in 1992 on ZooTv. I got my picture with him and his autograph – he signed my Outside It’s America book. 

After Bono met with everyone, and he took his time to meet with every single one of us, Dahna, Jen, Doug, Lori and I went over to Brooklyn’s around 4:30 to eat and hydrate. We ran into Joy there, and I had to call Jenny to tell her what had just happened. While everyone was watching the Belmont to see American Pharoah win the Triple Crown, I was tweeting about my Epic Experience! After two glasses of water, an iced tea and mozzarello sticks, I went walked across the street and got in the GA line at 6 just as the doors were opening.

U2ieTour Denver1 6.6.2015 Show #78
I walked into the Pepsi Center and straight over to the South Side, even though I was given a North Side wristband. As I was walking in, Scotty (U2 head security) was walking in front of me. I thanked him for Larry coming out to greet the fans. I told him it was nice to meet Larry every 14 years, and he laughed. I went to the e stage and saw Jennifer, my old Elevation friend, on the rail pretty much in the exact spot I wanted to be so I stood right behind her and a shorter girl next to her. So I was pretty much on the e stage rail for Larry, although technically I was one person back. Our friend Tim, whom I met on 360 and saw a lot of shows with, joined us and stood with us for the show. My friend Mike showed up a bit later, but he moved around during the show.

Bono entered from the e stage with the lights on during Patti Smith’s “People Have the Power.” Bono did not do this at the shows in Vancouver, but has been doing it ever since. Throughout the show, Bono referred to the 32nd anniversary of Red Rocks the day before. Adam wore a shirt with the day March 28, 1981, which was the first time U2 played Denver. Larry wore his blue shirt – the same one he wore at both Vancouver shows I saw. “The Wanderer” was played on the video screen during the ‘intermission.’ This was better than the Punk Rock video I saw in Vancouver, which they haven’t used since. The set list was the same as Vancouver1 except U2 played “Electric Co” instead of “Out of Control,” “Angel of Harlem” instead of “Sweetest Thing,” and added “Stand By Me” to the end of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” which reminded me of the good old days.

The e stage set was amazing! Right after “Even Better Than the Real Thing,” Larry asked Sammy for a stool which he sat on the remainder of the set. He had been standing for the e stage sets previously. Larry also wasn’t wearing a brace on his arm like he was in Vancouver. Bono followed Adam in kneeling then laying on the stage while still playing and singing. It was so funny even Larry was laughing. Bono dedicated “Desire” to Peyton Manning who was in the house. I of course went nuts, since I’ve been a Broncos fan a little longer than I’ve been a U2 fan. At the end of “Desire,” Bono sang a little of the Beatles’ “Love Me Do.” I was taking video of Larry playing the drums during “Angel of Harlem,” but stopped toward the end. I stood on my tip toes and was singing along of course looking at Larry, who saw me and smiled, winked and mouthed “Hi.” The song ended, I never took my eyes off of Larry (I rarely do anyway), Larry got up holding both his drumsticks in his hand, looked over at me and I could see in his eyes what was about to happen. I’m not sure what I did, I may have nodded, but I think I had a look on my face that said, “Yes please.” Larry locked eyes with me and walked directly over to me handing me his drumsticks before leaving the e stage. Apparently others were trying to get my drumsticks, but Tim was holding them back. It’s not like it was random and Larry was just giving them out, he purposely gave his drumsticks to me. So I guess I didn’t make such a fool of myself that afternoon as I thought I did. Maybe Larry actually likes me just a little. I mean if my book doesn’t scare him off, nothing will. First thing I noticed as I hugged Larry’s drumsticks was that they didn’t have his name printed on them as they did on Elevation. Larry gave me one drumstick 14 years ago on Elevation in Jersey – and Sammy (Larry’s drum tech) gave me one in Philly on Elevation. But I had asked for those, and it was more random then. Larry walked over and gave one to me and the girl next to me. This night in Denver, it was unprovoked and I didn’t asked for anything. Larry saw me, walked over and put his drumsticks in my hand. That is my equivalent of getting on stage. “Angel of Harlem” will never be the same again!

Two songs later during “Bullet the Blue Sky,” which is not one of my favorites and I was still in bliss over Larry handing me his drumsticks, so I didn’t even notice that Larry’s shirt was completely unbuttoned and barely on him until my friend Tim told me! I kept saying it was because Larry was so hot after he handed me his drumsticks, but that wasn’t it at all. Apparently, Larry’s shirt was getting in the way of his drumming, so he just ripped it open! Too bad that didn’t happen when he was on the e stage. “Bullet” also introduced the American Flag bullhorn, which Bono shouted his rap through. Larry’s shirt was buttoned back for “Beautiful Day,” which contained Elvis’ “I Remember You” snippet – worlds colliding. As Adam was making his way down the runway during “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” I notice there was no one standing near the tunnel. Flashing back to my days on 360, I ran back there to wait for the band to exit and maybe get to thank Larry for the drumsticks. Tim and Mike joined me. Adam walked by and shook Mike’s hand. Larry was supposed to be next, but Bono was next to him (in between Larry and I) microphone in hand singing “Stand By Me.” So once again, Bono got in between Larry and me.

After walking around the Pepsi Center to make sure we didn’t miss U2 leaving (they had already left before we were even out of the arena), I was back in my hotel room by 11:30pm. Hot and sweaty, I just sat on my bed in the quiet in awe of what just happened. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t take notes during the show or live tweet. I didn’t even take much video or too many pictures. I was going to periscope some of the show, but I was just SO into it and just enjoying myself. Denver1 was such an amazing show. It was a standard set list, but such a great energy. I honestly have’t found that excitement and vibe since the Elevation Tour 14 years ago. I met Larry 14 years ago and then today. Larry gave me a drumstick (and champagne bottle) 14 years ago and then today. I think the original “Larry Mullen Band” shirt is lucky – good things happy when I wear it. My tradition this tour is to wear it at each city’s opener.

Click here for my pics from my epic day in Denver 6.6.15.

The set list (from u2gigs.com) for Denver 1 June 6, 2015 was as follows:

1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. The Electric Co. / Send In The Clowns (snippet) / Rocky Mountain High (snippet)
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song For Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday / When Johnny Comes Marching Home (snippet)
9. Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
10. Until The End Of The World

(Intermission)

1. Invisible
2. Even Better Than The Real Thing / Desire (snippet)
3. Mysterious Ways / Young Americans (snippet)
4. Desire / Love Me Do (snippet)
5. Angel Of Harlem
6. Every Breaking Wave
7. Bullet The Blue Sky / Black Dog (snippet) / 19 (snippet)
8. The Hands That Built America (snippet) / Pride (In The Name Of Love)
9. Beautiful Day / I Remember You (snippet)
10. With Or Without You

encore(s):

1. City Of Blinding Lights
2. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
3. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For / Stand By Me (snippet)

Denver Day 3 – June 7, 2015
I woke up at 5am after only two hours of sleep. I went down to the lobby just after 7am to get my free breakfast – fruit loops, juice and an egg and cheese croissant sandwich for later. There was nothing in the newspaper at the U2 concert. I tried to go back to sleep, but just ended up watching the SVU marathon and only dozing off for a few minutes. After eating my leftover pizza, I finally got out of bed around 12:30 to get ready to go back over to the Pepsi Center. I wanted to thank Larry for the drumsticks and finally get my picture with him. The same folks were waiting that were there yesterday (Dahna, Jen, Doug, Mel, Marcy, Deb), but there were a LOT more people on Sunday. Guess everyone heard about our good fortune Saturday and didn’t want to miss out again. My friends Mike and Jennifer joined us Sunday – after I talked about it so much Saturday. Two SVUs drove in pretty quickly and as it turned out they were Edge and Larry. Oh well, I will try again in Chicago. Although I already achieved my goal, so a photo with Larry is just icing on the cake. Brian came out and told us that they were not going to sign anything and just say a quick hello, but both Adam and Bono quickly autographed items and took a few pictures. After a bunch of us went over to Brooklyn’s at 3:30 to relax, hydrate and eat before the show. Side note – I took little videos of Edge, Adam and Bono greeting the fans, but not Larry! WTH?!

Denver2 June 7, 2015 – Show #79
We walked into the show just after the GA line went in. The arena was really empty, more so than the night before. I started the show one person back from the rail on the runway on the South side just to the right of where Larry is during “Invisible” and close to the e stage.  I love “Invisible!” Such a great song and SO exciting to see Larry peaking through the screens and then actually hearing the drums, not just through the speakers. This was the first show I saw Larry wearing something other than his blue shirt. For Denver2, he was wearing the gray checkered one. For the e stage set, I moved closer to the e stage and to Larry. I couldn’t have been more excited U2 played “Volcano!” I had been waiting to hear it live. U2 played it at LA5, so I was hoping they would in Denver as well – and they did! I love it on the album as part of the three song blast “Volcano,” “Raised By Wolves” and “Cedarwood Road!” “Volcano” didn’t disappoint live. I thought it was great! Even Tim said, “it didn’t suck” – and that’s high praise from him considering he’s not a fan of that song. I also got to hear “Ordinary Love” for the first time. I really like this song, but it was a little lacking live in Denver. Even Bono said, “maybe we should rehearse this before we play it again.” “Elevation” was originally on the set list after “Volcano,” but Stu came back and taped a different set list to the e stage right before the show started. Now I’ve heard every song of the new album except “Sleep Like a Baby Tonight” and “This is Where You Can Reach Me Now” – if you don’t count “Lucifer’s Hands” and “Crystal Ballroom.” Bono made a joke saying one of the band members is a commitment phobe. I assume he meant Larry since he is the only not married.

After the e stage set, I moved back to where I could more easily move around and relax – since Larry was no longer in proximity. I ran into Mike, and he suggested we go toward the main stage for “Bullet,” so we did. We got about five people back from the rail in front of Edge. Unfortunately, Larry kept his shirt buttoned tonight during “Bullet.” I stayed up front for “Pride,” “Beautiful Day” and “With or Without You.” Then I moved back running into my friends Chuck and Deb along the way and stood with my friends Jennifer and Tim for the rest of the show. Well until “One” when I moved back to stand at the tunnel to watch U2 leave. It was a different version of “One” that I’ve ever heard. There was a little drum part in the middle that reminded me of the drums that should be in “Every Breaking Wave” that they’ve taken out with just the Bono/Edge version. U2 exited from the main stage. After the show, I walked back with Mike and Chuck reminiscing about old times. I was back in my hotel room, showered and fed (more leftover pizza) by midnight because the airport shuttle was picking me up at 3:30am to go home.

The set list for the second show in Denver on June 7, 2015 was as follows:

1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Out Of Control
3. Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio? (snippet) / Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song For Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday / When Johnny Comes Marching Home (snippet)
9. Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
10. Until The End Of The World / Love And Peace Or Else (snippet)

(Intermission)

1. Invisible
2. Even Better Than The Real Thing
3. Mysterious Ways / Young Americans (snippet)
4. Volcano
5. Ordinary Love
6. Every Breaking Wave
7. Bullet The Blue Sky
8. The Hands That Built America (snippet) / Pride (In The Name Of Love)
9. Beautiful Day / With Or Without You (snippet)
10. With Or Without You

encore(s):

1. City Of Blinding Lights
2. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
3. One / Invisible (snippet)

Click here to see my pictures from Denver2 U2ieTour.

Denver Day 4 June 8, 2015
I actually was only in Denver for five hours, so not really ‘Denver Day 4.’ The hotel shuttle picked me up at 3:30am for my 5:30am flight home. I got a total of seven hours sleep in the three nights I was in Denver. As I waiting for the shuttle, the guy at my hotel asked me which U2 show I went to. It is really funny how regular people are surprised I went to BOTH U2 shows. It never occurred to me to only go to one show. After a really crowded security at the Denver Aiport at 4:15am, my flight was on time, I got the the bulkhead, didn’t sleep at all and was home before 11:30am – when most of my friends were still in bed in Denver (as it was only 9:30am there).

I have already been to two of the four cities on my U2ieTour, but have only seen four of my 15 shows. My favorite part of the show is the e stage set, which really begins with “Invisible” on the runway inside the screens. I love the black and white of “Pride” on the big screen – reminds me of Rattle and Hum. My favorite song off Songs of Innocence before the tour started was Cedarwood Road, but I actually prefer Iris in concert. Have to see how I feel after these 11 shows. My 80th show will be Opening Night in Chicago in less than two weeks – June 24, 2015. I will be blogging every day while in Chicago (rather than just after the trip), since I will be there for 10 days and I will have my laptop with me. I will really try to periscope some of the songs at the middle shows. See you On the Road with U2!