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Answer Guy: Why does U2 leave the stage and come back for an encore?

@U2, March 23, 2003
By: Answer Guy

 

U2 Answer Guy

From: CA

Why does U2 leave the stage acting like the show is over only to return and play 4 more songs?

Dear CA:

It's commonly assumed that the traditional rock concert encore takes place to give a band a chance to go backstage and do such mundane things as change clothes, use the restroom and enjoy a refreshing beverage.

U2, however, takes a very untraditional approach to the encores during their shows. During the first leg of the Elevation Tour, for example, here's how the band typically used their free time between the main set and encore:

  • Bono: worked on his daughter's term paper, titled "The World Bank and You: Common Misconceptions About Market Quotas and Trade Tariffs"
  • Larry: finished counting his school lunch money
  • Adam: transferred names and numbers into his new black book, using pencil this time (on the advice of Naomi Campbell)
  • Edge: proofread Stephen Hawking's The Universe In a Nutshell and faxed daily corrections, with particular attention to the 2nd chapter "The Shape of Time"

I should add, for the sake of completeness, that on the 3rd leg of Elevation Adam spent his time during the break moving all those names and numbers into his new Sony CLIÉ handheld. He got it with some of the bonus money from Leg #2.


From: Leprechaun Girl

I have a very important question. it concerns my very sanity. as i am a very young fan on a very tight budget, which u2 video/Dvds are the most memorable aka which 3 videos should i buy since i can't afford them all (yet)?

Dear Leprechaun Girl:

1. Zoo TV Live From Sydney
2. Elevation 2001 Live from Boston
3. Rattle and Hum


From: Marko

What, exactly, was the thought process when the band decided on a giant, mirrored, disco-ball lemon?

Dear Marko:

It went like this: Fill a pint glass 2/3 full with Guinness. Fill a double shot glass with Bailey's Irish Cream and Jameson Irish Whiskey. Drop the shot glass into the pint of Guinness and chug. Repeat several times. Sign papers approving use of motorized lemon.


From: Tom

What was Bono talking about during the Elevation tour when he said, "Pull the trigger, I'm a rock and roll nigger. Bigger than Jesus on a bumper sticker!"

Dear Tom:

He's quoting lyrics from a Patti Smith song called "Rock and Roll Nigger."


From: Liz

What, in your opinion and experience, is the best way to get good (U2) tickets? Camping outside a ticket office? Online? Phone?

Dear Liz:

The best way to get good U2 tickets is to start writing a weekly column for a semi-popular (so I'm led to believe) web site that provides helpful answers and information to U2 fans around the world, as well as providing a few hearty laughs on rare occasions and moments of inspiration.

Other than that, I really don't know.

 

Have a question for The Answer Guy? Email today: answerguy @ atu2.com

Please take a look through old Answer Guy columns to see if your question has already been answered -- use links at the bottom of this page. And PLEASE, no more questions about Bono's sunglasses, Edge's shirts, Larry's shoes, Adam's pants, etc., or any other piece of clothing!

[Disclaimer: All questions taken from legitimate emails. Names have been changed to protect the innocent. Legitimate responses are usually sent via private email prior to getting the humorous treatment here. No bills over $20 accepted. Call before digging. Don't try this at home. ]

© @U2, 2003.

    



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