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"We realised that there's only a certain amount of Joshua trees you can chop down." -- Larry, on recording All That You Can't Leave Behind, 2002 |
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"We realised that there's only a certain amount of Joshua trees you can chop down." -- Larry, on recording All That You Can't Leave Behind, 2002 |
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Column: off the record...,vol. 9-378
@U2,
October 04, 2009
It feels like I was the only North American @U2 staffer not in attendance at the Hype and the Feedback U2 conference. I know that's not true but I'm sure I missed out on some fun. What makes it easier is that I'll get to see a lot of them later this month at the concert in Las Vegas. Since I'm only going to one stop on the tour this year, I'm particularly looking forward to spending time with other U2 pals who are spread out across the U.S. -- and even a few from overseas. I didn't go online until around 1999 (I was so excited to get a WebTV unit at the time!), post-PopMart. Prior to that, starting with the War Tour, I was lucky to find even a few other fans here in Portland, Ore., and attended shows with just a friend or two. Aside from the penpal section of the old Propaganda magazine, there wasn't really any way to find groups of people with the same interest. So I really looked forward to the Elevation Tour because I would finally get to meet a lot of the people from the online U2 community. Since then, spending time in line, etc., with these people is almost as much fun for me as the actual concert. I'm not at all a social butterfly and can be very shy, but there's something about having such a strong shared connection with other fans that changes that. More than a few people I've become the greatest of friends with during the last couple of decades happened because of U2. I always say that besides the gift of music, the other best gift U2 have given me is long-lasting friendships.
Last week there was a story about a boy who got to meet U2 through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Not publicized was what happened recently to a woman I've gotten to know (and finally met at an East Coast show in 2001). It's a nice reminder that no matter how big the band has gotten -- and the stage -- they and their crew still have a one-on-one connection with their fans. This woman's face was a familiar one to many in the U2 camp as she's gone to multiple shows each tour, starting with the War Tour. About a year ago, Ruby (not her real name) was struck by a catastrophic illness and spent a few critical months in ICU. Since then, her life has been completely changed and her condition will only worsen. She is no longer mobile and is unable to do most of the things she used to enjoy, such as going to concerts. Despite this, she's still posting on the U2 list that I met her through and reliving moments from all the U2 shows she's seen (and teaching us valuable tips on how to deal with pushy frat boys at concerts!). One of the women on the U2 list, who has attended countless U2 shows with her in the past, recently gave Ruby one of the best gifts ever. With their permission, here’s the note that was sent in the package that Ruby received:
When Ruby told us about it on the list, she said, "In a year that has had not ONE single bright moment, in any regard, or any reason to smile or laugh, you gave my mother and I an opportunity to do both. And it was nice to experience a bright moment again. I've forgotten what that feels like." I think most of us on the list were misty-eyed after reading this.
And finally, The Engineers Guide to Cats. I was unaware that the techniques I've always employed to greatly annoy mine -- and amuse myself -- can also result in cat yodeling. Something to strive for...
@ U2/Weber, 2009.
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