Was it something I said?
I'm beginning to think I'm somewhat of a junket jinx because every time I earn a press pass into an event where U2 is performing, they decline to be interviewed. This happened just last week at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert in New York, where I had flown to town just to report on it. I was honored to be in the room with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox and Ozzy Osbourne, but felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach when I learned U2 -- the band I was there to talk to -- wouldn't be coming through. Seeing as the current leg of their tour had already concluded, I can't imagine why at least one of them couldn't have stopped by for a brief Q & A. After all, they were the headlining act...
On a happier note, I was delighted to see the often-elusive Larry Mullen Jr. on the new Ovation show Anatomy of a Closet. He was featured both as a fashion icon and a commentator, which was surprising, but somehow fitting. He appeared relaxed and happy to participate.
The show is structured as a countdown: ten things that make up an essential closet in fashion history. Larry was noted for his ability to wear the White Tee well, and he responded by mentioning his favorite film growing up was West Side Story, which...made me melt.
To demonstrate how hot said drummer looked in the shirt, the series showed a photo of U2 where all members except Larry are wearing black. He, standing at the back, was in white. Larry noted that he's always the "odd man out" and perhaps his penchant for classic dressing is just one more thing that defines this. He noted that he never intentionally tried to look like he was from the '50s, but admitted Marlon Brando in his heyday was a definite influence.
Larry also commented on Sunglasses (he feels "safe behind them") and Jeans, comparing them to "music and smells" because they can take you back to a certain point in your life.
I'm so pleased that the show decided to feature the founder of U2 instead of his endlessly quotable front-man. Not that I don't love Bono, but where style is concerned, Larry is the only band member that really hasn't had a terrible fashion period. Maybe it's because he's simply incapable of looking bad.
Congratulations to the band for winning the well-deserved Best Live Act at the MTV European Music Awards. Their acceptance of that prize came on the heels of their performance at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to mark the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down. I was surprised to see that they played only one song ("One") from Achtung Baby, which they recorded in that city just after the wall fell. What a treat it would have been if they'd thrown in "Zoo Station" to commemorate -- or even the well-polished "Ultraviolet" that got so much praise on the road. Regardless, it was nice that the tickets to the show were free for fans, and I must say the backdrop of their stage was absolutely majestic.
In the past I've expressed interest in being employed by U2 in various capacities: Tour Mermaid, Official Tour Twitterer, etc. Of course, none of my suggestions have come to fruition, but that doesn't mean I'm out of ideas!
After enjoying four shows on the 360 tour, I've come up with a few more possible positions for which I'd like Principle Management to consider me:
Venue Security Consultant
A few of the venues (i.e. BC Place in Vancouver) are really on the ball when it comes to managing GA lines, respecting our fan-made numbering system and letting reasonable amounts of folks in at a time once the doors open, but most unfortunately are not. For example: Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas required the assistance of many of us @U2 staffers to act as default security because they had produced a ridiculous gap between the start of the GA line and the actual entrance. Not only was there a swag stand in the way, there was at least a hundred feet of open space where folks were casually cutting in line in front of ticket holders who had stood in the blistering heat for over 10 hours. Not cool.
Had there been one consultant on hand to alert the Sam Boyd crew that their configuration would fail miserably, perhaps many wouldn't have had the opportunity to cut in line.
Bono Preech-writer
I think it's safe to say we're all pleased the B-man has toned down his Africa spiel for the 360 Tour. While I'm definitely in the camp that appreciates all he does for the world, sometimes I just wanna go to a rock and roll show. If I got to craft his "Preeches," I'd keep them to 50 words or less and save that beautiful voice for more ballads.
North America Transportation Liaison
In Europe, there are ample public transportation options to accommodate fans leaving stadiums after sporting events and large concerts. They built their systems that way -- the smart way. In North America, we could stand to learn a thing or two about sharing rides.
But since we haven't yet, perhaps it would behoove U2 to be proactive on behalf of their fans and contact city personnel prior to arriving about the options available to and from the venues. Not only would it bring revenue to the locale (arranging for extra taxis, buses and trains), it would save hours of frustration for fans trying to get to (think Raleigh, N.C.) or from (think Meadowlands) the show. Plus, if I were said Liaison, I'd get the word out well in advance so fans could plan ahead.
It's not U2's fault the transportation is a nightmare, but it is a deterrent to attend future concerts when the commute lasts longer than the show.
Fan Club Pre-sale Code Master
If I were on the job, not only would your code not change color, disappear and re-appear within the course of 48 hours—if you were in the "Breathe" group, it would be called just that. Not "Breath" as it's been for over seven months now.
Setlist Fairy
While the band does an awesome job of making thousands of people happy every night during their shows, one has to wonder if they missed the memo about mixing it up just a teeny bit more this tour. I'm not saying they need to change six or seven songs per city -- but a few more surprises would be lovely. Even just resurrecting one they played on another continent (i.e. "Electrical Storm"); or paying off the endless "Drowning Man" soundchecks would satisfy many a diehard. I could be the go-between from the fans to the band, and offer explanations back to the community when something is simply not doable.
Or, if these positions are positively ludicrous, I could just keep writing.
© @U2/Kokkoris, 2009.
