'Something I've Never Seen Before'

Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol was so knocked out by last night's show in Katowice that he sat down and wrote us this piece.



I had to write about this. I simply had to. I hope I'm not speaking out of turn here as this is U2's site and hallowed ground for all of you but this story needs to be told. The shows so far on this tour have all been amazing and each night the crowd's reaction to U2 has been loud and joyous and passionate. Last night in Poland though was something else. Hard to explain. Let me try.

I have never in my life seen a crowd reaction like that of Katowice last night. Right from opener Breathe there was a daft magic in the air. Insanity everywhere you looked. People's faces clothed in the kind of joy I've only seen in gospel churches and then only on the TV so to see this religious fervour up close was overwhelming. The city outside the stadium could have been under heavy fire from alien spacecraft and I don't think anyone would have heard, saw, or indeed cared that much.



Then The Edge takes to the piano for New Year's Day (playing it guitar pick still between his fingers!) and the place is bathed in red and white instantly. Red cards held aloft by the people on the floor and white cards in the seats to make a giant Polish flag you could probably see from space. It took the breath clean out of me. By the end even Bono was speechless, for a few seconds anyway. The things he said next are lost to me verbatim but what I won't forget is the tears that came to me then. In floods. And when I turned to check if anyone had snared me for blubbing I realised that every single person around me also had tears in their eyes. We were sharing something that simply never happens at rock shows anywhere. A collective emotional and spiritual surrender of epic proportions. This was majesty and tenderness married and that is a rare thing indeed.

Last night was something I've never seen before and I can't quite fathom it. Not sure I ever will or even want to. It will sit alongside the greatest nights of my life and I thank U2 and Poland for that. Also thank you to the Polish U2 fans for giving us the best reaction to our own set we've had on this tour so far. All in all then a night of triumphs.





I would tour with this band (we all, us Patrollers, would) 'til the last grain of sand tipped gently into the bottom half of the hourglass and yes that sounds (and perhaps is, why not) a massive hint hint to stay on this magic carpet ride a little/a lot longer but believe me when I say this: this is the greatest show on earth. Why on earth would you buy just anyone's cockatoo? Long may they reign!

Gary Lightbody, aged 33, Bangor, Northern Ireland, Overwhelmed.x

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This article is tagged to:
Collaborations, Highlights, Home, Reviews, Tours, U2 360° Tour

Qba - 07 August, 2009 Thank You Gary I want to thank you Snow Patrol for visiting our country. I want to thank U2 for a girlfriend I had met on that Vertigo night and who was there with me yesterday (Bono you could have seen us singing Moment of Surrender or shouting to your limo :-) I am completely speechless. I "hope you get back to us, soon" to such devoted fans :-)

Bono_ddh - 07 August, 2009 Waow What a great letter. Hey Gary, I've been a U2 fan for a long time now and a snow patrol one since I first saw you opening for U2 in 2005 Vertigo Tour. And let me tell you that as long as you'll keep the smile on your face showing that there's no other place on earth you want to be but on stage in front of us, you'll give the kind of emotion the audience is waiting for (as far as I'm concerned). You give a piece of you on stage and we give a lot in return. That's what happens at U2 gigs. They give us a lot and what happened in Poland is a U2 fans' response... I wish I was there... I would have cried too... Thanks for you letter Gary Didier, aged 39, Belgium, thrilled

JakNiktInny - 07 August, 2009 You're absolutely right I'm agree in your opinion Gary in 100%. It was unforgettable night. 70.000 people connected for few hours in one family. Only one band has this giant influence. I will never forget it! Best wishes for U2 and Snow Patrol, Lucas Stolarski from Poland

Elessarek - 07 August, 2009 Thank You! Gary - I would like to thank You very much for what You have written. We, Polish fans, were very proud to have a band like You on concert in Katowice. We hope to see You again as soon as possible. As You could read during the show - Welcome Home, Snow Patrol. We welcome You here and wait for You to come once more. You're doing great job! Thank You for "Run" for Polsh people and from myself - thank You for brilliant "Chasing cars" Greetings! Michal, one from the banner "Welcome Home, Snow Patrol" carriers. :)

Susanne - 07 August, 2009 U2 lights my way Dear Gary, Thanks for your message; I totally agree with you. I was there yesterday and it was amazing (and indeed; you don't have to be Polish to see what's going on!!) It was my third show this tour and it was the best ever! Especially New years day under a white and red sky!! Thanks to U2 and to the Polish fans; you've made this night a one in a life time unforgettable one! (Susanne, the Netherlands)

MaSanYa - 07 August, 2009 Tears Thank you very much for this words! They make me cry... and fell proud that I will be able to see U2 in Zagreb, at monday! I can only hope that I will have a pleassure to experiance the same felling as in Poland! I am sending my best wishes to all off you!

Young_Siward - 07 August, 2009 Thanks Gary Have to say, by the sounds of things, Poland is THE place to catch a U2 show these days. And this is from someone who went to all three Croke gigs (and loved them all). Well done guys, cockatoo bought indeed....

YoungmanU2 - 07 August, 2009 Deeply Moving - Thank You As a devoutly religious person who has sat in many religious services, I can attest to an incredible spiritual experience at U2 shows - unlike any other concert. This letter alone gave me chills. C.S. Lewis once commented that there is something in us that longs for a deeper sense of community and fellowship (he sees it as evidence of the Divine - as do I) - and a U2 concert brings that out ... epically (if that's a word!).

Gene Grabowski - 07 August, 2009 Passion and Sincererty As a 25-year fan of U2, I've always admired their passion and sincerety as artists. As a Polish-American, I understand the emotion of a song like "New Year's Day." I am so glad U2 has gone to Poland again! See you in Chicago!!

- 07 August, 2009 Wow! It is really difficult to say something after reading such an amazing letter. Thank You. Yesterday I had the fortune to take part in U2's amazing show... And I must confess - it took my breath and tears away, and the thing is... That I don't want it back. We just went crazy! I would also like to thank You for Your great performance as a support for U2. I wasn't familiar with Your music before, but You can rest assured that I will catch up and buy Your cd's as soon as possible. Great band. I hope to see You again in Poland, Snow Patrol. Along with Bono and his friends. Best of luck! From Poland.

u2fan1973 - 07 August, 2009 A Very Emotional Ride Thank you, Gary, for this very touching recount of the Poland show. I was listening to the audio feed as the concert was underway, and I was tearing up, as well. Seeing the pictures now brings me back to my own U2 experiences, and how I felt then, and they made me think of how I will feel again in another month or so. U2 shows are such magical moments, that it's hard not to get lost in emotion. I just wish that you and your fantastic band were a part of this tour the whole time, because that would make my N.Y. experience that much more magical, indeed. Thanks again - very beautiful!

paulastef - 07 August, 2009 Collective surrender I read this and was swept away in your U2 Moments!I believe that many, if not all, U2 fans have shared in a similar U2 experience...Tears streamed down my face when I saw Larry, Adam, the Edge & Bono making their way to the stage in Boston in 2001...and they had not begun to sing as of yet! A fan since I was 14, to see them live after so many years...I just knew what was coming!!! Anticipating Snow Patrol with U2 Boston 20 Sept. 2009!!!

glab - 07 August, 2009 no words as well, Gary... I feel proud and honored that we've become a source of true and beautiful emotions. It is tremendously rare and monumental - 70.000 people becoming one spirit for just one night. It was seen from the first tune of 'Breathe' till the last sound of 'Moment of Surrender'. I was standing there, totally unaware what was happening to me because I was so mesmerized and intoxicated indeed. There was standing a girl from Russia next to me. I'd never met her before and we hadn't even share a single talk just to begin to sing together and holding hands throughout the whole night few seconds later... I'm enormously happy I could be a part of this unforgettable and beautiful musical spectrum. I am unconditionally and inevitably under the spell of that night. Snow Patrol began to play, I was standing right in front of the stage and my gladness grew stronger as I saw you, Gary, smiling at us while we were cheering and having a great time. This was magical. Thank you, U2 and Snow Patrol equally, for bringing us at the highest point of the most raised, elevated consciousness and freeing our minds and souls by infusing them with your music. WE ALL LOVE YOU VERY MUCH Sandra from Poland xx

Budstud - 07 August, 2009 AWSOME AWSOME cant agree more! Cant wait till they come to the States!!

edgeoholic - 07 August, 2009 Wow! Gary, That was beautiful. I've seen you and your band on tour in the States (you and your guys are the next to explode) and to read your expression of what happened in Chorzow brought a tear to my cynical eye. Long live Rock 'n Roll and long may U2 and Snow Patrol reign the charts. Chorzow was what Rock is all about! Thank you!

Coodlaty - 08 August, 2009 Thanks Snow Patrol! Thanks for these nice words... I'd like to add, that You - Snow Patrol - were the one who warmed this great People up:) So You were the part of us that night! Thank You once again Snow Patrol!

david b - 08 August, 2009 Gary Lightbody Gary , you and your band a true class. I have been a fan of yours since I saw you at Norwich Uea just after you released Run. You compliment U2 with similar ideals , I am delighted that you are supporting in Chicago , as we thought we wouldnt see you as you were not doing London , Paris , Sheffield or Cardiff , but my beautiful Fiancee got has treated me to Soldier Field , on my 40th Birthday!!! Remenber we will be supporting you in Chicago "Even if you cant hear our voices , We'll be right behind you dears "

Tom L - 08 August, 2009 Snow Patrol Rocks! Hi Gary.. U2 was fabulous but Snow Patrol rocks! One of the best supports I have ever seen.. Thanks a lot for your warm words.. this is just that we all have been a part of a celebration last night out there in Katowice.. Cheers everyone...

sandycukrik - 08 August, 2009 AMAZING I want to say thank you-to all polish fans,I knew it will be great show with you but this was THE BEST!fanstastic unbelievable...from the begining how fans organize themselves from the early morning and security guys fantastic also...and of course the show,the atmosphere.From now on Poland is the country I can´t miss any concert!Thank you!

gtheportofan - 08 August, 2009 Beautifully said Thank you Gary. thanks for the music and for those beautiful words. I was in the white part of the flag. And when Bono spoke, I also cried like a baby. I absolutely adore what happened last Thursday and I'm happy we all could be part of it. You were the perfect SUPPORT and I wish you come back to Poland very soon!!

maggie18patchwork - 08 August, 2009 thank you thank you I am sitting in front of the computer with tears steaming down my face. wow what beautiful words, I am lost for words! I am a massive U2 fan and have been for many years. I was in amsterdam and made sure that I was in the stadium in time to see the whole of your show, it was brilliant. I saw you in wembley too in 2005. Such emotion in your words Thanks

Pawel_Adam - 08 August, 2009 Thank you Snow Patrol ! It was a great night for us all. I guess everyone felt that there was something special this day going on in here. As from the beginning of the first Snow Patrol song I've felt that this night will be never forgotten. Thanks to Snow Patrol for their great music and for warming us up. Great night, great crowd, great bands, great show. What do we need more?

tommorowu2 - 08 August, 2009 Thanks a lot! Thank You Gary! Now I know that for everyone, really everyone it was night to never be forgotten. I'm waiting for more nights like this one. It was priceless show, priceless hours of my life. We were one big family there. And thank You for being there Snow Patrol. I love your 'chasing cars' and 'you're all i have' Thanks a lot!

barteku2 - 08 August, 2009 Thanks Snow Patrol and U2! I had the luck to be there! It was the best day in my life! I was in the Amsterdam too, but this show was completely different, the most amazing in all 360 tour. There was such atmosphere, you can't feel anywhere else in this world. I'm speechless. There are no words to describe this wonderful event and feelings, which we all had there. Can't wait to see the best band in the world again!!!

hcs100 - 08 August, 2009 a fan's duty i drove 600kms on thursday to stand in queue for 8 hrs staring at the sun. a few times i felt like i was too old for this: it was much easier in '93 in budapest. but i saw all the tours since (3 times each) and chorzow // vertigo // 2005 was the best of all. i expected "the flag" again, but still, it was simply massive. i will have to be early again on sunday, in zagreb! as a SP fan as well :-) hcs, 36, hungary

szanette - 08 August, 2009 You talked from my heart Gary, I was searching for the words since Thursday night and in this letter, you just talked from my heart! I will never forget this evening; there was love, faith, magic in the air and the whole stadium was ONE. We were there from Hungary, but I am proud that we could have been a part of it! IT WAS MAGNIFICENT!!! So thank you Snow Patrol for the fantastic warm up, thank you U2 for the magic, thank you Polish friends that we could have been a part of it with you and thank you Gary for talking from my heart!

electricardoso - 08 August, 2009 That's way U2 shows are amazing... Gary explained very well why people all over the world camp at the door of the stadiums and arenas days several days before the show, cause U2 is not just music, U2 is a way of live and a way to express our feelings and opinions. I'm waiting for you in Lisbon, Portugal guys.U2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lithuania - 09 August, 2009 I'm still speachless I absolutelly agree with Gary! That was something I have never seen! To see U2 concert was one of my dreams and I knew I will get best ever emotions and impressions, but feelings that I had watching the concert just exceeded my expectations! That was wonderful, amazing, just fantastic concert! And before, I couldn't ever understand ,why fans are used to cry while watching the concert of their beloved artist. Couldn't understand until I got to U2 concert. while listening to the music and feeling it's power, my eyes got filled with tears... It was such a power in the air! Something unexplainable! I don't think, there is anyone else but U2 that can raise such feelings and power! Sorry for perhaps rustic writing, but I'm still under a spell of the concert :) Thank You, U2, for all those unforgetable emotions! Ieva from Vilnius, Lithuania

miss_italia - 09 August, 2009 U2 wow! Snow Patrol wow! :-) I'v been to several U2 concerts: Zoo TV (1993), Pop Mart (1997), Elevation (2001), Vertigo (2005), 360° (2009),... A U2 concert is not just a concert, it's a unique experience full of emotions shared with so many beautiful people. Gary, I saw you guys playing live for the first time during U2's Vertigo Tour in Brussels 2005. I liked your performance a lot. Seeing you guys twice in Amsterdam and Gelsenkirchen on this 360° Tour was just amazing!!! I was completely overwhelmed by your fantastic performance, your positive energy and the warm reaction of the audience. You guys definitely rocked! Yesterday I heard your song "Shut your eyes" on the readio and told my boyfriend about your brilliant performance! I'm definitely going to buy all your cd's now. I hope to see you again on a U2-tour and especially on your own world tour! Thanks for your beautiful music!!! :-)

LoveLikeSunset - 09 August, 2009 Perfection I´ve been a U2 fan for 10 years now and I´ve seen many concerts of them and they are just amazing! It is pure magic to see them live! But the shows with Snow Patrol as opening act are PERFECTION! I didn´t really know them until I saw them in Berlin this year and I was absolutely overwhelmed with emotions! U2 AND Snow Patrol - nothing is better than this! So please PLEASE keep on supporting U2 on their tours, this is the best thing someone could wish for!!