The First Time

9 Jul 2010597
When was the first time you saw Larry, Edge, Adam and Bono play live ? How old were you ? Was it last year on the 360� Tour or was it in another millennium way back when ?

'A hot summer day in Paris at the Vincennes Hippodrome.' remembers Dom from France. 'I was 23 year old (and) when the band finally arrived, the sunset was behind the stage and I felt like in a dream. The first song they played was Exodus from Bob Marley...'

'I was a highschool senior,' says someone else. 'And still look back at this concert at the Rosemont Horizon as my greatest moment with U2.'

'On the Vertigo Tour in Brussels, Larry puts his drums right in front of me...'

'Yale University in New Haven: epic, unforgettable show with Bono climbing anywhere he could....'

You've been posting some extraordinary memories of the first time you saw the band play live - unforgettable nights on every tour they've ever played. And not just the show - sometimes unlikely encounters with the band.

'I was 11, I lived across the road from Croke Park. That evening (of the show) our street football match had play stopped by a white Mercedes and out of the car jumps Bono in a white suit. He said hello, gave my mum a hug, shook my hand, jumped back in the car.....'

What about you ? How did you end up at your first U2 show ? Does the venue still exist ? Who did you go with ? Was there a moment you'll never forget ? One of the band do something that's stuck in your mind? A song that changed everything?

Google your memories and tell us below about the first time you saw the band live. Don't forget to add in your name and city/country at the end of the post so we know where you're from.

(Incidentally, keep a copy of your post� once you've added it below. Then post it again in our� tour section - on the night and on the tour of the show you're writing about. If you've got a photo - the band, you and your mates, the ticket stub - the tour pages are where you can upload it. The more reviews you add, the more encyclopaedic an archive of the band's touring history we'll create. Thanks.)
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ATTS
The Left Bank 1980
Est. Dec. 5 or 10th, 1980 This does not appear in the tour listings, but I was reminded that there was once a new wave and punk club "30 minutes from Broadway", The Left Bank, New Rochelle, NY. Based on the number and variety of venues in the NYC 'tristate area', it looks like it must have been that Northeastern US tour for Boy. No, I did not attend, but my hep brother did, and he attended the Guggi birthday party, too - BUT is too cool for Zootopia. Imagine.
CEVSS
It's only rock n roll, noone gets hurt!
I got into U2 when Celebration was released. I had mononucleosis (virtually dead asleep) when tix went on sale (pre-interweb), and we tried to (audible gasp) scalp tix, but noone was parting with the white flag War (with Alarm) tour at the Pier in Manhattan '83? I settled for Worcester Centrum '84 or 85. Slept outside Orpheum for tix, and borrowed aand packed a station wagon lent by a kind friend of a friend. This was the show when a light fell slipped and dangled over the crowd, and the band stopped the show to clear audience out of the way, "it's only rock n roll....noone gets hurt" while staff crawled through rafters up above. That tour shirt UF was thieved from laundry room in college :( -Andrew, Melrose, MA (ATTS relayed this via Lulamom. We'll be at NJ w/SG3 and Kat!)
mark&beck
19 20 & 81
i was 19 it was 20 minutes or so in 181 of utter awe, amazement and that was it -a U2 fan for life -at Odell --greenbelt festival...... never looked back.... 50+ gigs since.... i still shake at 11 o'clock and my teenage self screams 'I will follow' -the most significant moment was knowing i had to hear and see more... every tour its the same old me screaming the words -greyer, fatter and slower- still wanting to be at the front -still wanting to be seen and heard -still craving a moment to sing with the band.....
veidar45
RIP
RIP Ronnie James Dio!!!
bobczx2
Joshua Tree 1987
It was either stay home and watch game 7 of the world series between the twins and cardinals or go to my first U2 concert with my uncle. Of course i went to the concert.
joaoluisrafael
Coimbra 3/10/2010
I will see U2 for the first time: Coimbra, Portugal, I´m 17 years old, and I´m very excited ! I can´t wait !
thomasgoethals
25 July 1997, Popmart tour, Werchter, Be
25 July 1997, Popmart tour, Werchter, Belgium. My first time face to face with U2. I remember all the emotions when they walked up on stage; finally seeing and hearing them live. I was 18 years; it made up big time for the Zoo TV tour that I missed a few years earlier, being too young at that time to be allowed going to the concert.
onegirl
Elevation @ Earl's court, August 2001
The first time I saw u2, I wasn't sure I would end up seeing them, as it was the day when Bono's dad passed away... We heard the news in the afternoon, and all of us were wondering wether the show would go ahead - and we would have totally understood if it hadn't. We had seats right at the back of the arena, however, this show, for obvious reasons, was so emotionally charged. I remember Bono singing "Kite" and dedicating it to his father, and halfway through the song he kind of lost it, and Edge ran across the stage to give him a hug, while the whole audience was clapping, sharing the grief. And for the first time of my life, I got to hear "one" live, and bawled my eyes out. The memories of this very special show will stay with me for ever.
noelmcfly
Dublin 1993
Last night of the Zooropa 1993 tour - got right to front beside B stage - highlight was the opening of Zoo Station, Stay on B-Stage and Ultra Violet. Thought it couldn't be better until second Croker gig in 2009.
smiller1794
Hampton, VA 1992
Zoo TV indoors. WOW! I will never forget the pure excitement of waiting to get into the coliseum there in Hampton. It was just an amazing experience and surreal at the same time. I couldn't believe I was actually seeing them live. Now I don't know what it be like if I didn't see them live!!
wentworthwayne
Wayne from Yorkshire
The first time I saw U2 live was in Munich in 2005. I was completely blown away by their professionalism and they are the first band to move me to tears! When Bono went into Italian for the opera part of Miss Sarajevo the whole stadium went crazy and everyone around me was screaming in hysteria - Magnificent!!!
SoupRQT
Zoo TV August 22, 1992 - Foxboro
I had just graduated from high school and this show was a graduation present from my parents. Although I had begged to go to shows before this, my folks were pretty strict and made me wait for this one. This show debuted So Cruel live (one of only 4 times performed) and Larry sung a cover of Wild Rover! An amazing first, for sure - a great way to loose my rock concert virginity.
Cassie
Vertigo 2005
Vertigo Tour in Gothenburg, 29th july 2005, I was 22 years old. I had waited 4 years for it, it was absolutely amazing! I remember when they played Zoo Station, it started to rain, and it continued to rain until the end of the show. My friend took a picture of us after the show and we looked like two drowned (and happy) rats :)
simonlu68
Wembley 1987
The joshua tree tour was my first u2 concert back in 1987. Never forget that day.I've seen them a few times since that day. 360 tour, wembley shows and Cardiff then Atlanta was my first show in the united states, Amazing, My plans this year, east lansing, Toronto, Chicago and 2 shows in Zurich. simon lucas, England :)
jlg503
Miami 1991
First time I saw U2 @ Miami Arena - March 1991 during ZOOTV tour
RayBey
Pinkpop festival 1981 Geleen, Holland
My first time.. I saw U2 for the first time at the Dutch Pinkpop Festival in Geleen.. It was awsome !! after that they got more famous in Holland.. i remember one funny lyric after An Cath Dub from Bono.. he said: Can you.. Can you understand us? Do you speak english? the crowed yelled yeah !!.. Well Where Irish okay!?.. an then he announced Another time another place !! To bad they never played Pinkpop agian :( :( :(.. when do they play Pinkpop again!!! PLEASE !! after that festival i saw them several times in 1982 and 1983 and 1985 at Rock Werchter and with the Joshua Tree Tour in Rotterdam... and futher and futher.. untill upcoming september i gonna see them again in Brussel!! U2 for life !!
lassche
FOR THE FIRST TIME, I FEEL LOVE....FRANF
FOR THE FIRST TIME I SAW U2 LIVE, IT WAS IN FRANKFURT AN DER ODER, IN AN HALL: IN GERMANY THEY CALL IT EIEN FESTHALLE, I THING IT WAS BEGINING THE 90. THE ATHMOSPHERE WAS A LITLLE TENSTED FOR MY SELF: FOR THE FIST TIME TO SEE YOUR FAVORITE BAND LIVE IT`S LIKE THE FIRST KISS WITH MY WIFE. WE ARE STILL MARIED SINDS 2002: U2 IS SINDS 1986 MY BAND AND STILL IS: MABY THIS YEAR IN HANNOVER: 3 HOURS FROM HERE, OLDENZAAL! SEE YOU THAN: GO ON WITH THE JOURNY OF = LOVE AND LIGHT FROM THE VERTIGO-HUNTER: DETLEV LASSCHE FROM THE NETHERLANDS, OLDENZAAL TOWN! AND GOOD LUCK WITH PLAYING AT THE WORLD-SOCCER-CHAMPIONSHIP IN S-AFRICA: PLEASE START WITH: STREETS (A LONG INTRO)! CALL ME BONO!=NOW ABERHAM (AN OLD MAN OF 50) HAHAHA................................................
gungamark
Oct. 1987, The Joshua Tree Tour
It was a cold and wet October day at the Cleveland Municipal Stadium, in Cleveland, Ohio (USA). I was in high school and completed elated to see U2. Los Lobos and Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul had each wrapped up their sets. The darkness of night erased the last remnants of day. A red lit backdrop illunates the stage. The band arrives one by one, save for Bono. Where the Streets Have No Name starts...Goose bumps cover my flesh. The rest of the show was magic. Despite Bono having a sling on, the band performed beyond my expectations. I have seen the band 10 times. But like a first kiss, you always remember the first U2 show.
stevetheweed
Wembley Arena Nov 84
That first show was unbelievable - even now i can feel the excitement. I had no idea what to expect it was my very first show U2 or otherwise. what i got was music and sound so clear loud and simply rocking that i could hardly believe what i was seeing. The band wandered on to the stage Bono simply said "11 o'clock tick tock" and for the next 2 hours everything i knew was wrong !. The show was part of the Unforgettable Fire tour that LP was such full of such powerful songs - Wire and Bad took the roof off the place.(The return of the Unforgettable Fire to the 360 set list was the highlight last years UK shows for me). New Years Day for the first time and my first gig will remain one of my happiest memories - nothing prepared me for the chest thumping bass and drums during that track. At lot less hair and countless tours and shows later i still get the same excitment, the loss of voice and the total consumption at the shows.... Europe 2010 here we come!. And kids everywhere of course you have mash-ups and DIY remix software but get yourself a gig ticket and blast the wax out of your ears...!!!
Dominique Huyghe
u2 torhout
my first time was in 1982 i was 12 and the music hit instantly , and it is a stayer thanksz see ya in brussels life is music
cnug
cnug
I went to the first Slane Castle gig in 1981. I was there as a Thin Lizzy fan but intriged by this new sound from U2 that was sweeping the country. It was awsome and since then i have not looked looked back. I have see U2 live about 26 times but i still remember the first time i heard I Will Follow.
drunkchicken1
Manchester 2005
The 1st time I saw the legends that are U2 was 14th June 2005 on the Vertigo tour at the City of Manchester Stadium - the home of Manchester City FC. I should've seen them before really cos I've been a fan since 87 when I was 12 - WOWY was the 1st record I ever bought! For the gig me and a friend drove from Southampton in England all the way to Manchester and I remember being that keen and excited that I got flashed on the A1 and got 3 points on my license! As for the gig itself - mindblowing, even in the "nosebleed" seats me and my mate had. I can remember all the Manchester references Bono made that night; "Manchester is the city that taught white people how to dance"! And he kept singing snippets of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" whilst the bass player, Peter Hook was in the audience - LWTUA is possibly one of the most beautiful songs that was ever written, by ANYONE. 5th time to see the boys coming up this August in Hannover and I'm getting all giddy again just like it's that 1st time in Manchester - thanx U2, for all the amazing memories and songs that have spanned my lifetime :-) Paul, in Munster, Germany
Dani_Vox
It will change soon
Unfortunely I've never seen U2 live. But it will change soon! I'm going to see U2 live in Coimbra, Portugal. I'm so excited :) I know it's gonna be absolutely amazing!
cathal
Croke Park 27-6-1987
I was 11 and went with my Da to the opening night of the Joshua tree tour in Croker. Unreal and I still regard a the greatest day of my live. I been to every tour in Ireland since and even manager to bring my 67 year old Da back to Croker to see Vertigo exactly 18 years later and I brought my Ma to Croker last summer to 360. Will see them for my 16 time and first outside Ireland in Seville in September and can't wait.
izabela
u2fan1
12.08.1997 PopMart - Warsaw . It was first time i seeing U2. I was 20 , and i still love U2...
carriemunky
Parkhead 1993 8th August
I was just turning 19 and i finally got tickets for ZOOtv i had seen and read all the clips so i was buzzing inside. I was with my best friend who sadly died in 1997. From the minute the lights dimmed i was out of control. I was on the Edges side but close to the stage. The thing that always sticks in my head is looking behind me when STREETs was playing and the crowd had there fists in the air and it looked like a field of wheat being blown around it was amazing. I also remember crying when BAD started right after the broadcast from Sarjevo. I got the chance to sing happy birthday to the Edge. To sum it up it was and always will be my best gig. Mathew Smith Newmilns Ayrshire Scotland.
KatzMuzik
my first time I saw U2
Hello my name is Mark Souce from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada I first saw U2 on the popmart tour june 12th 1997 in my home town Winnipeg Manitoba I liked U2 but i wasent a big fan I went with my then girlfriend Debbie Maires it was amazing after the concert i had to add a second band to my favorite bands of all tine U2 and The Cure after that show i was a huge fan i have been blessed after having seen U2 on there Vertigo tour in minniapolis and on there 360 tour sept 13th 2009.see you in Denver and Montreal boys from Mark Souce Winnipeg Manitoba's biggest U2 FAN. Mention winnipeg bono in Denver we are driving 16 hrs to see you guys and in Montreal.
Ragoo
Berlin
Kinda late for the party but my first time was in Berlin (18.07.2009). And what a first time it was! I lost my sanity so this summer I am going back to Frankfurt, Germany in search for it. Getting pumped already! Ragoo, Dublin, IE
HARVEJO
Self Aid 1986
First Time I seen U2 was at a big Irish charity gig called Self Aid, They played 5 songs including an amazing version of Maggies Farm, I ain't gona work on Maggies farm no More
Amraaa
Sarajevo '97
That was my very first U2 concert, I was the happiest 12 year old in the whole world! :)
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