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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xkenx8610
xkenx8610 first time in Turin
I think that U2 are very professional, and their show is full of surprises, I appreciated a lot the engineering work on the spectacular CLAW. The CLAW is what U2 band music needed to get a marvellous show. In Turin (8/6/10) it was my first and my last time, I do not want to ruin a so beautiful day. Never stop the battle to disinformation against ideas convergence! My best regards and wishes.
ksuperl
Gloria
I have been a fan of U2 since I was six years old. I love poetry and always have. What I fell in love with was the lyrics finding their own rythm within the music. Sadly, it was not until I was 21 that was able to see U2 live. My boyfriend at the time was in the middle of dumping me. I suppose he was trying to appease his conscience by giving me 4 tickets to U2 in Salt Lake City Utah. I took my best friend, my brother and his newly pregnant wife. My sister-in-law was so excited to go that she kept throwing up. I remember standing there waiting to see Bono sing, and when the band started it was like a bomb went off. I was swept out of my seat and into a world I did not believe could exist. The energy throughout the whole crowd was almost to much to handle. If I walked away from that concert with one memory, it would have to be that U2 had the ability to touch SO many people from different colors, different faiths ( I know that is hard to believe for Utah), and so many different walks of life. U2 was able to unite us all on one plain of life, and that plain was that through love we CAN change the world. Thank you for touching our hearts and our lives....
mjbokron
Los Angeles Sports Arena, The Joshua Tre
I am a believing, proclaiming follower of Jesus Christ and yet I still remember that first concert as a "religious, otherworldly, set apart" experience! Lone Justice opened, Maria McKee sang "Amazing Grace" acapella. U2 were UH-mazing! I saw them again that same year at the L.A. Coliseum, then a month later at Sun Devil Stadium (2nd night - no rain) when they were filming "Rattle and Hum". From Tempe, AZ, I actually sent my mom a postcard and told her that I met the band (not true) and that I wouldn't be home for Christmas because the band asked me to go out on tour with them as contributing editor for Rolling Stone (also not true), but it was the best "gotcha" I ever pulled off with my mom - great memory! :) To think of all the music and magic yet to come in the years following...who wouldn't love U2? Blessings guys - see you in June 2011! Anaheim Stadium...MY birthday! June 17th! Sorry you had to have surgery Bono just for that to happen... ;)
stevebass68
Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium - Saturday 13th June 1987,,, Had to leave early to catch last train back to Reading..i remember lighting a cigarette on the steps outside as i left, looking at the two towers listening to the opening riffs of Streets..remember it like it was yesterday :-) Best show ever - Soldier Field 2 with Nicki last summer..bring on Seville! Steven Inverness, Scotland
pedroia111
U2 360 @ Gillette Stadium
I was 12 years old, and my dad surprised me by getting me two tickets to the first night of 360 in Foxboro, for my birthday. Before the show, I was an avid fan, but no "die hard". We sat in the 2nd level (pretty far back, and to the side) and, thanks to the 360 display, experienced the full force of the show. After that great evening, U2 has become one of the greatest priorities in my life and they have changed my view on music. Though my parents are sick of hearing Bono's smooth voice and Edge blaring on the guitar, I can't wait to see U2 again, in another sold out show, in 2010.
gazzaire
Páirc Uí Chaoimh 1987
First time i saw U2 was when i was 13 on the Edge's birthday 8th of August 1987 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh Cork Ireland. It was an amazing show, the lads started the gig with Benny Kings ' stand by me ' . i have been a fan since the Unfortgetable Fire album , i wasnt allowed to go see them in Dublin '85 for that tour as i was only 11. been a fan ever since , best show for me was the Lovetown tour in 89 at the point Depo 30th Dec 1989
JerryU3
Miami Zoo TV Outside Broadcast
Unable to get tickets for the February show, we camped out and got floor tickets at Joe Robbie Stadium. For the first time i felt tears of joy rolling down my face. However, nothing will ever compare to 360 tour when i climbed the highest mountains and run through the fields only to be with U2 from El Salvador to Nice, france. July 15, 2009. A sold out show and not having enough money to make the trip did not stop me from watching the best band in the whole world on a "Beautiful Day" Jerry
raul d rojas az
Sun Devil Stadium Rattle and Hum Movie
I was 13 years old and did not know who u2 was. The only song I knew from them was Pride. A bunch of my friends and brothers bought tickets. The tickets were only $5.00 us dollars amazing. After that concert my life has never been the same. I remember BB king was and opening act and they were shooting the movie Rattle and Hum. My first big concert ever it was in Tempe Az. at Sun Devil Stadium which still there a great place to see a concert. Ever since that I have not miss one of there concerts ever.
u2kristal
1987
My first time was in 1987 during the Joshua Tree tour in St. Louis, MO. I had been a fan for 3 years prior but didn't get an opportunity to see them until this show. It took 5 hours on the phone to ticketmaster to get tickets, way before we could do it online! It was a 5 hour road trip with my brother and a couple of friends, all of which were U2 fans. I was so excited when I entered the arena and was psyched about seeing U2 live, a dream of mine! My seats were behind the stage and in the nosebleeds but I didn't care. The show was the same night of the final World Series game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Twins so Bono came out wearing a Cardinals jacket which was cool. Fans next to me were listening to the game on a radio and were reporting the progress of the game to everyone throughout. St Louis lost but the show was amazing!
cor
Live Aid
Live Aid was the first time I saw them live. Long ago, and still a big fan. See you in Frankfurt
U2 - I've found what I was lookin for...
On May 27th 1987, in Rome The Joshua Tree Tour, It was the first time I saw U2 concert. A great show, I was twenty-three years old. After more than twenty years I stil clearly remember every single moment, every emotion I feel during that wanderful night! I remember me getting out the Stadium, walking down the river, reaching the car park into a warm spring night , still listening Larry beating on drums the end of "40" and everyone singing "How long to to sing a song" !!! unforgettable I like to think they have been beside me throu my life, and every time i was on my knees their songs, songs like Pride, Sanday bloody Sanday helped me to stand up. Bono, Edge, Adam and Larry, thanks guys!
AJthedreamer
Popmart Philly-Franklin Field (Phila., P
My first show, I was way back, on the top section of the stadium, almost the farthest you could get from the stage. The boys were about 2mm tall from my vantage point, and you know what? The show was amazing. It didn't matter where I stood, I finally got to see U2 live. The part of the show that sticks out the most in my mind was when they played "Pride". We (the crowd) were singin along with the "whoa-oh" part (you know what I'm talking about) and Bono was shown on that huge screen behind the stage. As we sang, he closed his eyes, and stretched out his arms, almost like he was giving the entire audience a hug. During that moment it almost felt as though we all ceased to be a bunch of people just singing along, and instead were one entity. It was amazing and took my breath away.
rebullman
Worcester Centrum- Worcester Mas..USA
My first U2 show in the spring of 1985. Was just before their Live-Aid porformance . The show was incredable. Unforgetable Fire was newly released. Many great songs 'BAD' and '40' , 11 o'clock tic tock, A sort of Homecoming. At one point in the show a suspended from the ceiling speaker broke loose and was dangling above the crowd.....immediately Bono stopped in mid-song and pleaded for the safety of the crowd.... the problem was fixed immediately and the show exploded back into play. Bono was sporting his infamous Mullet....lol...This show was one of my favorites.....the one that really stands out in my mind was couple years later on the release of Actung Baby album.....WOW this show was in Providence RI, It was out of this world....they had the trabants hanging from ceiling with lights built into them.....this also was the birth of the ZOO TV tour as well.....That show was Spectacular....Bono in his Gary Glitter silver suit, and several other costumes.......360 was also a favorite show....just a year ago....Love these guys...they are a truely a CLASS ACT....thanks Larry, Adam, Edge and Bono....you have brought much happiness to my ears
jmbazil
first time in nice
first show in nice for the vertigo tour. uno, dos, tres... bonsoir nice Hot day of august in south of france. Friendly peoples, amazing show until 11.30pm. U2 was there, just right in front of me, whoaa!!!! Thank you for that moment
JoMan
Who needs lights?
It was 09/17/1987 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. My girlfriend got tickets and I reluctantly went not knowing U2 at all. We were behind the stage and I though “great, nice seats”. The lighting system failed in the very beginning and I was like “What a night THIS is going to be – sheesh. Then Bono stopped the show and called for all of the lights to be turned on and they played the rest of the show in bright light. And he came and sang directly to those of us in the back – numerous times. I remember being amazed at these events and the band being so different than anything I had seen in ages. Their "goal was soul" as Bono reminded us all those years later. At one point, Bono explained how they had negotiated with the Garden for several years to let them play as the Garden was closed to concerts after a crazed after Aerosmith crowd turned over a "Boston T" street car. U2 exited one-by-one leaving Larry to drum us through 40. He left and everyone walked out of the Garden arm in arm singing the endless refrain "How long..." As we hit the street - there were HUNDREDS of Boston police waiting to accost the expected hooligans and instead it was this human river of peace and harmony (literally) that poured out on the street, healing Boston's musical soul. I felt this freedom and elation that I was suddenly part of this movement, that I had found a band that spoke to what I felt about the world, and that there was hope and change if you believed and fought for it. I became an instant, full-fledged U2 fan that night and have never lost the passion. They have been my life's musical score - in good times and bad. I've seen them on every tour since, usually 2 or 3 times each. One memorable night I was standing on the warning track in center field of Yankee Stadium a few rows out from Edge - I was air-guitaring away and suddenly noticed that he was not playing a key part in Sunday Bloody Sunday. He looked at me, I mimed the guitar part, his eyes got big and his head snapped to, he started playing the part and then looked back sheepishly and mouthed something akin to "thanks". It was a moment I'll never forget – although I suspect he has. Montreal July 2011 can't come soon enough!
anne060663
18 JULY 1987
My first time with U2 on Tour, it was in Montpellier, south of France, my town 18 July 1987. I was 24 years old and I was with my boyfriend. After, I went to Bracelona, Paris, Dublin, Nice. Last year, I have seen U2 one time in Nice and two times in Dublin. Every night, all these years, has been a fantastic time, very exiting time, lovely time.............being at the same place than Bono for 2 hours...............!!! a dream. U2 has been with me all my life. My son is born on 18 July and he was with me in Dublin last year. Thank you to exist, thank you to be with us again and again. Bono, be strong. You don't have to run, you don't have to jump, you just have to sing and to be with us. Thank you. Anne
franke1228
U2 at Irving Plaza
Can I say, un-real??? It was December 5, 2000 in NYC... it was freezing outside! I waited for what seemed to be an eternity. I'll always remember a lady coming up to me (I was probably one of the first 50 people in line) and asking if I would sell my ticket. She offered $2500, cash and I remember smiling and saying "Lady, I wouldn't sell these tickets for a million bucks." I was 20 years old at the time, before that I had been living in Uruguay, in South America. I saw the Syndey show of ZOO TV from my living room, and when POP Mart came across and U2 actually toured in South America, I moved back to the states. I was demorolized. So when I got my chance to see them in NYC, and in such an intimate venue, I felt like I had won the lottery. I will never forget that night. I was all the wya in the front, right by the The Edge, in fact, if you have a copy of the bootleg DVD I'm the one that jumps the highest when the band kicks off ELEVATION (yes, I'm very proud of this fact). The show went by in a blink of an eye and I stayed a few minutes after the venue had cleared. I asked Dallas for guitar picks and he was nice enough to give me one from Edge and one from Bono. I almost got kicked out by the bouncers, but it was all worth it. Since then, I've seen them in NYC's Madison Square Garden, DC's Verizon Center and Baltimore's Arena. I'm looking forward to seeing them again next year at the New Meadowlands Stadium. And when they play Montevideo - Uruguay, which I'm convinced will happen at some point, I'll be there too!!! Frank Q - Broadlands, Virginia.
the1#
U2 en el fin del mundo
“…26 de Febrero U2 llega a Chile…” That was the first thing I heard from the TV. My favourite band since I was a child. The Vertigo Tour.U2 has a special meaning for me, my mother worked hard just to gift me my first album music… I always dreamed to watch them someday. I used to live far away from the town, and that town was 405 kilometres from Santiago, where U2 played. I asked my self, once I read a few experiences from different places around the whole world, how much effort the people gave to be there, just for a moment… to watch a band that inspire and gives us sense to keep doing and holding with any problem or any happy reason, being and a kind of soundtrack to our life. Thanks U2!!!
Duinenpiepertje
Fan till i die
It was sunday 25th october 1981 at 'The Lux" Herenthout Belgium when I saw my first U2 concert. On wednesday 22th september at "Koning Boudewijnstadion" Brussels it will be my 19th concert of U2.
hans anneveldt
first time
It was at pinkpop 1981, and nobody new that day who the band U2 was, but that was for me the day of the days and years to follow with great joy!! grz hans
hans anneveldt
first time
It was at pinkpop 1981, and nobody new that day who the band U2 was, but that was for me the day of the days and years to follow with great joy!! grz hans
For The First Time
It was mid summers day 1985, It had been pissing with rain all day and no sign of a let up in the weather. Milton Keynes Bowl Had played host to Spear of Destiny, Billy Bragg, The Faith Brothers, The Ramones, R.E.M and last band up U2. I was soaking wet, tired and a little bit pissed (drunk for the americans). Don't remember much about the show except for the final sequence. Leaving the arena the sky erupted into a sheet of light and noise, I was rooted to the spot, Unforgetable indeed...Outro, 40.
titine14666
1985 - werchter festival - Bruxelles
1985 - festival werchter : The Ramones - Texas - REM - Paul Young, Depeche Mode - Lloyd Cole - Style Council - U2 - Joe Cocker. I was 19 years old. It was on the 7th of july 1985. It was love at first time ;o) I was just totally out of countrol when I saw U2 for the first time. It was huge, brilliant !!! I kept the ticket of that concert ! Since that first time, I stayed next to them, 25 years ! Thanks guys for have such great times with you, and see you on the 22th of september at Stade Roi Baudoin - Bruxelles ! Kisses Christine
ff425
Years Ago!
Can't remember the date but it must have been early/mid eighties as they returned to Dublin with Simple Minds, Eurythmics to name a few. I remember my Mum being horrified I was going to Dublin as she is/was from the north and we had an awesome weekend topped off by the festival in Dublins main park. One of those happy memories of carefree days that all too often pass us by. Will I see U2 again? Hope so, it's like having a good friend, you don't always keep in touch but know they are always there - ps: The Edge with Muse, suberb!
Rataplan
u2 Zoo TV Tour
Unforgettable, in the open air, nice weather, trying to throw your arms around the world. Year after year, songs have been added at the play list, following the tours and the albums, and even now, still feeling the same vibes and age as in 1983, thank U for giving us those mysterious ways to keep on loving U 2. rataplan from belgium
George68
Conspiracy of Hope tour
Giants Stadium June 15th 1986... Waited all day for you - The Police were headlining if I remember correctly. You guys blew them off the stage - it was clear who was the greatest rock band in the world after that show - and a quarter of a century later - you still are! Athens is ready and waiting!
rocker46
U2-an opening Act
I saw U2 open for J.Geils Band at the Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. I knew a couple songs from some local Punk Bands but wasn't truly familiar with the band in general. They were so awesome and the lead singer had such a great stage presence that they recived a huge standing ovation. What do you think they played when they came back out, Led-Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love and Bono didn't know the words,it was funny. I'm from Michigan and Detroiters have always loved J. Geils but some of the folks from the D that I met at the show were very impressed and even to this day being back in Michigan I feel they were better than J.Geils. I have not missed a tour except this extended wait for next summer. The earlier albums are still my favorite. See You guys in June of 2011, and please stay healthy.
lynfirst
in the name of love we love U2
First time my best friend and I saw U2 was at Nassau Coliseum Long Island NY back in the 80's. We worked on a banner for a few days that was about 5ft wide and 2.5 long. It said "In the name of love we love U2" and we were so crazy about them we put our phone numbers on back. We got there extra early and actually had Adam and Larry speak to us as they were setting up. We threw the banner on stage and Bono wore it on his neck till some idiot jumped on stage and grabbed it. they got him removed and we got our banner back. I still have it all these years later. we were planning on bring it this july so now we will have to wait til next July. Just stay well Bono and all of U2. You guys are soo awesome! Love your music more now then ever. Best song is still " BAD "
McGlynn
25 year loyal fan
October 1987, seventh grade, first live concert, Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. 8 years later a great friend from Nebraska had a bootleg of the concert I was at on cassette. It was fate and solidified our lasting long distance friendship. I've bootleged every concert since for personal enjoyment. I only wish there was digital technology 25 years ago.
mrmct
Toronto 1987 (or 1988?)
Joshua Tree Tour. It was more than a concert - totally visceral experience. All music with a minimalist stage show. It was pure. Even though it was very cold November at an outdoor stadium, it was the closet thing to the 2nd Coming... Best concert ever. I liked concerts better when the band used microphones on stands rather than having something plugged into their head.
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