U2 Concert Photos and That Time I Met Bono

I often feel like a fangirl when I write about bands that I have photographed, but when it comes to U2, there is no doubt. FAN. GIRL. ALL. CAPS.

I know it’s the in-vogue thing to dog them right now. But to the haters, I say: YOU CRAZY.

My sister and I split the cost to buy Thriller and Unforgettable Fire (on cassette) and then proceeded to wear them both out. I wasn’t allowed to see that tour back in Maryland, too young. And the world soon saw how cool Red Rocks was after U2’s visit in 1983. I haven’t missed a tour since then, many times seeing the shows with my college roommate MB who now lives in Wyoming – which is nicely convenient for us when U2 plays here in Denver. One time in Florida (where we went to college), we even met 3/4 of the band by accidentally waiting for MB’s cousin at the wrong stadium entrance.

This time, meeting Bono was no accident, but lots of luck. I am on the advisory board for ONE Girls & Women, and also enlisted lots of friends to volunteer for ONE over the two nights of Denver concerts. ONE and RED were kind enough to seize a window of opportunity, to slip me and MB in with Bono for a few minutes. My husband was kind enough to let MB come with me while he stayed back with her teen daughter, knowing how important the band is to both of us. Bonus hubby points FOREVER.

Bono was incredibly nice, warm and welcoming. I was introduced as one of the people who helps ONE on social media, and he said, “We’re just an old band. We need you to get the message out in all the new ways.” I thanked him for starting ONE, an organization I am proud to work for. And then we actually talked international policy for a few minutes which, frankly, was downright insanely awesome.

Meanwhile, my poor friend MB was about to pass out because: BONO. I love the band… but MB looooves the band. It was a really special moment for both of us and then the dude generously posed for a photo to boot.

We walked out onto the Pepsi Center’s floor in a bit of a daze – but guess what! I still had to rush over to join the group of photographers about to shoot the show. I had been approved through the promoter and not through the band this time, so the excuse of meeting Bono wouldn’t really fly.

It was one of the harder concerts I have ever photographed, because we were placed up against the back barrier of the general admission area. Luckily they told us to bring long lenses, and the band accommodated by running up and down the center strip of stage that cut the whole stadium in half.

As I mentioned, I have seen many U2 shows, but the Innocence + Experience tour is definitely among my faves. While Bono may not be able to play guitar anymore, I think it added to the performance because he just had to concentrate on singing and interacting with the crowd.

What else added to the show? The giant rectangular cage that ran the length of the stadium. It had animations, video and even a live Meerkat broadcast. Bonus? The band was able to get up inside of the damn thing and be part of the displays.

That plus a very diverse set list (see below photos) which had something for everyone, brings me to only one conclusion.

U2 is still the shit.

U2 Setlist 6/6/15
The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
The Electric Co.
Vertigo
I Will Follow
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Cedarwood Road
Song for Someone
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Raised by Wolves
Until the End of the World
The Wanderer
Invisible
Even Better Than the Real Thing
Mysterious Ways
Desire
Angel of Harlem
Every Breaking Wave (acoustic)
Bullet the Blue Sky
Pride (In the Name of Love)
(with “The Hands That Built America” segue)
Beautiful Day
With or Without You
Encore:
City of Blinding Lights
Where the Streets Have No Name
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

U2 Setlist 6/7/15
The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
Out of Control
Vertigo
I Will Follow
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Cedarwood Road
Song for Someone
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Raised by Wolves
Until the End of the World
The Wanderer
Invisible
Even Better Than the Real Thing
Mysterious Ways
Volcano
Ordinary Love (acoustic)
Every Breaking Wave (acoustic)
Bullet the Blue Sky
Pride (In the Name of Love)
(with “The Hands That Built America” segue)
Beautiful Day
With or Without You
Encore:
City of Blinding Lights
Where the Streets Have No Name
One