September 11, 2001 was a bright, crisp morning in many regions of the United States, which was shattered when the nation was attacked by terrorists. Americans and friends all over the world remember where they were and what they were doing that fateful Tuesday morning, when the first attack commenced with a plane being flown into the World Trade Center in New York. I was awaiting a flight out to Atlanta watching CNN and gathering up my things for a quick trip up to Atlanta, (a runner) and back in time to catch the Janet Jackson show. I watched as the first plane hit, in shock and amazement. The second plane was live on my TV. I could not move, I was glued to the TV and at that second I realized that I needed to call my family. Check in, 10 hours later I heard that everyone was ok. This was my longest day of my life.
On September 11, 2001 at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time, American Airlines Flight 11 was flown into the north tower of the World Trade Center. At first, many believed the event to be an accident, simple pilot error. The news of the crash preempted many regular programs as cameramen and photographers captured flames, billowing smoke, and sadly, bodies of people who plunged to their deaths rather than remaining trapped in the building. As journalists and everyday people continued filming, snapping photos, and watching the skies, another plane, United Airlines Flight 175, was flown into the south tower at 9:02 a.m. America was clearly under attack.
As a New Yorker this day hit home. I watched the events unfold, I made my calls, I cleared my calendar for the next couple of weeks. Knowing that this was different, this was going to change our lives for ever. Funerals seemed to happen as quickly as the whole event did. One, Two, Three times a day for months a head people headed to funerals to lay their heros to rest. As everyone was running away from the building may brave men and women ran towards and never gave up hope that they would find someone, provide some help. Reflecting back I too am changed. I tend to hung my kids a little tighter each day, I tend to say “I love you” to those I do not see as often. I look for the good in people. When you talked to most people they will tell you that Bono and the boys really dod something great for New York even more for America.
Following the September 11 attacks, the new album gained added resonance. In October, U2 performed a series of sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City. In later interviews, Bono and the Edge called these New York City shows among their most memorable and emotional performance. Super Bowl halftime performance by U2.
On a heart-shaped set wheeled onto the field, the Irish superstars turn in highly emotional performances of “Beautiful Day,” “MLK,” and “Where the Streets Have No Name” while the names of September 11 victims scrolled upward on a gigantic backdrop. SI called it the best half time show ever. Bono called it a show for America. “We love America too”
Here is that video the full performance, no commericals, share it, link it and most of all remember.
Many readers have been asking us as to what are the GA rules, or system for the Soldier Field show this Saturday and Sunday. Well folks we would like to be able to report we have got the facts, however our call to the local office of Live Nation Global Tour got us the standard answer. Are your ready ?
Doors open at 5:00pm Local venue time, Opening act Snow Patrol at 7:00 pm local venue time.
So before you break off a comment ( see below section for comment posting) think about it, why would they tell us prior to the event? It makes no sense to provide concert goers an idea of what to expect for the largest tour of the year. Hell your lucky you even got a ticket ! Ok that was a bit much. My point ? What point, I have been working the phones all day, resources, and for what ? The standard answer which can be found on the back of any ticket. Sad truth, no clue and we will all just have to wait and see. Mean time, flights in to Chicago happen to be cheap right now.
Top Ten things to think about
Bring two phones
Bring one camera
Bring lots of cash
Remember send videos/photos to U2tourfans
follow and tweet from the show
Run as fast as you can to the front of the stage ( so what the gates are metal)
Roadies don’t like punters ( don’t be one)
Saying I’ll be your boy friend tonight when your a boy, will not score you back stage pass
Truck drivers, like you too however the only ride you will get is not inside the cab
No matter what anyone happens to say, You know you just saw an amazing show, now share your story
U2’s gear arrived into Network, NJ. Cleared customs and the crew started the transfer on Sunday of all hauling all of the gear out of the sea containers into trucks ( notice the nice red trucks). ROCKIT CARGO ( our guess) over the shoulder the skyline of NYC. The trucks left NJ headed straight to Chicago for this weekends gig. Here are a couple of photos to give you an idea of what the whole process looks like. I see lots of trucks and buses rolling around America !
Grand Prize 1 Grand Prize Winner plus Guest: 3 day, 2 night trip to Las Vegas with Hotel, Airfare, U2 360 Tour Tickets. Digital download of No Line On The Horizon. Free 1 year subscription to U2.com. No Line on the Horizon album T-shirt.
2nd Prize 5 Runner Up Prizes:Digital download of No Line On The Horizon. Free 1 year subscription to U2.com. No Line on the Horizon album T-shirt. 2 U2 360 Tour Tickets in Venue closest to Winner’s Hometown.
This is a U2.com promotion, all contest rules can be found via u2.com
North Carolina Central University is planning a full academic conference on the subject of U2.
It will host a conference called “U2: The Hype and The Feedback” on October 2nd through 4th.
Topics that will be covered include “Bono Versus Nick Cave on Jesus,” “U2: Identities Covered and Revealed,” and “The Evolving Live Concert Performances of `Bullet the Blue Sky’.”
Speakers include Anthony DeCurtis of Rolling Stone magazine and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Curator Jim Henke. The conference just happens to be taking place just as U2’s tour stops in nearby Raleigh.
We have posted a link to the conference on our links page.
It’s been several weeks since RIM announced they were sponsoring the U2 360 tour, more importantly their first mobile album. We got word that this is scheduled to be released on the the opening night of their North American tour , which is this coming Saturday, September 12th in Chicago.
In the teaser video it looked like they will also be including some sort of App that will work with the GPS in your Berry to locate the band, your friends and anyone else that has a Berry. Also you’ll be able to share watch videos share images, get news and updates.
Imagine if this mobile album works. I’m sure there is actually a bigger game going on here. Who better to test out a “mobile album” with no other than the biggest band in the world? If it’s successful, could this be the solution for online piracy?
We have been working back stage on a totally new site. The totally new site has some great features that we believe they will enhance your fan experience. Most of the site has been operational under beta for a couple of weeks. Your the FAN, we designed the whole site around your experience and we will grow the site with your support.
Fan Feedback: We have setup a direct email box for you the FAN to comment about anything you would like. Have a story idea ? Know a friend of a friend who has access ? Thinking of an idea? Share it with us. We are growing, streamlining our videos, photos and stories.
Tour Drop Box: You have just attended a show and have some videos and/or photos that you would like to share. Send them to us. You get the credit, we handle the posting and everything else. Consider it to be your drop box.
Sound Off: Community Based area designed to create conversation about everything and anything you like. We ask that you keep it clean, on topic, and most of all respectful of everyone.
U2 Gift Shop: Yes, we have opened a gift shop, currently we are adding items to it. So we do have some stuff, suggestions welcome of course. This is how we earn a living, feed the kids, wash the car,support our causes “ONE”. So visit often.
Ad Supported: Yes we are an ad supported site, however that does not mean we post every single ad, nor do we support every single cause. We carefully choose our ads to match our fans. Remember you support us and we support you.
Band Members:We have bio’s on the boys, photos and a did you know item for each.
Photo Collection:Supported by our inhouse “shooter” and our fan base. Remember the simple rule. If you did not take the photo don’t send it to us.
Lyrics: This is an on going location. We will be building out this section
Video: We will have a compete listing of our videos, and a direct link to our channel as well as new search and view it tool.
Twitter: If you have been following us on twitter great news. Once we update a story you will know all about it.
Polls: We have a poll section. We want to hear from you.
Comment/Share: At the end of each story, we have provided a link for you to comment and a link for you to share your story. Feel free to do both.
Reference: A brand new credit where credit is due link. If we have gathered our story from another U2 FAN site or any other source. We will reference it, provide you a link and give credit where credit is due. We follow the creative commons copy right rule, however some times we gather our news from other sources that do have copyrights. We respect them and reference them.
Over the next couple of weeks we will be adding new features and expanding our staff.
