U2 FAQ Celebrates "Boy"

Bono / U2TOURFANS Thirty years after the release of U2’s landmark debut album Boy and its enduring single “I Will Follow” a new book titled U2 FAQ: Anything You?d Ever Want to Know About the Biggest Band in the World?And More is set for a November 2010 release from Backbeat Books. Written by award-winning music journalist John D. Luerssen, the 450+ page tome explores the 35-year history of the revered Irish band.

The latest in Backbeats acclaimed FAQ series (Fab Four FAQ, Fab Four FAQ 2.0, Pink Floyd FAQ), U2 FAQ follows Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.

From their start at Dublin’s Mount Temple School in the fall of 1976 up to their recent re-emergence following Bonos debilitating back injury earlier this year. U2 FAQ boasts rare artifacts and photos culled from fans and collectors worldwide plus an insightful and heartfelt introduction by John Thomas Griffith, the one-time frontman for Red Rockers, an opening act on U2’s 1985 Unforgettable Fire trek.

U2 FAQ explores the creation of Boy, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, in full detail and includes: The March 1978 development and live debut of “Shadows and Tall Trees”; The 1979 EP Three U2 made for CBS Ireland; Signing To Chris Blackwells Island Records; How the suicide of Joy Divisions Ian Curtis impacted the course of the album; A trial run with Siouxsie & the Banshees producer Steve Lillywhite recording “A Day Without Me”; U2’s September 1980 “Mondays at The Marquee” London shows in advance of Boy; The early support of Boston DJ Carter Alan; Controversy over the Boy sleeve that led to its alteration for sale in the U.S. market; Breaking bottles and banging bicycle spokes on “I Will Follow”; “Twilight” earns U2 a strong gay following; Why manager Paul McGuinness thought Stories for Boys was about masturbation; and why the NME called the band really quite awful at the same time Melody Maker praised them for playing truly great rock music which inspires the heart.

What makes U2 FAQ different from the other books written about the band, is thataside from all of the information it gathersit explores the bands vulnerabilities, Luerssen says. I think that with U2’s enormous popularity, its easy to forget that Bono, The Edge, Larry, and Adam are human beings like the rest of us. And I explore that in chapters like Broken Nose to the Floor: Public Debacles, Dangers, and Embarrassments, and Dont Talk Out of TimeTrue U2 Stories.

From 10 Bands Who Have Opened for U2 (including the BoDeans, Kings of Leon, and Pearl Jam) and U2’s odd taste in cover songs. to the story behind Allen Ginsbergs appearance on U2’s 1997 television special and why U2 abandoned their plan to record an album with legendary producer Rick Rubin after laying down two tracks with him, U2 FAQ is stuffed with information for casual fans and die-hards alike.



U2 to perform at Engenhão in Rio !

U2 360 TOUR / Dave Long According to sources the band will be playing in Apirl 2011 - The group is expected to perform at the Stadium Engenhao (RIO). The boys have only played RIO once before (1998) According to sources Morumbi Stadium also is consdiered to be a stop on 8th, 9th and 10th of Apirl 2011.

Suggestions have been made that U2 could be closing the World Cup 2014. This story came up after rumors about the governor of Ro De Janeiro (Sergio Cabral) gave the boys a presentation.

Chilean newspaper “La Tercera”. According to the newspaper, U2 will come to South America in 2011 to do shows in Argentina, Chile and Brazil. The dates of the tour concerts 360 degrees here in Brazil will only be released once the contracts in Argentina and Chile are already closed. T

Although they have not yet confirmed tour dates, the same news shows that the U2 shows in Brazil will take place in March 2011.  On the official website of U2, U2 at the 360 ° Tour 2010/2011, are blank information about concerts between October 2010 and May 2011.

Although the shows are rumored to happen in March 2011 in Brazil, still no word on ticket sales for U2 in Brazil in 2011, local presentations (Maracanã, Morumbi …) and cities are not yet defined.

But you know you want to go to shows that the forecast sales of tickets (entries) should already start in October or November. Wait for more information about tickets to U2 in Brazil in 2010. 

Auckland Fans Win Access 2 Inner Circle

U2/Bono/ 360 Tour U2 are bringing their 360 tour to New Zealand for two nights next week and we’re offering the chance for one lucky winner and a friend to get access to the inner circle of the show!

This is an opportunity which money can’t buy; tickets to the inner circle are handed out on a first come first served basis to those with GA tickets.

The Irish superband will bring their U2 360 Tour to Mt Smart Stadium on November 25 and 26.

In conjunction with Universal, Stuff has one fantastic first prize of two tickets to the inner circle on Friday, Novemer 26 and and five runners-up prizes of the U2 360 DVD.

The winner will also receive two copies of the DVD.

This is a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one lucky reader and his or her friend.

How to enter:

Tell us why you think you should be a part of the inner circle.

Email your answer to competitions@stuff.co.nz with your name, address, post code and phone number before midday on Tuesday, November 23 to be in with a chance to win. Please ensure the email subject line says, ‘U2 360’.

Terms and Conditions:

Prize winners will be determined from a random draw of eligible entries received before midday on Tuesday, November 23. Only one entry per person will be accepted. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash or other property.

Employees of Fairfax New Zealand’s corporate office and www.stuff.co.nz, and their immediate families, are not eligible for the prize.

Fairfax New Zealand Limited’s Managing Director, Publishing, will make a final determination if any matter is disputed.

Entries belong to Fairfax New Zealand Limited and may be used by the company for marketing and promotions.

This promotion is not associated with U2TOURFANS and or any of its social media properties.  All entries belong to Fairfax New Zealand Limited. The details of the contest have been posted as news entertainment  and not as endorsement of any contest or promotion.

U2 Rakes in 130M

U2 360 Tour It has been reported that the Irish rock band U2 has raked in a huge $130 million over the last 12 months — making U2  the biggest selling band in the world.

It may be recalled that this is a fact, despite frontman Bono was being unable to perform after an operation on his back in May.

And yet, U2 has still managed to feature as the most profitable international group. According to a magazine’s list of top-earning musicians, this was the the foursome raked in $130 million over the past year from their 360 Degree world tour and sales of their 2009 album No Line on the Horizon. Proving that rock is still indeed alive and earning, hot on their heels like a bat out of hell was AC/DC, who scooped up a respectable $114 million, and Beyonce has made $87 million.

Bruce Springsteen proved that he is still has his earning chops in order, and got in $70 million, while pop sensation Britney Spears ranked at the fifth place with $64 million. It was earlier reported that Lady Gaga managed to beat Madonna as Gaga made $62 million, while Madonna clinked the cash register with $58 million. 



U2TOURFANS GROWS 4 2011

U2TOURFANS 360 Social Experience expands for 2011 we are seeking to develop freelance reporters, photographers, video and audio teams that will become part of the 2011 tour season. Your must be able to attend one or more of the U2 shows around the world. Successful candidates will be chosen based on their ability to attend one or more shows. We will be looking for one or more articles a week depending on the tour schedule. Must be able to speak and write English as well as native language of country or origin.

Candidates must have:

• Impeccable writing skills and an engaging, conversational writing style
• Facebook, Twitter, YouTube access
• Blackberry, iPhone or some other smart device
• Interest in U2 and Music
• A hungry, go-getting attitude
• A familiarity with the kind of stories we cover and how we cover them
• A car
• A laptop
• A decent camera
• A flexible schedule
• Understand they are not part of the band!

Side Note: North American Tour 2011 – We are seeking a person or persons that will be attending all of the shows. We are looking for someone that would be interested in writing a daily story from the road and share their daily adventure with fans around the world.

Submit your U2 article to us and we will contact you – Please note that we are a 360 experience the better use of all media the better chance of us following up with you  Al work submitted is considered property of U2TOURFANS and will not be returned – U2TOURFANS does not offer backstage passes or tickets if that’s what you’re looking for save you and us the time.

The following channels to be included

Twitter / Facebook/ YouTube / Web /360 Social Experience Network

Submit fanmail at u2tourfans dot com -  Submissions will not be returned - Sorry we will only contact those that at this time we are interested in -

Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2

U2 Fans have you enjoyed a book about the boys that you would feel is worth sharing with your fellow U2 fans? Send a letter to the editor directly. Your review could be the featured review of the week.

Walk On: The Spiritual Journey Of U2
By: Steve Stockman  Review: Sara ( From London)

Walk On was an absolutely fascinating read! In fact, it was so good that its worth a read again I have been a distant fan of U2 since my early teens (I’m 30 now). By “distant” I mean that I haven’t followed their life and music as closely as some fans have (at least not too far beyond their earlier albums). I did purchase a copy of “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” and I think it is now probably one of my favorites (along with October, The Unforgettable Fire and The Joshua Tree)!

I have always found some inspiration in the life and music of U2. Such a statement bothers some Christians and that is precisely why they need to read this book. One of the things I have always most admired about this band is that they are real and they often wear their hearts right out on their sleeves… There are some very deep, inspiring, contemplative, introspective and sometimes questioning themes that flow consistently through the lyrics of U2’s songs. In fact, I don’t know of one album that U2 has released that didn’t express some facet of spirituality in one way or another.

    Walk On: The Spiritual Journey Of U2 presents an intimate look into the lives of a group of true believers who are not playing games with anyone. They don’t make excuses for their imperfections or try to cover up their frustration with the condition of the world and how few, especially …Most Christians who can’t get past the sight of a cigarette, a beer or the sound of a cuss word, will have trouble seeing the honest heart of a guy like Bono who is as sincere and devout as they come!…Bono once made the statement in an interview that the reason he is attracted to the Scriptures and figures like Christ is because he is not like them and wants to be; he is drawn to that power greater than himself that can change a man’s heart and actions. He admits his weakness but knows the source of this power; God. He is also very inspired by the grace of God.

     However unorthodox the bros in U2 seem to the rest of Christendom, these guys are very sincere and very plugged in to God (in fact, I would dare say they are seeking harder and desiring that intimate connection with the Lord than probably a lot of Christians who attend churches today are). This book will be a refreshing eye opener to people who have had questions about U2 and whether or not their faith is real. It will answer some questions for fans as well as give those unfamiliar with the band a proper introduction to who they are. I think that especially those believers who have expressed criticism towards U2 need to read this great book. I found it very inspiring and challenging to my faith.

In consideration of the song Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, I believe it is a statement about the fact that this band is still searching, but not for God. They have found Him, (all accept the bass player who is agnostic). What they are searching for is an honest expression of truth by those who profess to know Him. An expression of truth that is more than merely words professed, but actions demonstrated. One might also consider this song in respect to 1 Corinthians 13 (the line, “I have spoken with the tongues of angels…”), where love is the only thing that really matters. Bono seems to be expressing that he has experienced the “things” of God, but desires more; to be captivated and completely motivated by love. These guys have not walked away, they are determined to “Walk On!”

I highly recommend this book! It will be most meaningful to those who are at least remotely familiar with U2’s music, but I think even someone who doesn’t know much about them at all will find a number of insightful gems in this great title.

Thank you Sara, this sounds like a great read, fast read and for most of us today. We sometimes need a little church in our lives.  U2 fans if your interested in sharing your U2 story write us directly and lets see if your review could be our next weekly book review.

Also remember you can purchase all your U2 books, Music and frankly anything you like from friends at amazon

Welcome to iTunes

U2 has enjoyed a relationship with Apple for sometime. Going all the way back to the iPod early days. Remember the fully loaded iPod that had all the boys on the shine back cover. Well Lets welcome the new boys on the block a bit late the the game however they will do just great on iTunes. So please raise it up for the Boys from England.

The Edge Supports Aung San Sun Kyi

U2/The Edge Dave Evans, known as Edge, from the band U2 says that they will continue their support for the Myanmar (Burma) democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Edge, in a news letter said “I’m sure, like us, you’re delighted with the news of the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma at the weekend. We should all be relieved, if cautious, that she has been able to take a step towards freedom.

However, we must remember that her release is not part of any political process but is designed to get positive publicity for the dictatorship after the blatant rigging of elections on 7th November. We must not forget the thousands of other political prisoners still suffering in Burma’s jails and must do whatever we can to encourage the international community to engage the junta in dialogue.

We will continue our support of this remarkable woman and her campaign, and as always we count on your continued input and continued vigilance.”