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.)
Comments
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Aguilar911
Los Angeles 1992
Beautiful Dodger Staduim in 1992-Zoo TV Tour. First concert ever and the best!! Hundreds of concerts since, hundreds of bands but no one compares to U2! See you in Anaheim!
Ognen
From Troubled Yugoslavia to ZOOROPA 1993
It was in Budapest (Hungary) - ZOOROPA - on 23 July, 1993. I was 19. Two busloads of us had travelled to Budapest from Macedonia for about 20 hours. Those were troubled times, war was raging in Yugoslavia, Macedonia had recently become independent, things were grim, lives filled with uncertanty or devoid of certainty. Music was one of the few things that kept my generation going. Fans since childhood, we had to make it there. We collected whatever savings we had and our parents helped (thanks mom and dad), so we got our ticket vouchers. I remember the U2 signs on the windscreens of our busses and a Serbian border guard asking the driver of our bus what they meant. The driver replied that we were going to a concert in Budapest. The guard said "Let's go, every body out and let's have a look at the gear (instruments)." We couldn't believe what he was saying. I'll never forget the gig. Front row outside the ring, just before the catwalk's head. I also saw them in Thessaloniki in 1997 and in Zagreb on 10 August 2009, with my wife. Fabulous. We hope to see them in Istambul in September.
shortu2
U2-1997
I was 22, my Uncle and I got 5th row seats at Giants Stadium to see the Popmart tour. Tailgated with other U2 fans then headed in through the floor entrance. We saw Lenny Kravitz, we yelled his name, he turned around and gave us the peace sign. We ended up leaving our seats and getting up to the security gate! It was an awesome night! One I will never forget! Giants Stadium is no more. Now age 34,I did have the chance to see U2's last 2 concerts there before they started to tear it down and looking forward to seeing them in the New Meadowlands stadium in July! Till then.........
popfart
15 December 1984
San Francisco Civic Auditorium Opening Act(s): The Waterboys Main Set: 11 O'Clock Tick Tock, I Will Follow, Seconds, MLK, The Unforgettable Fire, Wire, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Electric Co., A Sort Of Homecoming, Bad, October, New Year's Day, Pride Encore(s): Party Girl, Gloria, 40 My first concert ever in my life and it was U2. Amazing! Milton, San Diego, CA, USA
u2_fan_4ever
Chorzów 6.08.2010
I'm 15 years old. My first concert was in Chorzów 2010. It was magnificent night. Pozdrawiam wszystkich fanów ;)
garyu
THE LONGEST DAY 22.06.85
live at milton keynes bowl supported by REM etc.rained most of the day.just 3 weeks later they stole the show at LIVE AID.25 years later still nobody better
sectionbgirl92
Sept 25 1987-Joshua Tree
My first show was JFK stadium in Phila in 87. I was 14 and it had such an effect on me. I remember being on the field, the huge jumbo screen in the middle of the field, the colorful red and gold lights, Bono with his arm in a sling, hearing "Street's" and "WOWY", which were my favorite songs at the time. I remember Bono brought someone up on stage by asking if they wanted to play his guitar, and then later him asking who else wanted to play his guitar, Bruce Springsteen maybe? Bruce came on stage and they did Stand By Me, which to this day is still one of my favorite sing-a-longs. It was an amazing night and the start of my now life long obsession of seeing this band live! Jodi-Philadelphia
BlueFire
13 in Zagreb
Maksimir stadium, 10th august 2009. 62 000 people. Ticket was 250 kn. I could write pages and pages of that day but I'll write only few lines. Set list - amazing Bono - the best The Edge - big inspiration Adam - such powerful man Larry - so sexy cold ;) guys were AWESOME
habs6011
Popmart Washington, DC 1997
My first show was May 26 1997 Popmart show at RFK Stadium in Washington DC. I wanted to go to ZooTV but my parents said I was too young to go. I won Tickets to the POP show on the Radio 99.1 WHFS (at the time) I was caller 10 and won floor seats. It rained for the few days leading up to the show and all day that day. The rain stoped about 3 hours before showtime. I remember the screen was all messed up lots of lights on the big screen didnt work and a bunch were different colors than they were supposed to be. It was still fantastic. Bono stated "last time we came to DC I broke my arm, this time a monsoon nearly takes out the entire screen" (while it wasnt the previous time he broke his arm, it was actually j-tree tour) All in all it was a great show, Miami was the highlight for me. I will never forget that show. It will always be one of my favs!!
sjsgsd
Father and Son
My dad and pretty much the rest of my family and me saw them at Giants Stadium. My first time, my dads third time
electricco
Paris Zenith 1987 . . .
Was fan since 1984 . . . wish I ve seen U2 during The Unforgettable Fire Tour (and be lucky to Hear A Sort Of Homecoming . . .) My First U2 Gig was in June, 15 1987. In Paris, Le Zenith -small crowd around 7000 . . .) The Set List Was Amazing . . . Indeed !
tuf
Belfast 1980
Ulster Hall, Belfast, 17th Dec. 1980. Tickets were £3.00. Was right in the front row and was mesmerised by Edge's playing even then. Icing on the cake was when we were waiting outside the stage door (in the rain) for autographs the road crew were told to let us in. We ended up in the dressing room, got the 7" CBS Ireland copy of I will follow autographed by all 4 of them. Bono was perched on to top of an old upright piano in the corner wearing his "fake" fur coat. He was signing everyones autographs with an added Christmas Message - "Christmas Turkey", "Christmas Pudding"!!!! I still have the single and it was a night I will never forget.
lisa_usa
I am 12 years old !!!
I am 12 years old and my name is Joanna, my first time seeing U2 was last October 2009 at Reliant Stadium in Houston Texas, I was in the FRONT ROW of Red Zone 2 (Adam's side). I went with my Mom and sister, the concert was THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE, we will be traveling again to see U2 in Miami 2010, and once again I know it will be yet another GREAT EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME..Joanna (Joanna of J & M & L Adam's Girls)
tracmic
5-11-1987 Brendan Byrne Arena, NJ
The venue still exists but is now the izod center. i can still feel the opening bars of streets vibrating my chest. Last September I took my 10yo to her first U2 show. we had a great time I just hope 20yrs down the road she tells her children about it.. Those two shows will always remain so special for me
Kristaps
Dublin
July 24, 2010 in Dublin - Croke Park stadium. There is really no better place to see U2, no better place to have your first U2 show at. Had emotional withdrawls from the whole week long Dublin/U2 experience for months...
hand195
Karaoke at Wembley
The Popmart tour in 1997 was the first time we ever saw U2, and the first time I had ever been to a stadium. The memory of the Edge singing daydream believer with the crowd, aided by a massive karoke screen behind him was hysterical!
mzdelar
my first show.
I'm 20 years old and my first U2 concer was 07.07.2009. in Milano. I'm from Croatia so my seven friends and I took a big car and the rest was the history. The thing I remeber the most was when the lights went out and Kingdom began. The Italian crowd was so crazy that it felt like I'm in the middle of volcano that is about to explode. And then I remeber seeing just the top of Larry's head when he was arriving to the main stage and I just started to cry. You know, there he is, and it's not DVD or YouTube, it's real life. I will remember that for the rest of my life. Then I went to both Zagreb shows and I already have ticket for Turin (Torino) show. I just can't wait because I know it will again be the best day of my life.
luckyman1204
cologne cathedral
my first u2 concert was in 1997 in cologne during the popmart tour. even if there were less people than expected it was a fantastic experience for me. I loved the opening and the performance of discotheque. since then I haven't missed a u2 tour and can't wait to see them in paris this year.
cynzu2
Elevation!!!!!!
My first concert was May 27, 2001 in Montreal. I was 18 and finally had mony to go see a concert. My friend and I had general admission and we ended up front row in front of the Edge!!! we did even camp out that long! it is still by the far the best concert i've ever been too even though i've seen them 12 times ever since! I nearl7y died when they played GONE! to top it off, the edge high-fived us and we threw a harley davidson t-shirt to Larry and he took it, turned around and smiled at us!!!
manu81
Berlin 2001
Und das ist gut so????? Oh yes, that was a special concert.... :) I saw The Edge the first time in real ( HOTEL ADLON) A great, great concert from the best band in the world Greetz ManU
winteyhere
Wembly, 1987
The Joshua Tree Tour. Drew a long straw for 1 of 4 tickets to buy. Some brits we met at a pub, for tickets to a "brillant band". Was doing my internship for 4 mths in Essex.. Never heard of this band U2, now can't forget them. The black Joshua tree against a deep, red background. My faves were WTSHNN and ISHFWILF.. Bought my first cassette, and now have almost all their cd's. My faves now, depends on the day... My boys and husband gave me "U2 go home ~ live from Slane Castle" dvd for Mother's day! Love, love, love, their music. See you in Toronto on July 3rd.
Silver & Gold
What r the odds
My first show was in Hampton VA - Zoo Tour. I went with 2 friends. One did not have a ticket so he had to buy one before the show. As fate would have it he bought a ticket from a scalper and THE SEAT WAS RIGHT NEXT TO OURS! And I mean right next to us. If we had seats 15 and 16 his was 17. What are the odds of that?!?!?! Weirdest thing that has ever happened to me.
bienphilos
POPmart DALLAS
First time i saw them was at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. I drove 6 hours to go see them (in Texas that's just down the road). It was the most excited i had ever been at a concert. Nothing touches a U2 live show.
cjnorthrop
1987, Rochester NY - Joshua Tree
This was when it all happened. Every sensation was heightened. It was October. The air was cool, the weather grey, the ground was muddy --- but my favorite pseudo army boots never touched the ground. Their live music drilled into to my soul deeper than the recorded versions already had, and I was forever connected. I always tell people that U2 shows are not "concerts", they are Life Events. I am forever grateful for the joy they have added to my years on this earth. (and when I leave it --- please --- let heaven be an eternal U2 concert in the sky)....
nitz1
Giants Stadium May 1997 POP
I discovered the band in the late 80's after College but never got the opportunity before the 1997 Pop Tour to see them live - I remember the night well! We took a limo to the show from Long Island to New Jersey and went with my brother in law and his wife. It was rather miserable Irish weather in NY with a humid mist hanging in the air. I was so happy to be going to the show but when I got into the stadium and found my seats "way up in the nosebleads" I was a bit dissapointed! I could barely see the boys surrounded by the huge Pop set! Anyway it was a tremendous show and I was hooked for life! I have seen them many many times since then- from NY to Miami and all the way to Dublin last year!
Anita_Loves_u2
Amsterdam, 20-7-09
I was 17 and in my family you're pretty much forced to listen to U2. I didn't mind, I grew up with the music and liked it. Wit the years I started too like even more! There is just something that happens when I hear one off their songs. I love Larrys drums in the beginning of Breathe I adore Adams bass on Beautiful Day I heart The Edges guitar on Get On Your Boots I idolize Bono's voice when he sings Miss Sarajevo in Milan 2005 There were 8 off us that summer night in Amsterdam. My mom, my dad, 2 of my best friends, one of their dads and my cousin with his wife. I was amazing. To hear the Kingdom intro gave me chills. It rocked! Was there the next day for the second concert and a week later I stood in Croke Park with my dad and two best friends watching THE BEST CONCERT EVER!! To see the boys in their home town is something special. I will never forget that night, or the other two. Can't wait to see them again this year in Belgium and Portugal Thank you for those wonderfull nights!!
DBUGGY
Croke Park 85
My first show was Croke Park in 1985, I was 13. It was so exciting!!!
JFutko
Exhibition Stadium-CNE grounds.
Outside at the CNE Exhibition stadium in October for the Unforgettable fire tour. Haven't missed a Toronto tour since.
butscher
Love since 1984, wait till 1989
I recordniced U2 with "Pride" when I was 12/13. So I have to wait to see them live when I was 16/17 in 1989, in Dortmund/Germany with the great B.B. King. Since then I try to manage it to see U2 on every tour. I hope it will never end!!! :-)
u2 ka
171 Shows ago...
I remember my first U2 show even though it was 171 shows ago. I went with my childhood friend Neil and it was in Long Beach California. The tour was The Unforgettable Fire and it was unforgettable for sure! I remember the energy Bono had on display and the performance of the song Wire really stood out to me. I remember leaving thinking I have to continue to have that shared experience no matter what! Well I have been successful in doing so by seeing the lads 171 more times all over the U.S. and Europe! I look forward to part two of 360 and a road trip with my 16 year old son from LA to Utah for night number 1.
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