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The reverberations from two nights with U2 are still rumbling around my brain. What a brilliant couple of shows. I know, I know, it’s time to move on, and I will, just let me have one last stroll through the glory that was U2’s 2009 invasion of the Big Smoke.

After a front row view of the band on Wednesday, I opted for a different approach on Thursday. This time I went to Edge’s side of the stage and stayed in the outer circle. I was twenty five yards back so I could watch the “Claw” in action and partake in the other lighting and visual special effects. I was gob smacked to see the differences from being close and having some distance. Don’t get me wrong, nothing beats being close to the band, but for this particular show there are so many stunning visual treats that it was nice to be able to appreciate the spectacle. The juxtaposition of the beautifully lit CN Tower with the elaborate U2 stage was simply glorious. Also duly noted was a stark positive contrast in the level of physical comfort that derived from arriving three hours later than the previous night and staying out of the crush. There is definitely a cost to securing a vantage point on the rail. A cost worth paying, but there nonetheless. The Thursday show seemed to fly by, and I didn’t feel parched and slightly delirious as the night rolled on.

A crucial difference was the crowd in the outer area. Ignorant yuppie scum, wearing their allegiance to U2 as a disposable accessory, talked through parts of the show. Others brazenly pushed through to get closer to the stage. I had one awkward moment when the vile trash moron in front of me chatted with the obese mess that apparently constituted his girlfriend. I just lost it and smacked him on the shoulder with my fist. The girl went off screaming and the Neanderthal exited the opposite direction. Me? I stepped forward three steps.

In the inner circle it is a pleasure to talk to your fellow concert goers. You find the devoted and, as the concert unfolds, it is absolute magic to find everyone in your area singing along. My immediate crew were even singing every word to newer material like No Line On The Horizon. Also, the mood is reverential and conducive to the best possible experience. Outside, not so much. I am thrilled to have attended both nights and to have seen the show from two different perspectives. One word-to-the-wise if you are ever attending a U2 show; Bono almost unconsciously drifts towards Edge’s side of the stage. He definitely spends more time in Edge’s area so, if possible, I would try to procure tickets in that area for maximum enjoyment.

I’m grateful for all the responses I received to the pieces last week. I was like a minor celebrity at work as people came by to gape at my photos and relive the night. It was a revelation to understand how much good will and positivity the band engenders.

To clarify a couple of points; I bought the tickets on the day of the Wednesday show. It has been my good fortune to literally always find good tickets come available the day of the show. I don’t know why.

I must thank, from the bottom of my heart, Natalie, Amy, Alex and Camille. Their kindness and friendship enabled me to stay on the lip of the stage for the duration Wednesday night. I have a brilliant shot of Amy and myself at the front of the stage, arms around each other, belying the fact we have known each other for about an hour at that point. Just magic, and such a pleasure to meet great people.

When I arrived at the inner circle, Wednesday night, a crowd had congregated in front of Edge’s position. Now, this is so bizarre, but the Webmaster, the creator of this blog, has an uncanny resemblance, in looks and bearing, to Adam Clayton. Both are products of the South of Ireland, but Protestant, not Catholic. Both are reserved and cool. And when I read that Clayton caused dissension in the band when they hit it big because, unlike the others, he wanted to booze it up and sleep with gorgeous women, the connection with the Webmaster was etched in stone! So, you understand, I glided over to Clayton’s section of the stage with delight. He would be my favourite band member, after Bono, because of my perception that he would, like the Webmaster, be an amazing guy to have a pint with. Indeed, when I met the Beat Poet later that night, as I recounted events, I inadvertently said I was standing a foot away from (insert Webmaster’s name here) instead of saying Adam Clayton! So thank you, Webmaster, for all you do.

And of course, I must thank the most amazing sister in the world. I’m appalled by the thought that I would have sat out two life affirming concerts except for her angry e-mail.  When I read Chris Ciccone’s book on his domineering, control freak sister, I,uh…I mean it never occurred to me..to, uh, think of my sister…never…’kay? Thanks for the e-mail!!

Also, as the turning points Wednesday night revolved around me initiating conversations with strangers, something I normally never do of my own volition, I have to thank the man whose ability to strike up conversations with anyone, anywhere, gave me the impetus  to try something new; my brother in law. I may, may, even consider letting people touch my Racing Form in the future…

Okay, that’s enough thank you’s. I’ll end this bit, and the U2 reflections, with a recollection of a boozy conversation with the Beat Poet early Thursday morning. When I told the Poet I had been in the front row (this on the heels of third row for Fleetwood Mac, fourth row for the Cure, front row for Burton Cummings, eighth row for Madonna, fourth row for the Waterboys etc) for U2 he took a long drag on his beer, let his face get all crinkly and his eyes squinty, and then pointed at me, enunciating carefully as he said, “you’re becoming the kind of person that good things happen to at concerts”. He looked angry and disturbed. And then it passed.

Yeah, it takes the support of loved ones, and kindness from strangers, but I am, indeed, becoming the kind of person good things happen to at concerts…