by Jason

It was my first trip to Europe from the States, I was 21 with my friends and took the train from Amsterdam to Paris, then to the Hippodrome (another train ride) to get to the concert in time.
We purchased tickets on-site, that very evening of the show - it was a packed open-air stadium, old school, bowl-like. The evening was warm, clear, and UB40 was performing as we walked in with our open containers of some kind of French beer.
What startled me right away was the difference between the crowd there versus crowds in the States - a lot mellower, very generous, nice, not pushy. It was a joy to attend.
Then U2 came out on stage, with Bono's new long hair we hadn't really seen yet, at least not live. This album, the Joshua Tree, was like our Bible as we traveled Europe that summer and then some. To see the boys perform was a magical treat, a truly genuine experience.
Then during the show, some idiot let out some tear gas or something, and Bono stopped the show and said "Nobody does this at a U2 concert - nobody." The band took a bit of a break, with Bono scolding the vermin who did this, as it happened right next to me up close near center stage. My eyes watered and burned a bit, but then the air cleared and the band started up again, thankfully. We didn't really care and were very thankful they started again! Nobody was hurt, as it was a stupid prank by some idiots.
This was one of the best concerts and experiences of my life, and I even experienced a little French tear gas to boot. Viva la U2 -

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