by Patrick AHearn

My journey 2 the U2 show in Sarajevo started in 93 during a Zooropa concert in Budapest and on the screen came a girl singing from war torn city of Sarajevo. With that Bono said we will come there and play. Then he went on 2 sing BAD. Which was so emotional. When he made that promise, I made a promise that I would go not only 2 see U2 but 2 support the economy of Sarajevo. So I left New York and made one stop in another country and then headed 2 Sarajevo. When I arrived it was such a different world and alot of damage but I wasn't about 2 be sad because this was a great event for the people who have suffer. When I got 2 my hotel they didn't have my reservation so I was put with a family and its was better than a hotel and I met this kind family and then went on 2 meet even more kind people everywhere. I could go on about my adventure threw the city but I know U want a review. After going down the street towards the entrance of the stadium and the huge military presents. We waited then they let us in and everyone was running for the best spot I saw who I think is the head of U2 security telling people slow down, I think he is because I've been 2 many of there shows and he always right there with them, I had a encounter with him at a Kansas City concert and I ran right by him and said here we go again but I don't know if he knew it was me. I went 2 the right of the catwalk at the end which was a good spot, because Bono spends alot of time there and U see the rest of the band real close. The person next 2 me was from London, during the concert which was full of energy from the people who have been looking forward 2 a taste of entertainment were from all around Bosnia. I notice this old style record player and then I knew Pavarotti wasn't coming 2 sing "Miss Sarajevo" that they were going 2 use that instead. It was the highlight of the show for me when Brian Eno took the stage and put the needle 2 the record. Bono's voice wasn't top form but his heart was so into the show it made U forget. Also the site of all the soldiers filling the stands 2 watch the show was something U don't usually see and Bono praised them and mention each country that was there, which was a great gesture. After the show I bought 2 t-shirts that on the back said Staff 23 Sarajevo 1997 off the backs of 2 security guards. Then I met these girls who were teenagers and traveled pretty far by train 2 be there. I had U2 pins on my hat and they like them so I gave them each one. It was great atmosphere afterwards that I never felt after a show. It's not much of a review of the concert because the real review for me was about how that night change me forever by seeing a concert with people who have been threw so much and got a taste of what a live music event can do 2 one's soul, that they have been shut out of for so many years. There were so many things involve 2 make this concert happen, I'll tell U about one U2 wanted 2 do a free show and the people they spoke 2 about it said no we want 2 pay our way, we want the giant lemon and all the works. The last thing I'll say is I got a paper for the flight home and on the front cover it said "Peace But Not Quiet" underneath a picture of Bono at during the concert.

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