by Ali Brown

Having read the other reviews I must agree that this wasn't the greatest U2 gig ever but it was still great. Let's face it an average U2 gig is still 10 times better than anything any other band has to offer live.

I was very privileged to win tickets for the Heart Area out of The Sunday Times from the competition on the free CD given away a few weeks ago.

We arrived at the venue at 5pm and were supposed to collect our tickets from the VIP box office at 6pm. No idea what to expect as the whole thing had been done by email and I was still not convinced it wasn't a wind up. Got directed to another box office window where they put up the 'Guest List' sign. Now call me shallow but I loved that! I have officially been on the U2 guest list - fab!! We got given standing tickets and heart area wristbands and then directed through to the arena. Then got given the normal green wristbands and went into the Heart.

This was my 41st U2 so even though I still get incredibly nervous and excited this was something special. I can honestly say when I walked under that catwalk and stood 5 feet from the right handside of the stage I was totally speechless. You don't get that close to the band anymore, not these days. Couldn't just stand there waiting so went for a couple of calming beers and chatted to some fans.

Strolled back into the Heart after Kelis (who didn't sound that bad from the bar) and waited. Sgt Pepper started and there wwas a definite buzz from those in the know and then we spotted the top of Adams guitar poking out the gangwalk.

From Elevation through till the end I've never been so happy. I managed to get some absolutely corking pictures on my disposable camera which I have yet to scan but rest assured I will for all to see. It wasn't the best U2 gig I've ever been to but it was by far one of the greatest experiences of my life. Bono smiled at me at the end of 'Stuck In A Moment' as I was singing like my life depended on it with no one between me and him as he stood on the catwalk. Awesome!

I'd like to say thanks to the band for giving me so much throughout the years and I'll see you the 18th & 19th and on my birthday in Slane - excellent timing boys!!

Thanks for everything!!!

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