by Marlena Garland

The November 19, 2001 - U2 Concert at Staples Center was especially wonderful for me.

I have been a fan for 16 years and have attended one concert each time they played in the area since 1987. However, this time for the first time, I would be able to stand on the floor. I patiently waited for the day with a great deal of excitment and anticipation for the show.

The day came for us to go downtown. We arrived at 11:30 am. I had to drag my husband who was not thrilled about standing in line. He finally got the point about General Admission tickets when we arrived at Staples Center and said "What? We have no seats?" No, I said we have to stand in line (for the tenth time)).

I must admit however, it wasn't an easy task. A forty something year old standing in line, on concrete, for a concert for over seven hours without sitting was physically demanding. I didn't even remotely think that would be a factor, but it was. I really became physically tired. ONLY, for U2 would I ever do this.

I was very lucky though and stood at the tip of the heart two ladies in front of me. I was between their shoulders.

When U2 started and Bono made his way down the Heart to the tip and stood in front of us. It was very very memorable.

Bono really takes the time to look at as many fans as possible directly in the eyes. He is great at making eye contact. I managed to make eye contact one time. As I flashed the biggest smile possible, he returned my excitement at seeing him up close with direct eye contact and a big smile. It was very memorable.

As the songs played on and on I sang, and took in every note, every gesture and every move of the band. This was U2 Heaven!! Bono's voice was great he was really ALIVE! Much more so than the third Anaheim Show in April. In Anaheim he looked very tired and only had energy for some songs not every song. Not so third show Los Angeles. He was at his peak. I think this was the BEST U2 concert I had ever been to. They were better than ever on each and every song.

The highlight of the show came when I heard the beginning chords of BAD. I started screaming - thinking to myself finally - BAD!!! Why screaming with excitement?? As I mentioned I have been a fan for 16 years and I always managed to be at the concert where U2 decided not to play it. So when they started playing it I had to scream with joy, my favorite song at last "LIVE" after 16 years of waiting.

Thanks U2 for a great and wonderful show. I am looking forward to a new album and for me that will never come soon enough. Touring is great and we all get to see them - but it is even greater when we get to hear their new music.

PS. I want to say one more thing I love the music in POP and was so happy they played Please live. I think POP was the most under-rated CD and for all of you fans out there who have not bought it, go out and get it - play it 10 times at least, and then you will "GET IT" . It is great great music. Play it loud and that music will get into your heart and soul.

Also, I have two young children, a boy 7 years and a girl 4 years. They love U2- of course I play U2 music all the time. Next time they play in Los Angeles I will take them and let them live the excitement of their music with us.

Return to previous page | Post a Review of this show!