Happy Holidays! My 2009 U2 wrap up.

Anyhoo, 2009 was a huge U2 year for me and most of us, probably. I have U2 to thank for a lot of things this year.

1. "Magnificent"

Talk shit all you want, I think No Line on the Horizon was an awesome album. While there are a few songs that I lost interest in after a few months, "Magnificent" is what keeps the album amazing for me. Whether hearing it live or on my iPod, that opening riff gives me chills and the line "only love, only love can leave such a mark but only love, only love can heal such a scar" grabs my heart. So much so that I had it tattooed on my shoulder in August. "Magnificent" is the song I have been waiting for U2 to write since "Walk On".

2. March 9, 2009

This is the day that I met U2 for the first time. For someone who has spent a lot of time standing with fans to meet this band over the years, I figured I was doomed to never meet them. I was coming to terms with it and while I wasn't happy about it...hell, there's a lot of people who have been fans longer than myself and haven't met them. We can commiserate! Form a club of rejects who U2 has passed by over the years. And U2 doesn't owe me their time; they've given me years of amazing music and concerts, that's more than I could ask for.

After much eye rolling and threats from family and friends, I made the trek to LA to see if I could meet U2 during their radio promo tour for NLOTH. I met up with other fans and spent a lot of time waiting...but boy, did it pay off. I encountered the band twice in one day. Getting a hug and kiss from Bono, fangirling over Adam, praising Edge and having my picture taken with Larry...it was more than I could have ever asked for. I learned that day that U2 are four regular guys that got thrown into the celebrity gig and really appreciate their fans. You never know, sometimes, if a band really gives a shit about their fans. I've come across some bands in the past that treat their fans like dirt. You can be rest assured that U2 actually cares about us. That's not to say that Bono sends me get-well cards or anything, but they care to take the time to meet us when they really don't have to. They make an effort. I can't thank them enough for that and giving me a moment I never thought would come.

And thanks for smiling, Larry.

3. Friends

I have made so many friends in 2009 because of U2 and my U2 related travels. I've reconnected with some old acquaintances because of U2 as well. All of these people, from my boys in Zoo Station to the folks I met in line in Chicago, have made an impact on me this year. I got involved with U2 Station and was given this blog to utilize to share my experiences and wisdom (or lack of) about U2. There have been bumps in the road this year, but I feel like some of these new friends will become more than just U2 fan friends, and more life long friends. Thanks Jonathan for giving me the blog.

4. Chicago, Las Vegas and Pasadena

For the first time in my years of being a fan, I was able to attend more than one show on one leg. Previously, I had to space them out due to money constraints but not this year. I saved my money and used all my vacation time to trump around to three shows. Each show had it's own moments that I found special. Most of them had to do with the people I was with or saw there. I'd have to say, however, that Las Vegas was a lot of fun. The show itself was smaller and I didn't spend all day in line, so I was able to dance around and have fun with friends rather than worry about my spot and not being able to see. Can't see? I'm going to move in front of you because I'm 4'10" and I have the room to. Not to mention I met a lot of awesome people in Vegas and had a blast just hanging out in the back so I could take in the whole 360 stage.

And, you know, this...

Thank you all for reading my blog this year. I hope you enjoyed some of my ramblings and didn't want to kick my ass too much after reading them. I'll see you all in Oakland and Seattle next year!! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!