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IN THE NAME OF LOVE
Hi everyone! This story that I am about to share with you is one that I think is perhaps one of the most inspiring stories of love and hope.
Without going into the whole story; I need to provide some background. The beginings of my knowing this story started right here on U2.com. I was inspired and moved by this young 's unselfishness and her desire to help the worlds most impoverished children in Africa. I contacted her and have been in touch with the family. My promise was to get this story out to as many as possible. Please read and do what you can. This story was written on behalf of the Clancy Family by RICHARD A. ROSS and appeared in the River Reporter News. There are a few corrections that the family has requested I make to the article. I will leave the article as it was written, (with the exception of inserting the telephone contact number for Hope Ministries as requested by the family) but leave a footnote at the bottom of the page to show the corrections that the family has asked to be made; Here's the story as it appeared in the River Reporter: http://www.riverreporter.com/issues/06-12-07/arts1-.html
Kelly ~ Administrator HanoverQuay.info
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IN THE NAME OF LOVE
The plight of orphans in Zambia and the messages of the band U2 stir Roscoe teen Paige Clancy to help children half a world away
By RICHARD A. ROSS
ROSCOE, NY - As the holidays approach, candle-lighting ceremonies, trees adorned with lights and miles of luminaria lining the roads of our hamlets will suffuse the night with their brightness, symbolizing the joys of the season and reflecting the qualities of love and compassion that define mankind at its best.
Now, more than ever, we need that light to offset the darkness of a world beset by grim personal tragedies and the ominous shadows of war, poverty and disease.
Just such a light burns brightly in Paige Clancy, a 13-year-old native of Roscoe whose unselfish devotion to help orphans in Zambia may well give new meaning to the adage, “Give and ye shall receive.”
Already acknowledged by her community as a fine athlete and a student, Clancy also demonstrates a remarkable sense of empathy, marked by her decision to surrender her most prized possession in order to raise money for the orphanage. What that item is, how she came by it and what she hopes to derive from its exchange form the nexus of a saga that is both compelling and inspiring.
Clancy’s generosity and activism are born out of a deep sense of compassion and justice, qualities often not that developed in a person of such tender years. But Clancy hails from a family steeped in values and heritage. Her parents, John and Maryanne, have provided a supportive and loving environment for their three children that include 17-year-old John and six-year-old Dan.
Clancy has also been greatly influenced by her grandparents. Her paternal grandparents, John and Carol Clancy, have given her a sense of pride about her Irish roots and taught her about tolerance and justice. Her maternal grandparents, Fred and Rebecca Ahart, have ed as fine teachers and coaches who have imparted the values of fair play, hard work and leadership to Paige, who plays three sports.
This story involves a group of seemingly diverse people from near and far who are united by their capacity for great love and the desire to help others. They include Clancy’s family, her church, The Hankins Assemblies of God, Hope House Ministries in Kenoza Lake, the band U2 and its iconic lead singer Bono, and a caring soul named Charles Mumba who, along with his wife Margaret, founded the Hope House Orphanage in Ndola, Zambia.[/color]
Clancy stands with Hope House founder Charles Mumba, left, and Pastor Sam Sikapyze at the “Out of Africa” presentation held at Sullivan West Elementary School
Clancy first heard about the orphanage at church and its mission to save a small number of children bereft of their parents, who succumbed to the scourge of the AIDS pandemic that has swept the African continent. The disease claims the lives of nearly 5,500 Africans per day. Many of these are children. The cost of antiretroviral that can slow down the progress of the disease amounts to only about a dollar a day, but even that modest outlay is far too dear for people who often don’t even earn that sum for a day’s labor. Consequently, the toll mounts and the number of orphans is on the rise.
Hankins Assemblies of God Pastor Sam Sikapyze and his wife Kasamba are from Zambia. Mumba is Kasamba’s father.
Moved by the plight of the children, Clancy began to search for a way to help.
Clancy and her father John share a strong affinity for U2. Drawn by the band’s incredible music and Bono’s socially conscious messages, they attended a trio of concerts staged on the East Coast as part of the band’s 2005 Vertigo tour. Asked what drew her to become such an ardent fan of the band, Clancy replied, “U2 is incredibly optimistic. They believe that we can make the world a better place, and change the world. They make you want to be a part of that.”
Clancy brought pamphlets about the orphanage to the first concert held in the Meadowlands in May of 2005. She handed the pamphlets to Bono, who has been on a mission of his own since the band’s performance in the Live Aid Concert in 1985 to raise consciousness about the plight of people in Africa. Bono’s popularity and influence led to his organizing the One Campaign, which influenced world leaders at the G8 summit to forgive African debt and, most recently, the Product RED campaign wherein some of the money from the sale of popular products is donated to purchase medicine. Bono was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year in 2005, along with Bill and Melinda Gates.
Bono read the pamphlets and handed them to the audience while telling them “to go for it,” but did not personally take up the cause. After attending concerts in Boston in November of 2005 and another in Philadelphia two weeks later, Clancy wrote a letter to Bono reminding him about the leaflets and the orphanage and asking him to use his influence to help Hope House.
She gave that letter to his personal assistant, A.J. Rankin, who delivered it to Bono prior to the third concert. Clancy was subsequently ushered forward to the front row of the Wachovia Arena*, given a set list of songs by Rankin and later handed a headband worn by Bono with the word “coexist” written on it. The letters c, x, and t in the word are formed by the Islamic symbol of the crescent moon, the Jewish Star of David and the Christian cross.
The headband means a great deal to Clancy, but her desire to help the children means even more
Determined to find a way to convert this item of great personal value into something that could help others, Clancy and her dad mulled over the situation. In early January of 2006 prior to attending church, John Clancy advised his daughter to pray for a sign. It was Mumba’s last day in the country before returning to Zambia, and he asked the young teenager to stand. He thanked her for her support and told her, “God works in mysterious ways.” The teen and her dad were flabbergasted. That is the title of a U2 song. Convinced that she had been given the sign she sought to act, she and her dad renewed their quest to deploy Bono’s celebrity to aid their cause. To do that, they made some attempts to sell Bono’s headband to people interested in rock memorabilia, but they were told there was no way to prove its authenticity.
They now realized that they would need him to sign the headband. After waiting an entire day in September at a Manhattan book signing, they waited outside of the barricades for the band to emerge.
Sure enough, Bono came out and was reminded about Clancy by John Head** of U2 security. Bono had Clancy lifted over the barricades. He signed the headband and posed for pictures with her. “You’re amazing,” he told her, and wished her luck in her ongoing quest. “You inspire me,” he added. (You can watch Clancy’s encounter with Bono at www.kemtreee.com which was filmed by another fan.)
~~Posing with Bono, the lead singer of U2, with a headband he gave her and later signed with the word “coexist” written on it. Clancy has come up with a plan to use this headband to help an orphanage in Zambia pay for its much-needed expansion~~~.
Now with the signature, the pictures and the video to prove its authenticity, the headband may indeed be a valuable commodity. The Clancys are hopeful that someone reading this story will want to purchase it for a sum that can truly be useful in helping to defray the cost of the orphanage’s needed expansion.
On December 1, World AIDS day, Clancy spoke to assemblies of children at Sullivan West Elementary School and the Light and Life Christian School. Her appearance was part of a program called “Out of Africa,” organized by Sullivan West Special Education inclusion teacher Sharon Fife, and Bobby Hust, both of Hope House Ministries, a Christian counseling service which has helped to sponsor the orphanage and the school which Mumba set up to accommodate those children denied access to government schools because they can’t afford the required uniforms.
Mumba spoke at the assemblies and at an evening presentation. Sicapyzie, his wife, and other members of the church were on hand as well in the program designed to familiarize people with Zambia, its culture and the orphanage.
If you are interested in making an offer to purchase the headband, e-mail John Clancy at maryanne16911@hvc.rr.com
or if you would like to donate money for the orphanage, contact Hope Ministries at 369 Old Taylor Road, Kenoza Lake, NY.
~~~~The telephone number for Hope Ministries was omitted from the article but the family would like it included:845-482- 5300, or TOLL FREE 888-701-HOPE~~~~~
For more details about aspects of this story and an album of pictures visit riverreporter.com.
For her part, Clancy continues to search for that special caring individual or group who will purchase the headband so that she can take the money from its sale and donate it to the orphanage’s expansion.
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Corrections as requested by the family:
*The Clancy family would like it known that Paige was actually invited up to the front by Tattoo Dan and group of his friends
**References to John Head should be instead John, Head of U2 Security**
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Dream Out Loud; A U2 Tribute
By Kelly Palombi
CoeXist Administrator
Dream Out Loud; A U2 Tribute
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ZOOROPA
And now... let me introduce you to another
great bunch of guys hailing from the "Motor City" Detroit, Michigan
I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Voss
(Larry from the U2 tribute Band Zooropa)
and talking U2 with him and I was enternally grateful
when he agreed to let me use Zooropa for this article
and even more, for agreeing to the interview.
You must check this act out. Without any further delay:
This is ZOOROPA!
The members of Zooropa are:
Luke DeWitt (Bono) 
Bill Bogue (Edge)
Robert Wedge (Adam)
Jeff Voss(Larry)
CoeXist Online: Why a U2 Tribute?
Jeff:Why not take on the biggest
and most influencial band in the world? (gulp!)
Seriously, I just simply love U2. I thought this band project
would be a challenge and a rewarding hobbie.
I believe the band has a grasp of what the typical fan
expects out of a U2 tribute
CoeXist Online: Who are the founding members and when did Zooropa get it's start?
Jeff:In October of '05 I ran an
ad in the weekly entertainment magazine for this
U2 Tribute idea. The response was excellent -although the
auditions did not go as expected.
Frustrated, I turned to close friends instead to fill
the band roles. Through another aquaintence we
found our singer, Luke. By early '06 we had the line-up
that actually could pull this off.
CoeXist Online:What must it feel like having the opportunity to portray U2 in this fashion?
Jeff: It feels wonderful. For the longest time
I've been watching my friends in bands and even worked
with local popular 80's bands doing video presentations
during the live shows for a couple years.
With "Zooropa," I'm finally able to step on stage and
present a show that I have a lot of pride in and responsibility with.
CoeXist Online: What is/has been the general fan reaction?
Jeff: I think people's first reaction is of shock
-who the hell are these guys? I think it becomes quickly apparent
that we are having a lot of fun up there.
It's easy to come off as pretentious with any tribute band really.
I don't think we project that to an audience, however... I see
other U2 tribute bands across the country and some really "dress the part." I think it's awesome but for Zooropa, we'd rather be low key
and throw on some simple fly shades or perhaps an Edge type cap
and let the music do the talking.
There's a fine line on trying too hard and just having a laugh.
CoeXist Online: Any interesting stories to share?
Jeff: During one of the shows we had
a gentlemen sprawled out half over the stage monitors
and the floor. Apparently, "With Or Without You" was just too much.
He was literally crying in his beer, singing all the lyrics hunched over
in pain... we also had some dude jump up onstage to hug the
entire band while playing. U2 music affects people in 'mysterious ways.'
CoeXist Online: From the eyes and experience of you who have had the chance to be on the coveted side of playing U2 music for others, what about U2 do you feel makes them unique?
Jeff:U2 are still beating the rock 'n roll odds.
How many bands today have their original members after 30 years?
The fact they came out of Ireland is so incredible -you couldn't get
noticed unless you were British. I enjoy watching the band
transform through the years; never really satisfied too long
on a particuliar sound or style. For me, this is what makes them
the most unique. U2 must always be progressing in some way.
CoeXist Online:Anything about U2 or it's music that has changed your life personally? A connection to any particular song, perhaps?
Jeff: Yes, without question U2 has changed my life.
I try to look at the positive side of life and that one person
can make a difference. Bono's work with debt relief, AIDS
and the One Campaign has opened my eyes to the troubles
of the world and anyone can get involved.
CoeXist Online: Could you list a setlist for us and maybe tell us what song in particular is your favorite to perform?
Setlist:
I Will Follow
Sunday y Sunday
Bullet The Blue Sky
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
An Cat Dubh/Into The Heart
Red Hill Mining Town
11 O' Clock Tick Tock
Gloria
The Electric Co.
With Or Without You
Pride (in the name of love)
Vertigo
Bad
Elevation
Until The End Of The World
The Fly
One
All Because Of You
Desire
All I Want Is You
Where The Streets Have No Name
Helter Skelter
New Year's Day
Van Diemen's Land
Out Of Control
Staring At The Sun (acoustic)
Party
40
Our setlist currently sways more to the
older stuff', which is essentially your basic guitar, bass,
drums and vocals. This is due to the band being so new
to the scene . We have recently included some
simple backing track "loops" to some of the songs
(Bad, With or Without You).
 The band needed to gel first and work on chemistry before
we got ahead of ourselves ... with that now tackled, we have entered 'phase two' of this project. We're busy creating
more elabrate backing tracks to help round out the textures
and sounds like the original studio U2 recordings.
Songs like "Discotheque, Zoo Station, Beautiful Day,
The Unforgettable Fire and Love and Peace or Else" will now
be in our reach.
Our last goal will be implementing a video presentation that will
round out the U2 experience for the audience.
We have some big ideas -one thing at a time though.
Currently, my favorite songs from the setlist to perform
are "An Cat Dubh/Into The Heart, 11 O' Clock Tick Tock
and The Electric Co." These have a special place -
those songs really take me back to childhood when I first
became aware of U2's music. I first learned how to play
drums to early U2 material -perhaps, that's why I get such
a kick after all these years.
CoeXist Online: Where can one wanting to catch Zooropa live get that chance?
September 15: Fifth Avenue Ballroom -Novi, MI
September 23: The Magic Bag -Ferndale, MI (opening for Pink Floyd Tribute band)
November 3: Fifth Avenue Billiards -Royal Oak, MI
Band website: www.zooropadetroit.com
MySpace: www. . /zooropadetroit
  
CoeXist Online:Have you ever met U2 and what was that experiences like? Were you able to present the fact that you are part of a U2 Tribute band and what reactions did you receive, if any?
Jeff:I had the fortune of meeting the entire band late '96 at a pub in Dublin.
They were out celebrating Larry's birthday and took a short break from the studio which was just blocks away.
I was respectful not to bother them; I waited until they were outside before I made my move. Each member was very nice and took time for a picture.
Total class act. Thanks guys -you're the best!
A huge SPECIAL THANKS going out to both ZOO STATION and ZOOROPA for all their cooperation and efforts in helping me put together the first interviews for CoeXist and for just being incredible people, not just great musicians, but great people.
We at CoeXist wish you both all the best in all of your U2 Tribute travels. May the experience always hold that special spirit and magic of all that is U2 and may you bring that spirit and magic to others via the live occasion for many years! To quote Jeff from Zooropa, you're both "Total Class Acts!"
Thanks so much guys for giving your time and energies to this... YOU'RE the best!
Love and Peace!
Kelly
Site Admin
Dream Out Loud; A U2 Tribute
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ZOO STATION
Dream Out Loud; A U2 Tribute
By Kelly Palombi
CoeXist Administrator
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. In the case of the tribute band, I agree.
In my experiences I have found a mixed bag of emotions when it comes to views on the idea of the tribute band. I have been privy to a first hand view of the inner most workings and fan reactions in regards to the tribute band. I've seen everything from pure and unadulterated adoration and admiration to a level of near mockery at times. I have to say that I fall somewhere in the middle, myself.
I feel that tribute bands, if done well, are a complete and absolutely fantastic way for both band and audience to pay homage by truly upholding and displaying their respect and enjoyment of a band whose music and spirit they both share a love for. In this situation, both band and audience are fans, both knowing the roles and playing them well. It's a beautiful concept.
For some, seeing a tribute band may be the only way they get to enjoy hearing some songs played live. Some may have been too young to have the chance to experience live the music of a particular era. It could even be a chance for those who were able to enjoy a particular era relive some of that magic once more. Imagine, as a fan, seeing a show of your favorite band in a long past era played live before your very eyes, as it would have been then. Imagine partaking in a show that you have only been able to experience thanks to the video market but now being able to see it done and be a part of it all live by witnessing the magic happen before your very eyes. The tribute band can serve as your very own time machine if you just give it a chance. It's a chance to let the mind take a break from reality and enjoy a piece of musical history for just a short time. For the original band, this is a chance to have your music and your spirit kept alive for your fans, by your fans. A beautiful concept, indeed.
For the tribute band itself, playing the music of and even imitating your musical heroes is a thrill like none other. The tribute bands that I have had the pleasure of knowing, all have expressed their reasons for their tributes being based in a love and admiration for their respective bands and musical heroes. It must be a thrill getting the chance to bring this loved sound and musical spirit to others by respectfully portraying their heroes.
Sure beats the hell out of standing in front of your mirror wielding your trusty Spalding tennis racket and doing your best Edge guitar impression of the solo to Electric Co... while the crowd goes wild! Not that I would know about that firsthand, as far as you all know and as far as I'm willing to admit, that is. Having the chance to imitate the antics of your favorite singer in the tribute band arena also far beats out catching hell from your mother for ruining her best linens by cutting them and attempting to staple them to a broomstick for a trusty white flag to wave. Again, so I've heard.
To close out my views and save what little dignity I have remaining, I leave you with a quote:
"Dream out loud, in high volume."
I concur, Bono, I concur.
I would now like to take this time to introduce you to Zooropa, a U2 Tribute band based out of Detroit, Michigan and Zoo Station, from San Francisco, California.
These gentlemen were kind enough to take time and talk with me about the U2 tribute band experience. Check them out and if you happen to be in their respective areas, please take the time to catch these acts live and share the magic of the live U2 experience with them.
_________________
MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
MAKE TRADE FAIR
WWW.ONE.ORG
WWW.SAVEDARFUR.COM
Kelly
Site Admin
KEEP A CHILD ALIVE www.ONE.org
Let me first introduce you to ZOO STATION  based out of San Francisco, California. While I have only had the pleasure of talking to these guys via e-mail and the written message, I was washed with a feeling of having met some very truly authentic and genuine lads.
Reading their responses to the interview questions brought a smile to my face as talking to genuine U2 fans can and always does. I was able to feel the love and respect for the music as well as for each other as band members. Just as U2 themselves never fails to show us.
Mike (Sledge) from the band expressed to me that they had not ever met U2, however, I truly hope that they do as I feel that U2 themselves could not be more proud of the way they are portrayed by Zoostation.
I for one I'm pulling for these guys to have the chance to meet U2! So Bono... if you're reading this... check out the list of dates to see these guys perform. You won't be disappointed.
Please take the time now to meet Zoo Station;
A short bio of the band that was taken directly from the website that can be found here:
http://www.zoostation-online.com/index.html
From the mountains of Red Rocks to the fields of Slane Castle, U2 has been building musical monuments for decades. At the heart of the U2 phenomena is the power and energy of their live performances. This same passion can now be found in the live shows of the Bay Area's own ZOO STATION, the complete U2 Experience
Founded in January 2002, ZOO STATION has been steadily making a name for itself in the Bay Area music scene. A few months after inception, ZOO STATION debuted on the cozy stage of San Francisco's venerable Irish pub, Ireland's 32. That night proved a turning point in the lives of U2 fans throughout the area - they can now experience the magic of U2 within an intimate club setting. Kicking off 2006 with sold-out Slim's, the lads of ZOO STATION are steadily proving that they’re a musical force to be reckoned with.
Whether it’s the post-punk energy of “I Will Follow” or the rapturous joy of “Beautiful Day”, ZOO STATION faithfully covers the entire U2 catalog. Hits, misses and unsung B-sides all have a place on the ever-changing set lists - providing a memorable night out for the casual listener and die-hard U2 fanatics alike. On the web, ZOO STATION keeps its growing fan base up to date with its fan-centered and dynamic site at www.zoostation-online.com. With music, photos, set lists and upcoming show information, www.zoostation-online.com keeps ZOO STATION’s loyal following informed and engaged with the happenings of Northern California's favorite U2 tribute band.
There are four multi-talented and hard working members in the band, each with a distinct personality that solidifies the U2 experience musically and theatrically. BONALMOST takes center stage with the passion and swagger of Bono himself. ADAMESQUE takes care of the low end with Adam Clayton's familiar bass lines and nails the backing vocals usually supplied by The Edge. THE SLEDGE does his homework and it shows! His mastery of the guitar sounds and effects that make the Edge's sound unique never fail to captivate the ZOO STATION fans. Finally, BARELY LARRY is a hard-hitting drummer who attacks the kit with a W.W.L.D. (What Would Larry Do) philosophy and a reverence for the material that would make Larry Mullen Jr. proud.
CoeXist Online: Why a U2 Tribute?
BARELY LARRY: For us it definitely starts
with the music. It has had a tremendous impact on us both
as musicians and as people. So this whole thing is based on us
being fans. We never forget how important this music is to the
people that love it, so we put on the show that we, as fans,
would love to see. So far that has worked out great for us.
BONALMOST: I came to it hating cover bands, but this was
different. A tribute band is not about the performers, but about the
people they're emulating. For us it's about sharing our U2 feelings
and experiences with people who feel the same about U2 as we do. So
we pull out the long version of "Bad" and people get a chance to
relive LiveAid. Then they come to us after a show and tell us about
their U2 experiences. If we didn't love the band, it would get boring
after so many shows, but it never does.
ADAMESQUE: I wanted to learn the Bass Guitar and
U2 was and still is my favorite band. I guess I was attracted
to the way Adam played and wanted to emulate his sense of style
and playability. As a fan first, there are certain songs, albums and
tours we will never get to see or hear them play live again.... It's really nice to have a resource to recreate those moments.
Kind of nostalgic really.
SLEDGE: I’m one of those people BONALMOST
just alluded to about reliving U2 experiences during
our shows…they were, and still are, such an integral part
of my life that being able to share the power of their
music, at high volume, is very rewarding.
CoeXist Online:Who are the founding members and when did ZooStation get it's start?
ADAMESQUE: With a ton of free time on
my hands after being laid off from a Technology job in San Francisco early 2002 I Posted an ad on Craigslist looking for musicians who
shared an interest in playing and performing the music of U2.
SLEDGE was the first to respond and audition along with two other musicians who are no longer involved with the current lineup.
We got our start at a great San Francisco Irish pub, Irelands 32, after about 2 months of rehearsals. Bonalmost and Barely Larry joined the band in late 2002 after seeing a show and being blown away!
CoeXist Online: What must it feel like having the opportunity to portray U2 in this fashion?
BARELY LARRY: Think about how you feel
when you hear a U2 song. Then multiply that feeling by 100.
That's what it feels like! It never gets routine. We make it a point
to not just stand around and play the songs. We definitely amp up
the theatrical aspect of it to the point of actually playing these
characters on stage. Anytime that we've thought we'd taken the
theatrics too far, our audience has come right along with us.
It's also great to get inside U2's heads musically.
When you strip the songs apart and learn them, you get a
fascinating view into how they arrange music.
CoeXist Online:What is/has been the general fan reaction?
BONALMOST: We get a lot of reactions.
That says something right there. Some people say, "I don't like tribute bands" or "I don't like U2" but you guys were good. A lot of people
thank us. That's pretty cool. But my favorites are those that tell us
their feelings about U2, how they felt when they were younger
and that music sent them to a better place.
One young woman told me that she and her brother were
treated quite badly by their parents. They had two things: U2 and
each other, and we reminded her of that feeling of being safe,
if only for a little bit. U2's music does that and we just try to share a
touch of how they make us feel.
BARELY LARRY: U2 fans love what we do.
We always make sure we hit all the details and nuances that they will notice and appreciate. But the people I really like reaching are the ones who show up saying they don't like tribute bands. It's always great to
hear "I don't really like tribute bands but I've seen you guys five
times."
ADAMESQUE: Fan reaction has been beyond anything I could ever imagine! Everyone is so supportive. One fan has seen us 93 times! People always ask if we write our own music... We always reply," we are so busy with learning and re-creating the Complete U2 Experience why would we waste precious energy." I'm kidding of course. I think fans want to see us do something outrageous from time to time. What Popmart Halloween wasn't enough for ya'll
SLEDGE: Adamesque can have a good laugh,
but I was the one had to shave my goatee into a Fu-Manchu mustache
for that Popmart show!! Some looks are best left in the past.
CoeXist Online:Any interesting stories to share?
BARELY LARRY: The day How To Dismantle An Atomic came out, we played at the Virgin Megastore
here in SF. During our breaks we were besieged by
Japanese tourists asking us to autograph their CD's.
BONALMOST: You want to see the power of music? We see it most nights. One night we were playing a big party in an airplane hangar. The 60 people there seemed like 6. We came out, played our off for a few songs, people made their way in, and by the fifth song, 3000 people were singing Sunday y Sunday.
Lifted the whole room. Getting Americans to sing in public is hard. To get that many singing that quickly was magical. That's U2.
SLEDGE: The most memorable show for me was after
a U2 concert in San Jose during the first leg of the Vertigo Tour ,
we ran back to the bar down the street where we had set up our gear before hand and played for 2 more hours. The place was packed and
the line between performers and audience was almost non-existant.
We were really just all U2 fans enjoying an amazing night together.
ADAMESQUE: In Portland, December '05 we were playing an atU2.com party at Kell’s coinciding with the last U2 show at the Rose Garden. Apparently Bono's cousin was in attendance. A big fan of ours overheard him saying, " That guy (Bonalmost) sings better than my cousin." In a thick Irish accent. What a great U2 show! I swear Bono almost brought us onstage after a couple of our fans made a sign that read: U2 Cover Band for Hire! And yes we were all inside the ellipse. Simply amazing!
CoeXist Online: From the eyes and experience of you who have had the chance to be on the coveted side of playing U2 music for others, what about U2 do you feel makes them unique?
SLEDGE: I think the fact that they basically reinvent themselves with every album, yet still sound like U2. That’s part of the fun playing in a band that can pull from a catalog that spans 25+ years. We can put songs off of Boy and Achtung Baby in a set and the transition is seamless.
BARELY LARRY: Musically, the fact that they learned how to
play together. The fact that they didn't really know how to play forced
them to be very creative and I think that still drives them to this
day. Their reach just barely exceeds their grasp and that's why the
music always has an element of innocence to it. They still try to
prove themselves on every album. Most bands after 25+ years just
phone it in and put out greatest hits albums. U2 is still trying to make
their next album the best one they've ever done.
BONALMOST: They are a band. The four of them apart aren't
going to set the world on fire. The four together have come damn close.
They take chances being who they are. Sometimes they (usually Bono)
stick their neck out and make a statement on something, like African
Aid. But they mean it. Their involved. Same passion that makes
their music fill arenas.
ADAMESQUE: They are the best of friends inside the band
and outside the band. They still collaborate as a band.
I think they remain the most unpretentious Greatest Rock N' Roll
band on the planet. That is rare and unique.
CoeXist Online: Anything about U2 or it's music that has changed your life personally? A connection to any particular song, perhaps?
SLEDGE: The Edge is who basically inspired me to pick up a guitar. I can vividly remember listening to my tape of War I stole from my sister and being blown away. The next Christmas I got an electric guitar and old Digitech Delay pedal, and the rest is history.
BONALMOST: Certainly woke my political side.
But when I hear music, I see it performed and they never disappoint there. Rattle and Hum the movie had its detractors, but it showed a band that put it out there and was giving back to its fans the show they paid for. They still are. That's our .
ADAMESQUE: First CD I ever owned was War. Since I could only afford one CD a week , I listened to it a lot. It helped me through a tough summer when I was 13 (summer of '90). Sunday y Sunday was the first song I learned with my first band.
BARELY LARRY: I wouldn't be a drummer if it wasn't for U2. Period.
They were the band that woke me up creatively when I was a teenager.
CoeXist Online:Could you list a setlist for us and maybe tell us what song in particular is your favorite to perform?
SLEDGE: We strive to never repeat a setlist.
U2 has such a huge catalog of music, its a treat for us to play songs that no one ever expected to hear live again (or at all!). I think our current count of songs played is over 110….and we try to add to it when we can. For me though, /Bad/ is the one song that gets me every time.
BARELY LARRY: "The Electric Co." is probably the most fun to play.
"Gloria" is always fun to play because it was the first song I ever heard by U2 and it always takes me right back.
ADAMESQUE: One Tree Hill and Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses always puts me a great mood.
CoeXist Online:Where can one wanting to catch ZooStation live get that chance?
8/26 – Dan’s, Walnut Creek, CA
8/31 – Crawdad’s, Sacramento, CA
9/2 – Britannia Arms Almaden, San Jose, CA
9/8 – Blackthorn Irish Pub, San Francisco, CA
9/9 – Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, CA
9/16 – Fagan’s, Fresno, CA
9/17 – Rock the Earth Benefit, San Francisco, CA
9/30 – Time Out, Concord, CA
10/8 – Manteca Pumpkin Festival, Manteca, CA
10/13 – Sweetwater Saloon, Mill Valley, CA
10/20 – Ireland’s 32, San Francisco, CA
11/3 – King’s Head Pub, Campbell, CA
11/24 – Harlow’s, Sacramento, CA
I hope you all have enjoyed meeting ZooStation as much as I have. Please visit the website for ZooStation http://www.zoostation-online.com/media/index.html for more information about these amazing guys and if you are in the Bay area check them out live and relive the beauty and amazement of all that is U2.
I have listened to their live recordings and highly recommend the video of ZooStation's rendition of "Surrender".  As everyone here at CoeXist knows, I'm a fanatic of the U2 early days and War is my favorite era. I was absolutely amazed over this performance. Go to the site @ http://www.zoostation-online.com/media/index.html and check out your favorite song being performed by ZooStation via the provided video clips and audio clips:
Zoo Station
Recorded live at Ireland's 32 on 6.10.06 during our Achtung Baby set
City Of Blinding Lights
Recorded live at Ireland's 32 on 6.10.06
All I Want Is You
Recorded live at Ireland's 32 on 6.10.06
Angel Of Harlem
Recorded live at our sold out Slim's show on 1.06.06. Check out the Hallelujah, Here She Comes intro!
Gloria
Recorded live at the Westin St. Francis in downtown San Francisco on 9.17.05
Twilight
Recorded live at Ireland's 32 on 9.16.05 during the second of our two tribute nights to Boy
The Ocean
Recorded live at the King's Head Pub on 9.9.05 during the first of our two tribute nighs to Boy
I Threw A Brick Through
A Window
Recorded live at the Britannia Arms Almaden on 6.3.05 during our tribute to Under A Red Sky
Sunday y Sunday
Recorded live at the SF Concourse Exhibition Center on 4.27.05
Vertigo
Recorded live at the SF Concourse Exhibition Center on 4.27.05
All Because Of You
Recorded live during an acoustic performance on the KFOG Morning Show (KFOG 104.5 FM) on 3.10.05
Promenade
Recorded live at Ireland's 32 during our tribute to The Unforgettable Fire on 10.9.04
With Or Without You
Recorded live at The Last Day Saloon on 9.18.04. Features Bee from Stung on backing vocals.
Elevation
From our 4 song promotional CD recorded in January 2004
I Will Follow
From our 4 song promotional CD recorded in January 2004
Mysterious Ways
From our 4 song promotional CD recorded in January 2004
New Years Day
From our 4 song promotional CD recorded in January 2004
Love Is Blindness
Recorded live at Ireland's 32 on 8.2.03
Stay
Recorded live at Ireland's 32 on 8.2.03 with our old friend Colin on acoustic guitar
Trip Thru Your Wires
Recorded live at Ireland's 32 during our tribute to The Joshua Tree on March 23, 2003
BONO: NEW ALBUM IN 2007
While in Sarajevo this week, Bono announced to Bosnian TV that the band plans to release a new album next year. He also put the cliché police on red alert with the standard comments about what Edge is doing these days.
"I would like to think that we're doing our best work now. We're about to make a new album for next year, and it's the most important thing. We like being in a room with each other. We like playing. Something happens when we play, we have some sort of chemistry. And Edge, right now, is on fire. He's really rockin'. He's playing guitar like I've never seen him playing guitar. So, I like to think that the best is yet to come."
Use the link to watch the interview in Real Video. The new album comments start at the 13:40 mark, but the interview as a whole is good -- especially his comments about the PopMart Sarajevo show.
www.atu2.com
Jacknife Lee to produce U2 newie
Garrett ‘Jacknife’ Lee’s management company, Big Life, have confirmed that the producer is about to start work on the follow-up to How To Dismantle An Atomic with U2.
http://www.hotpress.com/music/news/2879729.html</a>
You too, Bono!
13 August 2006 For the band of super rich moneymen and corporate suits, the highlight of an impossibly glitzy birthday party being staged at the San Francisco zoo was an impromptu guitar jam session. After members of the assembled throng had strummed...  tunelessly through a series of Beatles numbers, the room fell silent as one guest — bedecked with his trademark oversized sunglasses — began to serenade the evening's multi-millionaire host with a song he had written specially for the occasion.
For Bono, one of the biggest rock stars in the world, it was not a typical gig, particularly as one member of the soiree's improvised backing band was a one-time jailed financier embroiled in an infamous shares scandal. But then the U2 frontman and self-styled saviour of the Third World has been keeping some decidedly unusual company these days.
Witness, for example, his decision this week to buy a major share in Forbes magazine, that bible of capitalism and scourge of the liberal Left.
None of which is very rock 'n' roll, and all rather at odds, one would think, with his image as campaigning activist and anti-poverty hero — especially given his recent highly controversial decision to relocate U2's business empire to Holland to avoid paying tax.
It is not surprising that the formerly feted star is finding himself increasingly under attack — even from his own fans — amid accusations of hypocrisy.
So just what has happened to Saint Bono? His transformation, according to those who know him, is all part of the 46-year-old star's plan to move away from performing and into the worlds of high finance and politics.
For behind Bono's working-class, man-of-the people facade lies someone whose love of money is matched only by his obsession with making even more of it.
To that end, the Irish-born singer has quietly established a private equity fund to invest more than £1 billion in a series of money-making ventures.
He set up Elevation Partners, named after a U2 song, last year with five former senior figures from the world of business, including the former chief financial officer of Apple Computers.
Experts predict the venture could double Bono's personal fortune of £400 million in the next ten years.
He has a property portfolio that includes a villa in the South of France and a lavish Italian-style palazzo overlooking the sea near Dublin, not to mention the £15 million penthouse on Manhattan's Upper West side he bought from Apple boss Steve Jobs.
The apartment, which takes up two floors of the 27-storey north tower of the ultra-exclusive San Remo building, is listed as one of New York's top 40 properties and boasts 12ft nickel and bronze doors and floor-to-ceiling windows costing £40,000 each.
 The building, which is also home to Steven Spielberg, is so select that its management committee once blackballed Madonna's attempts to move in.
Having said that, those who have visited describe Bono's apartment, with its avant-garde stone walls and floors, as 'charmless and stark'.
Despite its huge sun terrace with stunning views of Central Park, one visitor commented: 'It has absolutely no warmth.'
Meanwhile, on top of his own lavish property in the upmarket Killiney district of Dublin — which he shares with his wife of 24 years, Ali, and their children, daughters Jordan, 17, and Eve, 15, and sons Elijah, seven, and six-year- old John Abraham — the shrewd star paid £3 million two years ago for his neighbour's house and linked the two with a corridor.
Bono, whose real name is Paul Hewson, also counts a family-sized Maserati among his fleet of luxury cars and is known for his taste for fine food. He is also a noted wine connoisseur, who will regularly spend thousands on a single bottle at his favourite New York restaurants.
He and the three other members of U2, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen and guitarist David 'The Edge' Evans, have also invested in Vertigo 3, an Airbus A320, to fly them around in style on their current world tour.
On board is the singer's own fulltime priest and personal spiritual advisor, Father Jack, who travels everywhere with him.
All this from someone who, with Bob Geldof, was the prime mover behind last year's Live8 concerts and personally lobbied Western leaders to secure a $50 billion aid package for the world's poorest countries.
Of course, no one can begrudge Bono the wealth he has made. What does leave him open to those accusations of hypocrisy is U2's decision, announced this week, to move part of its multi-million pound operation (the band is the world's most profitable, earning £141 million last year) from Ireland to Amsterdam after the Irish government announced it was reforming its famously lenient tax laws for artists.
But then the group — and particularly its charismatic leader — are well known in the industry for their astute business sense.
Their empire, run by financial arm Principle Management, is made up of myriad interlinked companies designed to minimise the amount of tax the band members pay. Unlike most musicians, the bandmates still control the lucrative rights to all their own music.
Bono, meanwhile, has sought tirelessly to make contacts in the world of venture capital. One of these is Roger McNamee, with whom he now runs Elevation Partners.
McNamee, a long-haired, geeky 50-year-old part-time musician who drives a humble Toyota Camry, is famed as one of the smartest dealmakers in California's 'Silicon Valley' with a personal fortune estimated to be more than $100 million.
He is said to have spotted the singer's head for business and his cosying up to jailed tycoons and paying as little tax as possible. HowU2's frontman built a £1billion business empire ... while bullying the rest of us to make poverty history potential for helping the fledgling company open doors into entertainment and the media.
Elevation has already invested more than £200 million in merging two computer games firms and last year made a bid for Eidos, the makers of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
All high-powered stuff — and sources in America told the Mail this week that the star is now interested in buying a stake in the large U.S. newspaper group Knight Ridder to add to his well-publicised bid for BMG Publishing, which owns the song rights to Coldplay and Christina Aguilera.
But it is his 40 per cent buy-out of Forbes, which cost close to £160 million, that has catapulted Bono into the big league of corporate finance.
The 89-year- old magazine, described as 'the ultimate mouthpiece of capitalism', is known for its lists of everything from the 100 richest people to the most expensive homes (in the current edition, U2 come in at number four in the roll call of the world's richest celebrities).
Former U.S. presidential candidate Steve Forbes, who is editor-inchief and whose family stands to make a huge profit from the deal, let slip this week that Bono was already an avid reader of the magazine — news that will hardly help his right-on credentials.
Nor will that jamming session with a scandal-hit businessman who was a fellow guest at the San Francisco party thrown for Roger McNamee's birthday two months ago.
Former New York investment banker Frank Quattrone, 50, who like McNamee is a would-be rocker, was jailed two years ago for his part in an alleged cover-up during a government investigation into the sale of millions of dollars of shares.
The former Credit Suisse banker, who earned upwards of £75 million a year, was given an 18-month sentence, but appealed against it and in March his conviction was overturned. Later this month he will learn whether he must face a retrial.
It is Bono's involvement with such people that has raised alarm bells at his record company Interscope, who fear it could damage his everyman reputation. Their concerns come at the same time as rumours that he is considering scaling back his music career and moving into politics — as well as tensions with his bandmates over his constant round of jet-hopping diplomacy.
One Interscope executive said: 'Bono is about as cool as a person gets. That's why his fans absolutely adore him.
'Though he has had to become involved in the worlds of politics and finance because of his charity work and his career, he has always somehow managed to remain above it.
'He has been acutely aware that if his image becomes more about his money than his talent, he will be very damaged in the eyes of the people who buy his records.
'That's why I just can't understand him buying into Forbes. It is just wrong for his image and, on the surface, sends out a terrible message that U2 are just like the
'That and all the details of the band's tax breaks becoming public is really worrying because I think it could turn people against them — which would be a disaster because Bono has done some truly wonderful things, not only in music but with his campaigning.'
'There's no doubt that Bono and Elevation plan to be big players,' U.S. financial journalist Matt Marshall told the Mail.
'I know Roger McNamee very well and he is one of the most astute people in Silicon Valley.
'But don't think Bono is just there for his name. I was speaking recently to a senior executive from Hewlett Packard who has done business with Bono and she told me he is the real deal and incredibly focused.' All of which will no doubt help him add to his already massive bank balance. But will it also result in Saint Bono losing his halo?
www.khaleejtimes.com
U2 Tower strikes bad chord with residents
The U2 tower will equal the 100 metre Watchtower (design pictured)
A multi-storey tower bearing the name of rock giants U2 has struck a bad chord with some Dublin residents.
Householders in Ringsend are complaining that the proposed new tower in the city's docklands will leave them in the shade.
The 100 metre tower will exceed the 26 storey 80 metre Obel Tower planned for the Laganside area of Belfast.
Situated on the southside of the River Liffey, the 31 floor building will house luxury duplex apartments and U2's new recording studios.
Once built, it will be the tallest building in Ireland.
U2 move their rock empire out of Ireland
Read the full story here
DANIEL McCONNELL
U2 HAVE begun pulling their multi-million business empire out of Ireland and moving it to Holland as a result of the cap on the artists' tax exemption which came into existence earlier this year.
Arts chiefs warned that the €250,000 cap announced as part of last December's budget would mean many of the biggest earners such as U2 would leave Ireland because they now face sizeable tax bills on their incomes.
From June 1, U2 moved some of their business affairs to the same Dutch finance house used by the Rolling Stones to avail of a virtually tax-free status on their multi-million Euro royalties.
The northside Dublin rockers were the world's biggest musical earners last year, taking in a whopping €217m. According to industry sources, they faced a potential multi-million Euro tax bill had their business remained in Ireland this year as a result of royalty earnings from their ongoing Vertigo world tour.
Holland's virtual tax-free status is a great attraction for big players such as the Stones and U2 because there is no direct tax on royalties, unlike in most other countries.
Bono (Paul Hewson), The Edge (Dave Evans), Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr, who share their earnings with their manager Paul McGuinness, have copied a business adopted by the Rolling Stones, who have operations based in Amsterdam since the early Seventies. Reports last week revealed that the British rockers have established two foundations to manage the rights to their music, performances, merchandise and films and to settle ownership issues should one of them die.
The man who masterminded the Rolling Stones' virtually tax-free Dutch companies has become a director of U2 Limited which owns all the U2 master tapes.
Jan Favie, a 41-year-old Dutchman, runs Promogroup out of an up-market area in Amsterdam. According to sources, he was one of the main reasons why U2 decided to move its U2 Limited firmto the office at Herengracht. Favie has become director and secretary of U2 Limited along with Gaby Smith, who is U2's accountant in Ireland, and 63-year-old Roelof Kloeten, a member of the board of PON, the largest car import company in the Netherlands.
The Irish tax exemption from which U2 and others have benefited so handsomely is attributed to the royalties earned from the sale and performance of their work, but excludes merchandise and other related side projects.
Dick Molenaar, widely recognised as the number one expert in the Netherlands on issues regarding taxes and the arts, says U2 have made a smart decision by moving U2 Ltd to Amsterdam.
"Since Ireland has a zero-tariff on outward royalties, many countries try to tax royalties from Irish groups within their own borders. By introducing a Dutch daughter company, U2 can avoid this by first booking their royalty income to the Netherlands, and then on to Ireland. This is a bright move by U2's advisors," he said.
Although the tax exemption introduced by the late Charles Haughey was originally intended to aid struggling artists, international stars such as U2, Enya and the Corrs have benefited significantly from the attractive tax breaks on their song-writing and royalty earnings.
According to latest available figures, a handful of artists account for the majority of the estimated €20m a year which the exemption costs the exchequer.
Little or no information about U2's global operation is in the public domain but they are known to employ some of the world's top tax experts to enable them to maximise their income. Their affairs are managed by McGuinness and his company, Principle Management, which has an office in Ireland but is based primarily in London.
The company refused to make any comment in reply to a number of questions from the Sunday Independent last week.
Olive Braiden, chairwoman of the Arts Council, said that many star acts such as U2 stayed in the country because of the benefits of the artists' tax exemption and it would be unfortunate if any of them left as a result of the cap.
"The Arts Council campaigned vigorously on the issue of tax exemption for artists, buoyed up by the active support of the arts community itself. Although not every aspect of the Arts Council's submission was incorporated into the resulting legislation, the Arts Council was pleased with the outcome, believing that the Minister had adopted a fair and reasonable approach to the issue," said Olive Braiden yesterday.
"The Arts Council has consistently argued that one of the benefits of the artist tax exemption scheme was that many high-profile artists chose to live in Ireland as a result. It would be unfortunate if the artistic community were to be diminished as a result of some of these artists choosing to base themselves elsewhere on account of recent changes to the legislative environment," Ms Braiden added.
The Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism said that the exemption was an incentive for artists to work, live and create in Ireland. The revision of the scheme announced recently was introduced to ensure the broadest benefit from everyone from the first-time novelist to the internationally established music act.
A spokesman for the Department said the cap is flexible upwards in order to attract artists to conduct non-exempt work in Ireland. The department refused to comment on the tax or business dealings of any individual act or artist.
Additional reporting:
Allan Hall in Berlin
http://www.unison.ie/
U2 Vertigo Tour Fan Experience
My Vertigo Concert- by Kim Soward
I have been a U2 fan since 1983 but I have never been to a U2 concert until this tour, the Vertigo Tour.
It seems that every time U2 toured I was sick (I have Crohn’s disease) and the timing was never right. But this tour the time was right.
My husband and I went and I was like a in high school, I was so excited that I couldn’t eat the whole day. We were going to see U2 at the MCI center. When we arrived I bought all the U2 merchandise that I could get my hands on.
Before we found our seats, I had to go to the bathroom because I knew once I found my seat I would not leave. As I was in line waiting, this sweet young lady tapped me on the shoulder and I turned around and she put out her hand and told me her name was Mary and I told her I was Kim.
She was looking at my U2 necklace (my husband is a jeweller and he had it made for me), she told me she really liked it and I thanked her. We started to talk about U2. She asked me who my favorite member of the band was and I told her, Bono. She told me she loved Larry and the drums and it made me smile. I didn’t notice but we were letting people go in front of us as we kept on talking about U2.
About 10 minutes later she said that she liked me and I told her the same thing. She said I was nice because all the other people she tried to talk to her wouldn’t talk to her and she thought it was because she had Downs Syndrome.
Now, I knew there was something different about her but nothing that I would chalk up to that and when she told me it just caught me so off guard. We wound up talking all through the opening act, as we were walking to our seats we discovered that she was sitting next to me, she was there her mom.
As soon as the show started and Bono came on the stage, she and I were like two kids, singing and dancing through the whole show. At the end, she hugged me goodbye and her mother thanked me, for being nice to her.
It made the concert mean that much more. When I told my husband about her he also was shocked. That sweet made my first U2 concert that much more memorable and I am so glad I had the chance to meet and talk to her. She was such a sweet young lady.
I think things happen for a reason and maybe this was why it was time for me to see my first U2 concert. U2 ‘s music was the reason I met that special young lady and our paths crossed that night for that short time, and I will never forget that concert or that night. Whatever the reason for it may have been, I know I will never forget it.
My Vertigo Concert
New Tickets for Honolulu, December 9th
Newly Released Tickets for U2’s Honolulu show at the Aloha Stadium - with Pearl Jam - will go on sale this Saturday. All the details here.
As previously announced, U2 ‘Vertigo’ Honolulu performance has been confirmed for Saturday, December 9th with special guest Pearl Jam added to the line-up along with U2 stage manager Rocco Reedy with his band Rocco and the Devils.
“It’s going to be a great night in Hawaii,” commented Paul McGuinness, U2’s manager: “The band are really pleased Pearl Jam could join the bill – a great end to what has already been a very successful tour.”
With the refund period for previous ticket holders now completed, tour promoters announced today that excellent tickets at all price levels including General Admission on the floor will be put on sale this Saturday, August 5th
Tickets will go on sale Saturday, August 5th at 9 AM and will be available at all Ticketmaster retail outlets, including Blaisdell Center Box Office, Times Supermarkets, BYU Student Activity Center and Mokihana Travel - Lihue, Kauai, via charge-by-phone (1-877-750-4400), and at www.ticketmaster.com.
Beginning August 7th, tickets will also be available at the Aloha Stadium box office: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Regular box office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Reserved tickets will be available for $165.00, $95 and $49.50. General admission floor tickets are $49.50 each. All tickets subject to applicable service fee.
Tickets for the previously scheduled performance honoured at the door.
Vertigo Tour 2006/2007
Third Vertigo Show For Sydney in November
U2 will play a third show at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney on Monday November 13th. Full details here.
U2 broke box office records when tickets went on sale for two Sydney shows in December 2005, the 150,000 tickets available sold out in less than one hour. The announcement of a third show should come as good news to those who missed out last time.
Manager Paul McGuinness said today, “We hope some of those fans that missed out last time will have the opportunity to get tickets for this third show. The band is ready to get back on the road and is looking forward to playing some fantastic live shows”.
Vertigo//2005 opened in San Diego on 28th March 2005 and has so far played to more than 3 ½ million people world wide. Vertigo//2005//2006 has already travelled through North and South America and Europe and will visit Australia, New Zealand and Japan before finishing up in Honolulu in December.
The Sydney shows will be Special Guest Kanye West’s biggest Australian audiences to date. With multi platinum selling, Grammy award winning artist Kayne West warming up the stage - this will be a night to remember for all Australian fans.
The new concert date is:
MONDAY NOVEMBER 13 - TELSTRA STADIUM
TICKETS FOR THE 3RD SHOW ON SALE FRIDAY AUGUST 11 AT 9.00AM!
Tickets will be available through Ticketek outlets or by phone on 132 849 or on line at: www.ticketek.com.au. There will be a 4 ticket limit per person.
As previously announced, rescheduled Sydney show information is as follows:
FRIDAY MARCH 31 becomes FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10 TELSTRA STADIUM
SATURDAY APRIL 1 becomes SATURDAY NOVEMBER 11 TELSTRA STADIUM
All tickets for the original performance are valid only for the new performance date indicated above, but without need for exchange.
Vertigo Tour 2006/2007
Vertigo Tour Dates Announced!
The long awaited return of the remaining concerts of the 4th and final leg of U2's Vertigo Tour have been announced!
Check out our U2 Vertigo Tour Site for updates on all the forthcoming concerts!
U2’s Vertigo Tour Hits The Road Again!
It's official! At last we can confirm the rescheduled Vertigo//2006 shows.
U2 will hit the road again in November. Starting in Brisbane on November 7th , U2 will play further dates in Australia, New Zealand and Japan before finishing in Hawaii on December 9.
Kanye West will join the band in Australia and New Zealand while Special Guests, Pearl Jam will join Rocko and the Devils for December 9 in Honolulu.
These show dates are rescheduled following the postponement of Vertigo//2006 earlier in the year. For full ticket information in your area please see below.
“We are very happy to announce the rescheduling and appreciate everyone’s patience.” said Arthur Fogel, of TNA.
The Vertigo Tour, which opened in San Diego in March 2005, is set for a grand finish in Hawaii with the addition of Pearl Jam.
“It’s going to be a great night in Hawaii,” said Paul McGuinness, U2’s manager. “The band are really pleased Pearl Jam could join the bill, a great end to what has already been a very successful tour.”
The new show dates are as follows:
Auckland - Ericsson Stadium - (Old Date) Friday, March 17th/06 - (New Date) Friday, November 24/06
Auckland - Ericsson Stadium - (Old Date) Saturday, March 18th/06 - (New Date) Saturday, November 25/06
Brisbane - QSAC Stadium - (Old Date) Tuesday, March 21st/06 - (New Date) Tuesday, November 7/06
Melbourne - Telstra Dome - (Old Date) Friday, March 24th/06 - (New Date) Saturday, November 18/06
Melbourne - Telstra Dome - (Old Date) Saturday, March 25th/06 - (New Date) Sunday, November 19/06
Adelaide - AAMI Stadium - (Old Date) Tuesday, March 28th/06 - (New Date) Thursday, November 16/06
Sydney - Telstra Stadium - (Old Date) Friday, March 31st/06 - (New Date) Friday, November 10/06
Sydney - Telstra Stadium - (Old Date) Saturday, April 1st/06 - (New Date) Saturday, November 11/06
Honolulu - Aloha Stadium - (Old Date) Saturday, April 8/06 - (New Date) Saturday, December 9/06
In Tokyo, 3 New Show Dates have been confirmed
Tokyo - Saitama Super Arena - Wednesday, November 29th/06
Tokyo - Saitama Super Arena - Thursday, November 30th/06
U2 to unveil new Vertigo tour dates
Irish supergroup U2 will announce the dates of their rescheduled
Australian concert tour this week.
The band's promoter, Michael Coppel, has confirmed that an
announcement is imminent.
More than 60,000 ticket holders are waiting for news about U2's
Vertigo tour.
Music insiders said U2 concerts would now be held in early
November, with Sydney performances scheduled at Telstra Stadium on
November 10 and 11. There is also the likelihood of an extra Sydney
show on November 13, with fresh tickets going on sale for fans. But
those dates are yet to be officially confirmed.
U2's official website, U2.com, is also carrying news of an
impending announcement, telling fans the full schedule of new
Vertigo dates will be released within days.
The band's tour was postponed in March because of a family
illness, believed to be affecting the daughter of guitarist The
Edge.
U2 has since apologised for the delay in announcing the
rescheduled dates.
Source: The Sun-Herald
For updates on the resumption of U2's Vertigo Tour visit Here or alternatively our Vertigo Tour Forum
Tour dates within the NEXT week!
News just in: the previously postponed Vertigo '06 Tour dates are definitely being rescheduled and an announcement confirming all details will be made 'within the next week'.
Word is that the final details on shows are just about in place and an announcement is on the way. As usual U2.Com will be the first place to have the full story.
Stay tuned!!!
Green light for 100m U2 tower
U2 have always set high standards - and their new recording studio will be housed in the tallest building in Dublin.
Environment Minister Dick Roche has given permission for the height of the U2 tower to be increased from 60m to 100m.
That is 40m higher than the city's previous tallest building, Liberty Hall, and just 20m shorter than the Spire.
The twisting tower will contain the band's recording studio on its top two floors and will be faced across the water by an identical structure, the 100m Watchtower.
The Dublin Docklands Authority (DDA) said the new buildings, which have been described as Dublin's Twin Towers, would transform the appearance of the Grand Canal Dock area.
And businessman Harry Crosbie, who owns the Point Theatre, said they were in an appropriate location.
"I have spoken with Paul McGuiness and the band, and we are pleased that these towers will create a new feature in Dublin's skyline," he said.
The 35-storey U2 tower will contain two lifts, one for the residents of the luxury apartments and one for the band. Their recording studio will be separated from the 32 residential floors by a services floor and it will also be sound-proofed to ensure that noise is kept to a minimum.
The band's most recent album, 'How to Dismantle an Atomic ', has sold 10 million albums around the world and Bono has said that a follow-up may be released later this year.
The competition to design the U2 tower attracted 500 entries from around the world, but it was won in 2003 by Burdon Dunne Architects/Craig Henry Architects of Blackrock, Dublin.
As part of the redevelopment plan, the DDA has secured permission to redevelop the Point Theatre as a 12,000-capacity venue and to create a new 25,000 square metre retail centre known as Point Village.
The chief executive of the Point, Mike Adamson said the decision to approve the expansion was an excellent one.
"It will allow us to provide Dublin with an indoor entertainment arena unmatched in the world," he said.
The Docklands area has been a hub of activity since the 18th century but the shift to containers in recent decades has meant that its traditional economic activities, which were largely port-related, have gone into decline. This has left a large number of redundant warehouses in the surrounding area, which are now central to the DDA's plans. Mr Roche said the redeveloped Docklands had become a iconic symbol of a dynamic new Dublin.
Michael Brennan
http://www.unison.ie/
U2: An Irish Phenomenon by Visnja Cogan
Last may I received an email from Visnja Cogan informing me that she was writing a book on U2 and that she would be in Ireland on research purposes and looking to interview fans of U2.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to commit to the dates of her visit and meet her personally here but I am proud to say that after a year the fruits of her labours have finally paid off and Visnja published her book U2: An Irish Phenomenon and it's already receiving great plaudits.
I emailed her to congratulate her on behalf of everyone here and she is flattered by the way her work is been recieved and sends her thanks.
I'd like to publicly extend congratulations to Visnja and to wish her every success with her book - U2: An Irish Phenomenon.
Motorola, mobile firms join Bono's Red brand wagon
    
FEATURE STORY
Defending ONE
By Kelly Palombi
Contributing Editor
Administrator
CoeXist
I’m writing this as a piece to those who seem to misunderstand the actions and goals of the ONE Campaign. Maybe more specifically Bono’s involvement and as wide an idea that he should have his efforts focused elsewhere. It is my hope to shed some light and open the door of understanding on this matter. It’s been said or lead to that Bono isn’t addressing the issues of ism or other activity that at this moment is a plague and a serious problem in the Middle Eastern countries. To start, addressing the needless and violent issue of ism has been something Bono has been passionately voicing his opinion about since 1983 with the song; “Sunday y Sunday”. Anyone who has paid attention over the years knows Bono has never been quiet on his views of ism and any and all other acts of and injustice happening everywhere and anywhere in the world. He's used the music and the stage to bring those things to light. He's now using a different sort of stage to shed truth and light on the serious issue of Global Poverty and AIDS. The link between ending extreme poverty and ism is a very real idea. Fighting a ‘war on ’ using and seems like adding gasoline to a fire. The idea of not using force to approach the issue of ism is not one that Bono made up. Former United States Secretary of Military Defense, Colin Powell, expressed this idea. Bono was merely in agreement. The idea is that poverty leads to despair. Despair leads to . leads to . When borne of despair, seems the only alternative as a means to get what it is that is so desperately needed. That is usually aimed at those who have those things you need. Better to care for the needs of those in need in a peaceful manner… to make those who think themselves your enemy, your ally. The idea of having a source of funds to aid the extremely impoverished countries is a step toward that idea. It’ s been said to be that Bono’s message is misleading. Not from where I’m standing it isn’t. Although I can only answer for myself, it seems crystal clear to me.
To further this; one can only stand up for what one believes in with their heart and soul. This is the matter for Bono. He has said he realized this was something he couldn’t walk away from after the time he and his wife had spent in Africa working in an orphanage in Ethiopia. He decided it was something he couldn’t walk away from then, and he hasn’t. Bono is no puppet for this cause. He’s spent much time in Africa, met with world leaders to discuss the matter and to ask for what’s needed to be done, be done. Why does he do this? He certainly doesn’t have to. He’s a rock star, certainly he has enough money that he could just drop a few thousand in a collection plate somewhere, dust his hands off and consider his humanitarian efforts done. Certainly he must have some better ideas on how he’d love to be spending his time. His band is off at the moment, he’s nothing to do for now. He should be relaxing and resting up at some beach vacation home… spending time with his family… anything. So, why does he spend his time traveling around the world giving speeches to help bring about awareness of the emergency in Africa and the overall mission and purpose of the ONE campaign? Must mean something to the guy, I ’d say.
Read Kelly's entire story Here
Fear
By Susan McKenna
Contributing Editor
Administrator
Coexist
Fear is the most powerful form of for a person. Fear is the ultimate shape shifter, the ultimate tool to debilitate, and the slyest of all insecurities. It slithers in while we are so young and it nestles deep into the core of our souls. It is the omniscient voice that whispers "You can't. You shouldn’t. People will laugh because you will Fail" while we, all of us, accept and unknowingly invite this wretched guest to become part of our psyche. We allow it to take root, thus fostering its growth, thinking it is always a natural feeling. We water and feed it with all our might by declaring ourselves defeated or by deciding it is too late. We reinforce it with our reasons of support as to why we missed our chance. Fear is an impostor and Fear is a thief. Fear is the most talented con artist to which we openly purchase tainted and faulty products. Fear paves the path most walked, the path most often chosen, and the path that will never be right. It stretches far and wide; it is a vast emptiness. If left untamed and if given enough authority in your life, it will lead you to the of your mind, to the of your body, and to the of your spirit. You know this place, this destination, all too well. This destination is called Failure and it is the darkest place on earth.
Fear is a disease that, by design, serves only one purpose: To destroy you. To destroy all that you wish to be, to destroy all that you were, and to destroy your dreams. The many masks and disguises of Fear, once recognized, can sometimes be enlightening and it can also be frightening. The enlightening aspect is the realization that you are indeed in control of your life, your destiny, you have free will. The frightening aspect is essentially, hindsight. For in hindsight you initially see so much wasted time and it is at this moment you may feel flooded with thoughts of "If I only knew then what I know now" and the worst thought “I wish I had” but even this frightening gaze into your past serves only as the final stem of Fear. When you arrive at the doorstep of Freedom, thus shaking off the chains of Fear, you must know and accept that you have arrived at exactly the right moment; if not an ordained moment. It is this moment Fear has been desperately and unwittingly trying to keep you from; and it should not be regarded with Pain or Regret. Pain and Regret are the very products Fear sells you and if you can maintain that Fear is a thief, you'll understand it was not you that robbed yourself of anything: it was Fear.
Read the entire article here
Edge Unde ?
By Kelly Palombi
Contributing Editor
Administrator
CoeXist
I think so.
I've heard too many make comment that the Edge was not "as good" or his solos not "as fast" or whatever the case that seems to impress those who generally have no real clue about music or songwriting in general.
Here is my rant to those who are misconceived in what makes a good guitarist, a good guitarist.
The Edge is one of the finest if not THE finest guitarist of OUR generation.
His rhythms are outstanding and his sound the signature sound that is U2. The Edge's guitar is what makes a U2 song a U2 song. Sure, Bono's vocals and lyrics are brilliant and in completing all that is U2, but it is the Edge who's guitar has defined what is U2.
Bono has said that he himself has been given far too much credit in this area and while I do love the B-man, I have to agree.
U2 having hit the scene in the 80s and then having to contend with the 80s trend toward heavy metal in the mid to late 80s where people were swayed to think that the faster a guitar player could play a solo, the better the guitarist. Not so. In fact, it doesn't take an incredible amount of musical ability to play a solo at record speed. That says good hand/eye coordination not musical talent. In the days when people were "wow"ing about Yngwie, I was saying, where's the music again? Sure, he played some impressive scales at top flying speed but I was left wondering where the hell the melody was. Songs became an excuse to build around the ego of the lead guitarist and his lightning solo. Whoopee.
Guitar solos were severly lacking in mood and emotion.
Enter, the Edge.
Read the entire aricle here
Sisters...
By Kelly Palombi
Contributing Editor
Administrator
Coexist
Why do we tear each other down rather then rise each other up?
Why do we view each other as the enemy?
We are the beauty and the emotion of God. We are the embodiment of God's emotion and love. So why then do we use those emotions to at times view each other as a threat, as the enemy?
Women throughout history and time have been held at fault for many things. We are the target of ridicule, the target of violent crimes often times. Do you not think that there is enough surrounding women without us adding to it from within?
Pardon me for the generalisations here. We are sisters, we are all equal. We need to stop tearing each other apart and instead hold each other up while we demand that those who are truly responsible be accountable, instead of harboring that animosity toward each other.
What is the cause of that? Is it as basic as jealousy? As limiting as insecurity? Why do we hold ourselves to the boundaries of what is dictated and defined by others for us and then blame our fellow woman for breaking free of these bonds and limitations? That shouldn't be viewed as a threat sisters, but a reason and a to break free on your own. Instead we spend too much wasted time and energy in tearing each other down for things as simple as looks to as complicated as showing ambition.
Each and every woman is in her own right special. We are woman. We were borne of God's love, to love, to nuture and to be the strength when all hope is lost. We bear life. We are powerful. Know that, take that and be that, because you are all of that.
Read the full Article Here
Why U2?
By Kelly Palombi
Contributing Editor
Administrator
CoeXist
I wrote what is posted below in response to someone who posted the comment (also posted below in orange) about U2 on another board that I once frequented.
I thought you all might be interested in reading my response. Hopefully, I've represented both, we, the fans and they, the band, in the right way.
Would love to hear any responses or corrections anyone might have.
Brace yourselves... it's a long piece. I'll apologize in advance for that. LOL
I can't see what anyone sees in them. Certainly nothing played at the Grammys.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read the entire story
Why U2?
February 21, 2006 / Sao Paulo, Brazil
Venue: Morumbi Stadium
Sao Paulo Setlist 2
February 20, 2006 / Sao Paulo, Brazil
Venue: Morumbi Stadium
Sao Paulo Setlist
More U2 tickets released for April 8 show
By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Staff Writer
More tickets have been put up for sale for U2's April 8 show at Aloha Stadium.
According to stadium spokesperson Patrick Leonard, an additional 1,000 general admission tickets went on sale through Ticketmaster on Friday. In addition, to those, just under 700 new reserve seats were opened up in Sections L, M, LL and MM.
U2 Hawaii
End poverty, respect rights, Bono urges Brazil fans
SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Irish rock group U2 gave a lesson in human rights and urged Brazilians to help end poverty in their country in a spectacular concert on Monday night at a Sao Paulo soccer stadium.
About 70,000 fans packed the Morumbi Stadium for the eagerly awaited show and the band delivered with a two-hour performance that mixed hard-edged rock with high emotion.
U2 Sao Paulo
U2 Setlist / February 16, 2006 / Mexico City, Mexico
Venue: Azteca Stadium
Azteca Setlist 2
U2 Setlist/ February 15 / Azteca Stadium - Mexico City, Mexico
Azteca setlist
U2 Vertigo Tour Mexico
  
  
  
U2 Setlist/ February 15 / Azteca Stadium - Mexico City, Mexico
Azteca setlist
U2 Setlist/ February 12, 2006 / Monterrey, Mexico
The 4th and final leg of U2's Vertigo Tour kicked off in monterrey Mexico on February 12th 2006.
Here's the Setlist
'Mexico we love you'
Nearly two months after Vertigo '05 closed in Portland, and eight years since their last visit to Mexico, U2 opened the fourth leg of the Vertigo Tour in Monterrey last night.
We've had hot nights on this tour, we've had wet nights and this was one of the coldest and darkest but from the moment 'Vertigo' blasted across the stadium and the band arrived on stage, this was set to be a night to remember. It takes an audience as well as a band to make a great night in rock'n'roll and tonight we had an audience which was really up for it.
U2 Mexico Tour Review
Vertigo Mexico - 'It's Cold Outside...'
Band and crew have been rehearsing ahead of the opening show of Vertigo '06 in Mexico. It was pretty cold in the Estadio Tecnológico in Monterrey and everyone on stage was well wrapped up in woolies and leather jackets but the music soon warmed things up. U2 Tour Monterrey
U2 steal the spotlight at Grammy awards
     
Read the full story on U2's Grammy Night U2 Scoop 5 Grammys
U2's Brazilian Fans get Vertigo
  
Brazilian fans of Irish rock band U2 stand lined up in front of a store to try to buy tickets for a concert in Sao Paulo January 16, 2006. U2 will perform on February 20 at Morumbi stadium in Sao Paulo. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker
Guitarist hints U2 tour may be the last
Jan 17, 2006
LONDON, England (UPI) -- U2 guitarist The Edge has reportedly hinted that the current Vertigo tour could be the last for the Irish rock superstars.
'I`m OK to say bye-bye because I don`t think we could top it,' he said of the current tour. 'Bono has taken it to another level. I don`t agree with everything, but I love that it`s like a new paradigm, a different equation altogether.'
//Guitarist hints U2 Tour may be the last
U2 could play twice in Hawaii
By Associated Press
HONOLULU (AP) _ The U-Two concert at Aloha Stadium on April 8th is nearing a sellout -- and a second concert could be on the way.
Aloha Stadium Authority spokesman Patrick Leonard says he is very optimistic that there will be a second concert. He says an announcement could come as early as tomorrow.
//U2 Vertigo Tour Hawaii
Chaos as U2 Tickets Go On Sale in Brazil
Reuters, January 16, 2006
Angus Macswan
SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Chaos reigned in supermarkets in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo on Monday as tens of thousands of fans tried to buy tickets for a concert by Irish rockers U2.
Cashiers' machines broke down and lines went round city blocks. People who had waited for more than 12 hours under a blazing sun grew frustrated and angry as night fell and they still hadn't found what they were looking for.
//U2 Vertigo Tour 2006
U2 to return to Hawaii for first time since '85
NEW YORK (Billboard) - U2 has begun adding dates to the 2006 edition of its box-office busting Vertigo tour, including an April 8 show at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, the group's first appearance in Hawaii since 1985. Also new to the itinerary is a February 28 show in Santiago, Chile.
U2 Vertigo Tour Hawaii
Vertigo Tour Heads To Brazil
The dates are coming thick and fast! Latest news is that U2 will play Sao Paulo's Morumbi stadium on February 20th. Tickets go on sale this coming Monday.
U2 Vertigo Tour Brazil
And now Japan...
U2 will play the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama on April 4th as the band return to Japan for the first time since 1998. Tickets will go on sale at midnight on Saturday, January 21st.
U2 Vertigo Tour Japan
Tickets for Chile Show
Tickets for the Vertigo '06 stop in Santiago, Chile on February 26th will go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, at 11pm.
U2 Vertigo Tour Chile
What's your verdict on U2's Vertigo Tour?
Did you enjoy it? Did it live up to or even surpass all expectations? Or was it disapponting?
Please let us know your opinion on U2's tour and if at all possible give it your honest rating. Vertigo Tour Fan Poll
Vertigo 06 For Santiago and Honolulu
U2 will head to Chile next month and then to Hawai in April. These are the latest dates to be announced for Vertigo '06 and tickets for both shows go on sale later this week.
//Vertigo 2006
U2 to play April date at stadium
ASSOCIATED PRESS
U2 lead singer Bono performs during the first concert of U2's Vertigo Tour at the San Diego Sports Arena, March 28, 2005. Bono and his band are headed for Aloha Stadium in April.
Steve Miller Band is also headed to town for the new Crater Festival
U2 Vertigo Tour Hawaii
U2 fans rocked by backpackers' price hikes
08 January 2006
By IRENE CHAPPLE
U2 fans travelling to Auckland are being charged extra accommodation costs - raising the hackles of some who say they are already spending thousands to see the Irish rock legends.
Christchurch man Don Burns was shocked to find prices at Auckland Central Backpackers would increase almost 20 per cent while the Irish supergroup was in town.
U2 Tour 'O6
U2's Mexican fans Queue for Vertigo Tickets
U2 Fans of Irish rock band U2 stand in a line outside the Azteca stadium to try to buy tickets for a concert in Mexico City December 16, 2005. Rock band U2 will perform two concerts on February 15 and 16 next year at Azteca stadium in Mexico city. REUTERS/Henry Romero
U2's Bono says activism takes a toll
From Associated Press
LONDON — U2's Bono said he feared his commitment to campaigning against poverty would force him out of the group.
"They [the band members] are hugely supportive spiritually and financially of the work I do, but they are in a rock 'n' roll band, and the first job of a rock 'n' roll band is not to be dull," Bono told BBC radio on Saturday.
"So we have to be very careful about just letting me go too far."
//Bono
Bono and his wife attending the Leopardstown racecourse in Dublin, Ireland.,
 
Picture Source: Abaca Press
Monday, December 26, 2005
U2 might rattle Aloha Stadium in April
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Columnist
COCONUT WIRELESS: Nothing official yet, but it looks like U2 may be heading for Honolulu, with an April playdate at Aloha Stadium. The Irish band would be here directly from Down Under gigs March 21 in Brisbane, March 25 in Melbourne and March 28 in Adelaide, which would suggest an early-April show. Frontman Bono recently was chosen Time's Person of the Year, along with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda. Clear Channel would promote the concert, U2's first here since 1985. Stay tuned. ...//Verigo 06
Bono Uses Shades As Body Armour
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Bono has confessed he uses his ubiquitous glasses as “body armour”.
The U2 frontman – who is rarely spotted without his dark shades – admits he prefers viewing the world from behind his dark specs - and doesn’t care if people mock him for it.
//read more
'A Great 2005' - Vertigo Finale
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