... People
U2 have appeared in many publications - sadly, not as a result of my writing! However, I have written a piece of microfiction which is a tribute to Bono, and is 'out there' at the moment.
I also wrote this following a trip to Dublin.
On the trail of Bono and the boys … Dublin and the U2 legacy
Last year I went with Mary to Dublin to track down the historical roots of U2. We wanted to visit places that were significant to the band, the sites of momentous events in their history and see the views that inspired them.
We wanted to go to the city where scenes of desperation and drug abuse inspired them to write ‘Running to Stand Still’; and where, at the other end of the scale, the peaceful views of the hills and sea at Killiney inspired ‘Kite’ and ‘Beautiful Day’.
Treading in their footsteps, we saw Mount Temple School, where it all began. We visited the areas of Malahide and Artane where the band members grew up and played early sessions in each other’s kitchens. We talked to other fans and swapped anecdotes.
The trail also took us to shops selling U2 memorabilia; Captain America’s bar where their old drum kit is on display; the bar of The Clarence where we drank coffee and ate biscuits and the local pub in Killiney where we drank Guinness.
We soaked up the atmosphere of Dublin as it appeared to the band, both in their early days and now. Maybe it’s time to go back, and write more about it.
Last year I went with Mary to Dublin to track down the historical roots of U2. We wanted to visit places that were significant to the band, the sites of momentous events in their history and see the views that inspired them.
We wanted to go to the city where scenes of desperation and drug abuse inspired them to write ‘Running to Stand Still’; and where, at the other end of the scale, the peaceful views of the hills and sea at Killiney inspired ‘Kite’ and ‘Beautiful Day’.
Treading in their footsteps, we saw Mount Temple School, where it all began. We visited the areas of Malahide and Artane where the band members grew up and played early sessions in each other’s kitchens. We talked to other fans and swapped anecdotes.
The trail also took us to shops selling U2 memorabilia; Captain America’s bar where their old drum kit is on display; the bar of The Clarence where we drank coffee and ate biscuits and the local pub in Killiney where we drank Guinness.
We soaked up the atmosphere of Dublin as it appeared to the band, both in their early days and now. Maybe it’s time to go back, and write more about it.
6 comments:
Sounds like a complete trip...
Ah... the Joshua Tree, esp. The Streets Have No Name.. always brings back memories of college times. (I tried to wear my hair like his:))
'One' is now a favourite on my ipod. I love that song sooo much.
Saw them in 1980 'something' but I'm ashamed to say I can't remember much about it.
Dylan (my music man of choice) and Bono are good friends (allegedly). How cool is that:))
Sorry for typos but have just returned from heinous parent's thing at daughter's school and a glass of vino is required.
xx
Sounds like a great trip, Helen! My husband was at university in Dublin (Trinity College) in the late 70s and remembers being annoyed when a band came and began playing in the common room - disturbed his game of cards. He half listened. They were U2.
Hi Lane
I've seen them twice. Once at Earl's Court and once at Twickenham. Cost a small fortune but was worth it. Bono - I just love him! Hope the vino was nice x
Womagwriter - what a fab story! I wish I'd been there! My microfiction story is based on a real event that happened to a friend of a friend. He's a big U2 fan and he bumped into Bono in the lift at the Clarence Hotel. He was struck temporarily dumb and couldn't think of a thing to say! What a missed opportunity!
Hey, I have another U2 story. My sister-in-law used to work in a nightclub in Dublin. She was on the cloakroom desk, hanging up coats, taking people's 50p's and handing out the raffle tickets (this was a few years back, pre-Euro). One bloke flung a coat at her and walked through without paying. She chased after him, and demanded the money.
He laughed, then asked if she knew who he was. She didn't. He laughed again, shook his head in amazement, and paid her. He was The Edge.
Wow! Is there anyone left in your family who hasn't bumped into members of U2 in random places!
Yes. Me!
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