"U2 is the real constant here for me. There are things you pick up in every phase of your life."
Tell us something about yourself, who are you and what do you do for a living?
Sure, after lurking on this forum and many others in the past, I’m happy to share. My name is Merijn, I am 48 years old, currently single, and live in Amsterdam. I am the general manager of a pretty nice hotel here. Not “U2 would stay here” nice, but still pretty nice.
Fun fact: I have lived in Amsterdam for 6 years now, and this building I live in was new at the time. I live on the 18th floor, which is called floor ‘U’. I was lucky enough to pick 3 options out of the 10 apartments here for the apartment I wanted. They have these funny numbers, U1, U2, U3… etc. Of course, U2 was top of my list and it’s the one I got, so I live in apartment 3-U2. Feels good somehow.
How did you become a fan of U2, tell us how it happened?
It kind of happened over a period of time in my teens (so early ’90s). My first introduction was a tape recording of Red Rocks that I got in the late ‘80s and loved, but I didn’t know anything about U2 yet. Later, I have a very conscious memory of hearing Achtung Baby, and especially ‘One’ at a birthday party in late 1993, and it just hit me. I kept putting that song on repeat until they pulled me away from the stereo. I got Achtung Baby the next day and have been blown away since then. Acrobat and Ultra Violet at first, but then more and more. Then I got the back catalogue and pretty soon reached peak fandom.
Biggest regret ever is not going to ZooTV ’93 in Rotterdam. My friends invited me, but at that time (maybe 6 months before discovering them), U2 was not on my radar yet. Still hurts.
Did you ever have a special U2 experience like a live concert? Can you tell us something about it?
PopMart 1997 was my first-ever U2 show, and it was a blast, and I have seen all tours since then (except Vegas). 1993 to 2001 was peak fandom for me. Loved POP, and that tour was just amazing. We waited after the show in Rotterdam and were lucky enough to meet Bono and Larry. I feel that for them, after the lacklustre reception in the US, and Rotterdam being their first show in Europe (and what a show, sold out, such a loud and engaged crowd), they were happy to see people were actually into the tour.
Then I&E in Amsterdam, Ziggo Dome in 2015 was special for me as well. My dad had passed away in 2011, and the years after were kind of rough. U2 had not toured here since 2009, so it had been such a long time since seeing them live. I remember at some point tears streaming down my face, feeling how I missed these guys playing and missing the energy of their concerts, and on a deeper level, it connected me to ‘simpler times’ when my dad was still around. Probably the nostalgic bit (Cedarwood Road, Iris, etc.) hit me. Funny how music can do that, and for me, this band is great at touching nerves obviously.
In your opinion, what has been U2’s defining moment and why?
I don’t think there is one defining moment for this band. They are so multi-faceted and have done so much to think of new sounds, new emotions, new ways to connect and come across that it would not do them justice. Obvious moments could be Sunday Bloody Sunday, Zoo TV Tour, BAD at Live Aid, but for others, it could just as well be the iTunes fiasco. They are at their best when they take risks and put their heart and soul into it. Unfortunately, that’s also when you are vulnerable, and they got hurt a few times as well.
What is your earliest U2 memory?
That cassette tape of Red Rocks, my cousin copied it for me when I asked him for some rock recommendations. He had previously made me a Rock Ballads tape that I still love to this day. We can say he had good taste.
If you could only hear one more U2 song for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
Well, then I immediately think of Ultra Violet. It was one of the first songs that got me into U2, I still love it immensely, it touches me, and I find it uplifting somehow. I would probably go for a live version though, and probably for the 360 Tour version as I love the extra energy and layers.
Does anyone in your family or one of your friends like U2? If so, did they introduce you to U2, or did you “convert” them?
Yeah, my best friend is my fellow U2 fan, we have seen all shows together. Usually with people tagging along, and of course with various partners, but no one gets it like we do together. At the same time we got into U2 (so early ’90s), he got into guitar playing and I got into singing, so we tried our hands many times at covering U2. Never got very far, but still so much fun, up to this day. I believe that we did a pretty decent version of ‘One Step Closer to Knowing’.
What are your expectations for a future new U2 album?
I have no idea really. For me, it doesn’t have to be this super rocking album. I am hoping for something that combines modern sounds, some new sonic soundscapes with their roots, that manages to touch us emotionally. I was pretty satisfied with SOI and SOE, but think they can do better. Something from the heart. That’s why I liked ‘Book of Your Heart,’ ‘Your Song Saved My Life,’ ‘This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now,’ and especially ‘Moment of Surrender.’ A mix with these honest, pensive songs mixed with some rocking tunes and I would be super happy. As long as all 4 of them do their thing I am sure they will come up with something good.
How different is U2 compared to other artists that you like?
My library is very broad and sometimes eclectic, but generally I do like guitar music. Let’s say Stereophonics, Lenny Kravitz, Prince, The Doors, The Killers, Springsteen, a few Italian bands (Ligabue) from when I lived there, plus ’80s/’90s get a heavy rotation. Also, I like me some ’90s EDM (KLF for example). Even added one or two Taylor Swifts after seeing her this July. Always open to discovering something new. Discovered Keywest who were busking in Grafton Street last year, nice guys. Basically the thing with music: there are things you pick up in every phase of your life. U2 is the real constant here for me though.
What are your hobbies and interests away from U2, musical or otherwise?
Well, besides singing very unprofessionally, I do like watersports such as kite surfing, e-foiling, and have a long list of places to visit! Still hoping for a U2 show in Dublin one day.
