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  1. There are quite a few Irish people in u2start so I was just wondering (although Ireland is a big country) have you ever been passed their old school or walked past point depot or something related to u2. Or has anyone not from Ireland done the same thing? Or perhaps, for example, you have seen them leaving a hotel in front of you (not through a television set) and seeing them in concert doesn't count.

    Also I remember once LikeASong mentioned a part of Spain where u2 got a hostile reception for playing the Macerena. Are there parts in Ireland where u2 are not appreciated as much because of the divide? (forgive me I don't know much about the history of Ireland)
  2. Well when they played Botanic Gardens in Belfast on the Popmart Tour there were terrorist threats made (I assume a few IRA members picked up a cheap copy of Rattle and Hum and watched Sunday Bloody Sunday) but the gig passed off peacefully. Up in the North U2 get a mixed reception. Some Republicans (mainly Catholics) detest U2 because of their (Bono's) anti-IRA anti-Republican stance whilst some Loyalists (protestants) hate U2 because they are Irish and successful.
  3. As for visiting places in Dublin i've been to Kilmainham Gaol prison which is one of the most historic places in the whole of Ireland but more importantly it's where the promo videos for A Celebration and In The Name Of The Father were filmed
  4. Ah right, so they have to be careful with what they say on stage in Ireland in case there are some people who completely disagree with them. So do loyalists hate those that break the mould?

    Sounds good about the promo videos.
  5. It's complicated but i'll abbreviate it for you. Republicans are mainly Irishmen who want Ireland to be Ireland (ie: No North/South divide or British Inteference) but Loyalists who occupy most of the North Of Ireland are Loyal to the British crown and will not move so you can see why Ireland has had a troubled past. Then in the late 60's when the British sent troops in that complicated thing even further because the Republicans saw them as an occupying force (much like what we see in Iraq) so the Republicans started a war against the British Army. Thats the military side of the conflict. The war today is more political though and progress is being made.

    Thats as short as I can make it. Hope it makes sense
  6. the way things are now though it would be perfectly safe to have a U2 gifg up here in Belfast but we haven't really got the venue to house them which is crap. Im now a MOFO
  7. Congratulations on the Mofo!! and thanks for the info.

    Sorry to go on about this but two more things, can people in Ireland be impartial (they are neither republicans or loyalists) and finally what are u2 views on it. Are they impartial, republican or loyalists (as Bono accept that honory knighthood)?
  8. Originally posted by Angel_or_DevilCongratulations on the Mofo!! and thanks for the info.

    Sorry to go on about this but two more things, can people in Ireland be impartial (they are neither republicans or loyalists) and finally what are u2 views on it. Are they impartial, republican or loyalists (as Bono accept that honory knighthood)?


    Republicanism and Loyalism are 2 main divides. there are others though. There are also Natioanlists (mainly Catholic) and Unionists (again loyal to the crown). I'll use myself as an example. I would class myself as a republican because I would like just one Ireland, A Reopublic of Ireland. Now though i share the beliefs of Republicans I would not call myself a republican, I would simply cally myself an Irish man and I think thats the same with most people. Only die-hard Irishmen are proper Republicans but most of us common folk are just happy to call ourselves Irish. It's the same on the other side to, most common protestants won't call themselves Loyalists, they's just call themselves british.

    So although we can share the beliefs of Republicans and Loyalists, those 2 terms are associated with the military side of the conflict and therefore I would refrain from sayinf 'I am a Republican' and vice versa on the other side.

    Bono was raised by one catholic parent and one protestant parent which was frowned upon at the time but all the boys in U2 will gladly just call themselves proud Irishmen. Bono has been frowned upon by many Irishmen for accepting that knighthood. I would have preffered that he didn't take it but I can understand why he did. If he's not a political man then theres no reason ehy he should have rejected it. I think it'l raise his profile a bit and help him with his cause.
  9. OK thank you, I'm getting it now.
  10. Haven't been to such a place or something but i'd like to congratulate germcevoy with the Mofo-title
  11. Originally posted by BelgianBonoHaven't been to such a place or something but i'd like to congratulate germcevoy with the Mofo-title


    thanks very much mate
  12. Congratulations on the 2000 posts Gerard!