1. Every month we put an U2 fan in the spotlights, the fan of the month June 2011 is user Zooropean. In the summer of '82 he became a fan of U2, what did a fanship of so many years bring him? Certainly one of his favorite albums, Zooropa.


    Tell us something about yourself, who are you and what do you do for a living?
    My name is Alan, I am 40 years young and work as a manager in a food technology company.

    How did you become a fan of U2, tell us how it happened?
    I believe it was the summer of 82', when the school summer holidays were epic and lasted forever. I grew up on a council estate and had a huge group of friends which included some older kids. some of them used to bring cassette players to the local park which we would all sit around listening to (inbetween games of british bulldog) and discuss the bands.
    one song in particular stood out for me and that was "Fire" by a band called U2. at the time I was still mourning the loss of my beloved Adam and the Ants and something about the tone of the guitar caught my ear. I asked the older kids to make me a tape of all the U2 songs they had and that is where the musical bookmarks of my life started.

    What question would you ask U2 if you had the chance?
    I would probably ask them if they still feel it is relevant to "always leave the punters wanting more", not in a live sense, but to effectivley finish a campaign. For instance, NLOTH started this campaign as a bookend, followed by the biggest tour in history. so why not close this era with an ep of 5 or 6 songs they have played on tour (EBW, glasto, northstar etc) all rerecorded in a studio and digital only live album containing all 50+ songs they have played on the tour.
    this could act as the other bookend and the band could start afresh with the material that we haven't heard.

    Did you ever have a special U2 experience like a live concert? Can you tell us something about it?
    Yeah, the JT tour at wembley stadium. I was 16 at the time and got talking to an old guy who was there. he explained that he had been attending concerts and festivals since the late 50's and pointed out that there was something electrical in the air for this band. he told me soak it all in as this was the closest he had seen my generation come to beatlemania. I did and to this day I can still listen to bootlegs from that era and remember the roars of the crowd and the smells and tastes of that day.

    We guess Zooropa is one of your favorite albums, can you describe this album and the love for it you might have?
    During the early nineties, I was made redundant due to the recession. AB was quite a dark (and outstanding) album and seemed suited to those difficult times. Zooropa was released as a lot of people were coming out of the other side and was really colourful and shiny. many non U2 fans found optimism in that record and said "some days are better than others" so keep your chin up.
    I also heard the album in a coffe shop in amsterdam which gave me a new appreciation the the textures and layers of the production.

    In a house fire, which one of your U2 items would you save?
    I have a friend who has been part of the bands touring personel since the 80's. he introduced me to Dallas Schoo (a bit of a lad) who transferred me from GA into the heart on the elevation tour. after the concert he presented me with 3 plectrums signed by Bono, Edge and adam. so I guess i would save those.

    What does your U2 collection look like? What kind of stuff do you have and how is it organised?
    I have every original cd single released since TJT and all the reissues. Also many signed item's (film cells etc) aswell as the vinyl ltd editions, tour shirts, books and tour personel items (thanks to my friend).
    none of it is organised as such as I quite enjoy having a rummage and finding forgotten gems.

    Which U2 song do you feel the most "attached" to, or means the most for you?
    Bad live from "wide awake in america". The definative version and song of the 80's. Good, good memories.

    What is your favorite U2 bootleg, and why? Do you often listen to bootlegs?
    I couldn't really name a favourite as it changes so often (big shout to Gerrard for the 360 Europe compilation). but I am an avid listener of bootlegs from all era's of the bands history and where better to find them than U2start.

    What are your hobbies and interests away from U2, musical or otherwise?
    I play (and occasionally teach) guitar, music, gigs reading and introspection (see the amsterdam quote) although this is only on an organic basis. don't touch the chemicals kids, if it isn't natural it isn't good (just ask Adam and Edge about fungi).

    Personal note to all readers

    I just wanted to say thanks to all the site members and admin for creating such a sense of community and allowing people to have an opinion. I occasionally post on other U2 forums and have found that if your "opinion" does not fall in line with theirs, you are not a "true fan" or you "don't get it" which is beyond ignorance and frankly insulting. music is about the individuals perception and if we all liked the same songs or albums these forums would be pretty dull.

    Peace

    Z


    Thanks for this interview Zooropean!

    Note: Our crew members randomly pick fans of the month, you can't sign up for it.
  2. Nice, very good interview. Congratulations
  3. The personal note at the end of the interview makes it worth the reading alone...

    I remember when you posted one day, saying you knew that Zooropa (the album) was highly appreciated among the stoners and smokers that go to coffee shops in Amsterdam... I think it was one of the best posts of the recent times hahaha

    Great interview once again, congratulations

  4. Hello and Congratulations
  5. Nice interview. Always happy to learn about a user who I don't know much about. Congratulations of the FOTM honor
  6. very great reading i am a fan since 1983 and i love to read some stuf from the older fans just like me ....( also like to read from the younger fans )
    thanx Zooropean ...
  7. Awesome interview Alan!
  8. Great interview and great final quote! It makes me feel proud of being an U2starter

    Greetings from Brazil
  9. Nice interview !!
  10. Awesome interview, who the fuck is he?


  11. His name is Alan, he is 40 years young and works as a manager in a food technology company.