1. Every month we put an U2 fan in the spotlights, the fan of the month February of 2014 is user ASortOfDesire. Read along for the interview we had this this U2 fan.


    Tell us something about yourself, who are you and what do you do for a living?
    My name is Ben, I'm a junior in high school, and currently am unemployed. I enjoy music and programming and I hope to do one of those for a living.

    How did you become a fan of U2, tell us how it happened?
    The first U2 song I heard was Elevation, watching the Boston 2001 DVD with my family, roughly 2008. From the moment the song started I was hooked. I watched the entire DVD several times and put the audio on my iPod. It is still my favorite U2 DVD to date. Unfortunately, we couldn't make the closest 360 concert in 2009 (Raleigh) but because of Bono's back surgery, the tour was delayed and I had a chance to buy tickets to the show in Philadelphia (conveniently where some of my family lives).

    What would you like to ask U2 if you got the chance to?
    I would ask Edge, Adam, and Larry when the next album is coming out. I probably would ask the whole band to play more shows near where I live.

    Did you ever have a special experience like a live concert? Can you tell us something about it?
    My first concert (ever!) was U2 playing at Philadelphia in 2011. It was incredible, from the start of Even Better Than the Real Thing all the way to when the band left with a "Happy Birthday" to Nelson Mandela (R.I.P.) I was trying to convince myself that I was actually there, it was like living a dream.

    What do you think of Bono's charity works?
    I think it's great that he does these things, as long as he doesn't take up too much time telling us about it during the concerts.

    If you could go back in time, which U2-era would you like to be in, and why?
    That's a tough one; it would have to be a tie. Firstly, 1993 so I could witness the glorious ZOO TV Tour and the giant screens. Secondly, 1989, the very end of 1989 because of the New Year's Eve/Day concert. It would be a great way to end one decade and begin the next.

    Which U2 song do you feel the most "attached" to, or means the most for you?
    Stay has never failed to calm me down and relax me in any situation; just thinking about the intro to Where the Streets Have No Name gives me chills, but the song that means the most to me is A Sort of Homecoming. It is a song about home, about finding oneself, about reunion, and about perserverance, and that really speaks to me.

    How did U2start (or other forums) influence your music preferences? Did U2 fans influence you liking other artists?
    The U2start forums have helped me discover wonderful bands like Muse and Snow Patrol.

    How different is U2 compared to other artists that you like?
    U2 is different because than most bands because they are still together after all these years, making great music!

    What are your hobbies and interests away from U2, musical or otherwise?
    Musically, I am interested in classic rock, prog rock, classical and romantic periods, and jazz. Pink Floyd and U2 tie for my favorite band. Beethoven is my favorite composer but I also like Mahler, Vivaldi, and Berlioz to name a few. I play viola in my school orchestra and it is the highlight of my day. I also play clarinet in marching band and have recently started the saxophone. And occasionally, I play the drums.

    Besides music, I like computers and programming (in C# ). I love Tolkien’s books and Middle Earth universe (I was a bit disappointed with the Hobbit movies though). My favorite TV show is 24 and I was bummed when it was cancelled, but I eagerly await its return in April. Star Wars and the Matrix Trilogy are among my favorite movies. But listening to music trumps all other hobbies .




    Thanks for this interview ASortOfDesire!

    Note: Our crew members randomly pick fans of the month, you can't sign up for it.
  2. Thanks for sharing Ben!
  3. Aha, a rather new U2-fan !
  4. 2008, that's like yesterday actually And still you're hooked to the bone with this band... I think that shows how powerful they are Great interview, dude, I hope to have you around much more time - and I hope they play Philly more often!
  5. Thanks!
  6. Great to have you here on the forums Ben - I've always enjoyed your posts and it's wonderful to have a younger U2 fan around.

    I know EXACTLY what you mean by that feeling of convincing yourself you're there, and that it isn't a dream (when you see U2 live, I mean)....I've only been to two shows, but let me tell you...that feeling didn't just go away for me! Hopefully you catch many more shows on the next tour and you have that feeling at each one!
  7. A fellow programmer as FOTM! Welcome to the club And a really nice read, love ASOH as well. Although not my favourit.

    Hope to see you around!
  8. Nice read Ben !!