"My first show was Popmart in Edinburgh. I was just in awe and to be honest struggled to take in the sheer magnitude of everything that tour had going on. I loved it though and was well and truly hooked from there."
Tell us something about yourself, who are you and what do you do for a living?
My name is David, I'm 41 and live in a small village in Scotland. I have a daughter and 3 cats which is a lot more exciting than my job, I work for a bank and can't really add much to that😂
How did you become a fan of U2, tell us how it happened?
I became a U2 fan in my early teens around the time of Zooropa. My dad is a fan and I was introduced to them by him. I started listening to Achtung Baby mainly and explored from there. The more I explored the more I became hooked.
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?
Like I said my dad was the person I first heard U2 through. My sister is the other biggest U2 fan I know. I think I may have converted her😂 . She's attended a few of the shows with me.
Your first U2 show was in 1997 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Tell us all about that first experience.
Yes, my first show was Popmart in Edinburgh. I was just in awe and to be honest struggled to take in the sheer magnitude of everything that tour had going on. I loved it though and was well and truly hooked from there. I was right down at the barriers and so close when the band made their entrance. I think I may have crushed my girlfriend trying to reach out to them🙄😂
Your next shows were more intimate, with 3 arena shows. Do you prefer such arena shows or more the big stadium shows like Popmart?
Any U2 show is special but I would say I prefer the indoor arena shows. They seem more intimate and I love the enclosed sound and being engulfed by it.
You saw every tour since. What was your favourite and why?
My favourite tours are I&E and E&I. I was at both Glasgow nights in 2015 and Manchester 2018. I absolutely loved those shows, the sound was incredible and the setlists fantastic. 2018 was special as I went with my dad. I wasn't in contact with my dad from age 15 to 31 and it was actually the first time he saw them live so to be able to take him was special. Also, I'm not sure if you're aware but they played Acrobat😉😂
Notable mentions would have to go to the first Slane concert in 2001 for the momentous nature of that show and JT 2017 in London for the best Bad I've ever heard. I was also at their first ever show in Turkey which was a very different experience from all the others I've attended.
What does your U2 collection look like? What kind of stuff do you have and how is it organised?
My U2 collection is pretty extensive! I have all the albums on various formats, early coloured vinyl, lots of other vinyl, RSD releases, promo items, live shows and lots more. I have U2-3 on mispressed brown 7 inch vinyl. There's thought to be fewer than 50 of them in existence making it one of the rarest collectables. I even have a Sweetest Thing chocolate bar from 1998 which is well wrapped but I dare not open😂
If there would be only one U2 song you could hear the rest of your life, which one would it be?
I would have to say One. I know there's not huge amounts of love for that song amongst some U2 fans as it's been overplayed perhaps, however I think it is the best song ever written. I refuse to believe it was written by 4 human men! I'm sure (as Bono would say) that God walked through the room that day. I'm glad she did.
Apart from that my go to U2 songs change depending on mood and situation (literal and mental). Notable mention for Bad. Possibly my favourite live U2 song, my eyes fill up every time from the opening bar and I'm usually a mess by the end😂
How different is U2 compared to other artists that you like?
I like a lot of other artists but find myself generally drawn to guitar driven music. I adore Springsteen and he and U2 mean the most to me.
Neil Young, Beth Hart and Slipknot are not far behind and lots of things from acoustic to metal I listen to regularly.
My first favourite artist was Johnny Cash as I used to sit on my granddad's knee listening to his Live at San Quentin album. I still love Johnny Cash.
What are your hobbies and interests away from U2, musical or otherwise?
Away from music I spend most of my time with my daughter who is 14 and enjoy nothing more than being with her. I'll be taking her to see MCR (her heroes) next year in the UK. I'm desperate to be able to get back to regular live shows. My human and cat daughters take up a lot of my time and focus😊
I love football and am a massive Glasgow Rangers fan, the world's greatest club😉
Like most people I enjoy spending time with my friends and am partial to a glass of red wine.
I am into tattoos and have decent coverage with lots more ideas and inspiration buzzing around my head. I love the whole process of being inspired to designing the piece with the artist and even the pain of having it done!
Thanks for the opportunity to answer these questions, it was fun 😊
with my daughter
Thanks for this interview Zoo_Station_DW!
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