Comments on: Anyone Got A Sharpie?

By: Todd

Todd — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:09:20 +0000

So… how early is recommended to get in line to get positions for general admission?
I know best case scenario is probably overnight, but the 360 tour is in stadiums. So i’m thinking that means more space available.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:56:15 +0000

Peggy, thanks for the comments, and I’d love to speak with you. Send me a note so I have your email? Cheers,
Barbara

By: Peggy

Peggy — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:39:23 +0000

Barbara, I enjoyed the article and it brought back fond memories of meeting U2 fans in various lines. BTW, I did attend a general admission Rolling Stones concert in 1972 at RFK stadium in DC (I’m really showing my age here). Absolutely no organization. There was such a crush at the gates that the ticket takers had to pull people out of the crowd to get them through. Almost had my arm broken.

My first line up for U2 was to buy tickets for my first U2 show – Zoo TV at the same RFK stadium. Since it was pre-Internet days, and I knew I’d never get through the phone lines, I spent the night outside the stadium waiting for tickets. I met some great people and the night went quickly. The line Nazi was a fan’s father who volunteered to try to keep order. Unfortunately, the scalpers had another idea and did manage to get their “paid volunteers” to cut in line.

I was really reluctant to try GA for Elevation based upon my previous experiences at GA concerts and bought seats for most of the shows that I went to. However, when I saw the set up and lack of crushing on the floor, I decided to go for it. I had 2 GA experiences for the Elevation Tour and 7 for Vertigo. I did spend all day in line for both Elevation shows, but only 1 Vertigo. The other Vertigo shows, I just went a few hours before show time and still managed to get good positions. Meeting other fans and sharing stories was part of the fun and for the most part all of the lines were organized and the line Nazi’s were reasonable – ok to leave the line to go to the bathroom, get something to eat, etc. Usually a few later comers that tried to butt in but the lines are pretty self policing.

U2 fans are great people – fair, reasonable, friendly, and peaceful!

And, I’m willing to be interviewed if you want to know more,

thanks,
Peggy

By: LP

LP — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:04:58 +0000

I think “Roman” (above) was a line leader for one or both shows in San Jose or perhaps the Oakland shows? I can’t remember for sure, but I think I’ve met him before. If so, he was certainly pleasant, polite, and did a good job! Furthermore, I would agree that the only people who don’t like the “system” are those who want to cut in or hold spots for people who won’t show up until the last minute.

Also, silvrlvr, don’t be afraid of the GA line at U2 shows. Of course, as with any “group,” there are a few rotten apples. However, MOST U2 fans are really nice and cordial. Being in the GA line at a U2 show is like our version of a Star Trek convention – the people there “understand” and are supportive of our crazy ways.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:06:24 +0000

Roman, I’d love to chat with you for the next article! Hope you are keeping well–drop me a note so I’ll have your email. blomonaco@ gmail.com

By: Roman

Roman — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:17:24 +0000

I like this story. But I disagree with the term “line Nazi.” Call it more of a line coordinator. I’ve done this a few times and been part of it many more. The only people who feel they get the shaft here are the ones who try to cut or to hold places for buddies who could have been there themselves. Well, in Portland in 05 I didd have one bad experience when it was raining and snowing and whenever I tried to get udner some shelter I was repeatedly accused of cutting, and was forced to get so sick that I passed out on the rail and missed half the show. The people at the front of that line were crazy. But I digress. Out of about 15 times in a GA line, that was only time I’d call the leaders Nazis.

By: kathleen

kathleen — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:33:38 +0000

An excellent piece on human behavior-can you imagine lining up at a Stones concert in, say, ’72?? I doubt there was such self imposed well behavedness (hmm, well behaved concert goers-an oxymoron and a tad embarressing!)
My experience and one I, too, Brett am so in the mood for, is of just getting in line for any damn ticket. My friend and fellow U2 fanatic, Patty, decided that because we hadn’t any tickets for the May 05 shows in Boston, we would just get in line early at the box office. So, I volunteered for the 9:00am duty, hopped on the commuter rail and just smiled from the North Shore to Boston, where the train stops right next door to the “Gahdin”. 9:00am on the dot and there where maybe ten people in line ahead of me. I didn’t know quite what to expect so I just got in line. Polite good mornings and hellos, dunkies in hand, the wait began.
Ah, May in Boston, spring time, soft sunshine…….yah, right! Thank goodness for my too big modern ski coat that doubles quite well as rain gear. What a drizzly day….but who cares!? In less than 10 hours, we would be at “the greatest show on earth”
We met the nicest people, had some great conversations and made new friends.
There wasn’t any cutting in line , just some spot swapping for bathroom breaks and I found all to be gracious and patient. The excitement that built throughtout the day was a great experience and that’s just how we plan to do it again.

By: paddyattitude

paddyattitude — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:06:10 +0000

i have been to many u2 concert in france ireland and sweden, and have never experienced such a thing. i think that the ‘researcher’ got it wrong somewhere. what i mean is that the phenomenon has probably more to do with american culture than u2. and i think that the ‘line nazis’ might go a bit too far

By: brett (macmango)

brett (macmango) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:08:22 +0000

I’m in the mood to join a U2 queue.

Ah, the season of anticipation before the next tour – such great stuff can only be a few months off! Surely because of this terrific publicity the lines will form even earlier for the Horizonless Tour, and new marks will be regularly set for the “Earliest time to reach 100 fans in the GA line” record. I can’t wait for the fellowship, the interaction, the drama when it’s realized there’s an illegitimate line on the SW corner of the property! After all, think of all the friendships that have been forged in the GA line, and the unmistakable sense of community that is shared. People who queue up for the first time are always accepted, because they demonstrate that they want to be there, too. The ellipse lottery is a fantastic creation, and just adds more excitement to the scene. U2 could implement any type of structured system at any time (such as the Boston Garden process), but it’s easy to see how the band benefits from the buzz, which consistently attracts local media attention.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:03:25 +0000

I was only in the GA line-up in 2005 @ Vancouver and can report neither overt Nazism or shunning by the hard-core fans. An aspect left out was the treatment of u2.com members versus other GA ticket holders. At that particular venue the two were split and the U2.com members where let in preferentially at a 2 to 1 ratio. I was 70th in line and so many of those ahead of me in line were also u2.com members. I didn’t get in the bomb shelter but was still on the outer rail.