Dear U2 (Bono, The Edge, Larry, and Adam),
For as long as I can remember, your music has been a staple in the soundtrack of my life. Your songs have been a source of inspiration as I write, comfort food when I’m upset, and bonding glue between my mother and I.
Growing up, every car ride to the doctor’s office or grocery store trip was accompanied by your albums. Maybe I was a bit young to be listening to your music, but I always listened intently. “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” is one of your more tragically beautiful, but important songs. Due to our Irish heritage, my mother explained the significance of the song to me from an early age. It has always amazed me to see how many of your songs incorporate serious events and political tones.
U2 has helped bond more than just a mother and her daughter. I had the privilege of attending one of your concerts at Madison Square Garden in July 2015 and it was the best concert I had ever attended. My mother was unable to attend, so I went with my best friend. We waited outside MSG for three hours in the July heat to get good spots near the stage. As we were waiting for all of you to come out, I was talking with a man and his wife. They have followed you around the globe for most of your tours and had tickets to all your shows in New York City. He recounted tales from past tours and we were able to connect as fans over your music.
When all of you walked out, my heart literally skipped a beat. As I stood there listening to the soundtrack of my life, live, I tried to take everything in. The audience cheering and dancing, the Irish pride everywhere, the peaceful, easy feeling over the stadium, and all of you playing inches away from me- it was a dream finally coming true. It was the most magical night of my life. I walked away from your concert performance on a musical and spiritual high.
Bringing the focus back to your music, it is difficult to pick a favorite song because I have numerous favorites for different reasons, but “With or Without You” is my all-time favorite. Lyrically and musically it is beautifully composed. Bono, you sing the song with such passion, it is hard to not be moved.
I want to thank each of you for the music you have created for the past forty years. It has meant the world to millions of your fans. My hope is that the current events in this world will inspire you to create music that continues to question our society and start conversations, much like “Sunday Bloody Sunday.”
Sincerely,
One of Your Fans
