U2 Makes Chicago Fan's Dream Come True

Fan plays guitar as Bono sings 'Party Girl' in Chicago

By Krista Desens

 

May 16, 2005

 

 

Last week, U2 made one fan's dream come true at two sold-out concerts in Chicago on May 9 and 10.

 

The fun began at the May 9 show in the Windy City, where a woman standing by the ellipse stage held up a sign that read "Party Girl." (The song is off the live 1983 EP, "Under a Blood Red Sky," and is a favorite among longtime U2 fans.) During the final encore, Bono pulled the surprised woman up on stage and asked her if she could play the song. She told him she could, and then Edge handed her his acoustic

guitar and pick.

 

To announce the song, Bono asked the woman what she wanted to play, and she said into the microphone, "I want to play Party Girl."

 

And then she played it, as Bono and the audience sang along and Edge, Adam and Larry watched.

 

Bono asked the guitar girl what her name was. "Laura," she replied.

 

After they finished the song to huge cheers, Bono gave Laura a hug and kiss before she returned to her place on the floor.

 

But that wasn't the last time Laura would join U2 onstage. The next night, May 10 and also Bono's birthday, she was back in front of the ellipse. Towards the end of that show, Bono surprised Laura again by pulling her back up on stage for a repeat performance of 'Party Girl.' This time, Edge, Adam and Larry also played as Laura strummed an acoustic guitar and Bono sang. Then, to celebrate his birthday, Bono

opened a bottle of champagne and sprayed the audience and Laura with it.

 

Three of U2's four Chicago shows at the United Center (May 9, 10, and 11) were filmed for a live concert DVD, so fans can see the Party Girl for themselves when the disc comes out later this year.

 

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