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U2 Fan Subculture
Bono once said, "U2 on it's own is a very interesting group and all. But U2 with its audience is a culture." So, we put these questions to you, the Wallers and Fans of U2... Do you think we are truly our own kind of subculture? What makes being a U2 fan so unique? How do we differ from fans of other bands? Or do we really differ at all? This is what you had to say on the subject...
JennMullen - I think we are a lot different. I've been to a lot of U2 groups on the net and I've never felt like an outsider.....fans always take in newcomers like they're long lost friends. When I went to the concert I couldn't believe it was like a huge family gathering....nobody was a stranger. People helping others, sharing, giving...it was a unique experience just like the show itself. And when the boys got out of the car to sign autographs, the fans didn't rush them like you see at other concerts, they stayed where they were and let them come to us. It was just alot of consideration and caring, and I think that's what makes us, the U2 fans, stand apart from others. (Added later...) When I was at the concert in Chicago, we had been in the sun all day, waiting to get inside the arena, I got hot and wasn't feeling really well. I'm on blood pressure meds, and being in the sun too long, messes with me. When we go inside we got down so that we were second row to the edge of the catwalk. Partway thru the wait for opening to come on stage, I got really dizzy and had to sit down, but there weren't chairs where we were, just standing room only. The girl in front of me, someone I never met, turned around and grabbed my arm and lowered me to the floor and sat with me. She was from Argentina. She stayed on the floor with me, talking about who we were and who in the band was our fav, what song we really liked, etc. She put her arm around my shoulder and just waited for me to feel well enough to stand. During the show itself, when U2 was on stage, and Love and Peace came on, Larry's drum was set up about six to seven ppl over from where I was standing. The Elana, the girl that helped me earlier that night, grabbed my arm at the first chords of the song, leaned over to me and told me to switch places with her so I could be closer to Larry. We danced and sang and had a blast thru the whole concert....two ppl from different parts of the world,who felt like we'd been friends forever. We still talk to this day. I'll never forget what she did for me. And to me that's what U2 culture is...the friendship, the feeling that there are no miles between one fan and the next....we're close, whether we just met or have known each other for years.
BonosGurl - I think U2 fans tend to stick together more. I like to think of U2 fans as this kind of underground society lol!...and I'm proud to be a part of it!
LittleVoice - Yes, I agree! I think that U2 kind of fosters a sense of belonging. They have always been so kind and generous with their fans - and U2 fans tend to be kind and generous with one another as well. I have met some extraordinary ppl from around the world becuase of my love for this band!
U2Luv - Yes, I do believe that U2 fans are our own sub-culture. Have you ever been to a U2 show? If so, you know what I mean when I say that the whole atmosphere at a U2 show is special. Fans helping fans, the comradery. You find out you are talking to a fellow U2 fan, what happens? Bono has said before that U2 fans are special, that we are unlike most other fans in that we are very protective of the band. Look at how fiercely we go after those who may have negative comments about the band, or the music. I know of fans who have gone onto forums such as ours, concerning other bands or whatever, when they have found out that U2 has been getting trashed, to make their views heard, figuring that they are going out there to protect their band. I for one LOVE being a part of that culture. Anyone else wanna join it? If you are a lover of the music of U2, you are VERY welcome.
TrippyAcidDreams - I think that The U2 culture will never die! Even if U2 ever decided to retire the spirit of the fans would live on forever. I am so glad to be part of this family (culture). There is a real special connection that U2 fans share and I love that!
UnhitchedWildhorsey - I think U2 fans like to help educate other interested fans or newbie fans and foster them. I think we are a more sharing group instead of acting like we are the super #1 bestest fan ever. U2 fans are Less possessive and more receptive to those curious about what makes U2 so great.
hj - U2 fans are second to none. I remember when I went to NYC to see our boys shortly after 9-11. The ticket to the show was a gift from another U2 fan and it was the most emotional concert I have ever been to (and I find U2 concerts emotional for me already). What an amazing gift, I will never forget that trip. When they played One at the end of the show they put up all the names of those lost that horrible day. The names floated to the ceiling like they were on their way to heaven and the young girl behind me started to cry uncontrollably and I didn't even think about it, I felt myself reach out to her, a total stranger and I held her hand while she cried and she summed it up best..."U2 fans are family" and we cried together. We share something incredibly special more than just music, more than a common social ideal, we are a family, we are one.
Is there something you would like to add to have added to this page? Do you have answers to this question that need a voice? Post them on this thread and we will add them to this page. We can't wait to hear from you!
Also, take a look at our What is a U2 Fan? page which deals with a similar topic and was also written by Wallers.
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