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What is a U2 Fan?

One of the first discussions we had at The Wall (and one we have continued off and on again over the years) is "What is a U2 fan?" 

There are many ideas of what it is that makes someone a "true" U2 fan. Some believe it's the number of shows you've been to, how "up" you are on the music and news about the band. While others feel it's an attitude. What are your ideas of what makes someone a "True U2 fan?"
 
Here is what you, The Wallers, said:

LittleVoice - (added later...) For me, it isn't about how much memorabilia you own or even if you've bought all of the cds. I think it's about the connection with the music and how it affects you deep down to your soul.

U2Luv - (added later...) When I hear Streets, there is something that happens to me, a feeling of... I'm not sure what, but it's a wonderful feeling.  For anyone that has been to a concert, you have most likely felt that surge go through the crowd.  You most likely know what I am talking about.  I've seen the look on the bands faces as well, and KNOW that they feel it too.  That feeling is what makes that song so special. 
 
How do you show that you are a huge fan of U2?  By going to as many concerts as you can, collect everything you can on the band?    By spending every spare dime on the cd's and other items?  By traveling to whereever the band is just to try and meet them?  To Dublin?  The South of France, etc?
 
What if you can't AFFORD to do all that?  Does this mean you don't love U2 as much as the person who can?  What if you have a family to support?  Or a job that prevents you from being able to take all sorts of time off to chase the band around the world on tour?  Well, I guess you just haven't sacrificed all you need to to PROVE you love U2 as much as those who may be able to do that.....
 
Well, if you believe that last line, you are very, very wrong.  A TRUE U2 fan is one who, in spite of all the things above, the family, the lack of cash, etc., you still love the MUSIC and are in some way affected by it.  You don't HAVE to go to every concert, or even one.  You may not own even one magazine article, or even a single from the band.  That isn't what matters.  It's the feeling you have that makes you a true fan of U2. 
 
I've been a fan of this band for over 20 years now.  I didn't get to see them live until 1987, 5 years after my discovery of this wonderful band.  I saw them twice on that tour, and twice again on the Zoo TV tour in 1992.  I haven't seen them live since.  I can tell you from memory each of those dates, AND who I went there with, among other things.  I can tell you where I SAT even.  How many of the fans who went to 30 concerts on the last tour can do that?  Am I less of a fan than them?  I don't think so.  I feel very lucky that I had the chances I have had to see them live.  I hope to see them again this next tour as well.
 
Yes, I do own quite a bit of memorabilia.  The stuff I own is like a treasure to me.  I will never rid myself of it, it took me way too long to develop this collection.  Does this collection make me MORE of a fan than someone else who may not have that?  NO.  It just makes me feel lucky to have been able to watch the band that I love develop over the years.  There are many fans I know who are much younger, some not as much younger, and a few are even older.  Some of them have great collections, some have never seen U2 live.  None of them are any less a fan than me.  Some may even be MORE of one than I am. 
 
For those who may read this, I put out this hope.  I hope that if you have never had the pleasure of seeing U2 live, for whatever reason, that you do have that chance on this upcoming tour. 
If, like me, you have not had the chance to meet any of the band, that you (and I) get that chance soon.  Also... If you are a fairly new fan, don't feel bad that you think you missed out on a lot of the bands career due to your age.  Enjoy them from the now, they are worth it.  Listen to the stories from us oldtimers, we love talking about those times and are very willing to share them with you. 
 
We U2 fans are a very lucky bunch of people.   We are fans of one of the greatest bands in the world.  We are the fans of a band that is worthy of that love we lavish on them, and they KNOW that and love us back for that.  How many fans can say that?

Blkjak A U2 FAN: someone who displays the following qualities:
 
A) Loves the music of U2 with all of their heart & soul
B) Loves and admires the band with all of their heart & soul
C) Someone who doesn't care about how much U2 stuff they own
D) Someone who believes that just because you haven't been able to attend a concert, it doesn't mean you aren't just as much as a fan as someone who has been to a concert.
E) Someone who will always & forever be a U2 Fanatic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edge*Gurl - When I think about how I am a huge U2 fan, and the fact that a lot of people think I am obsessed with them, it makes me feel like they are missing out on something.  They just don't get how special U2 really is.  I want them to experience U2.  They are so much more than a band to me.  Sometimes I try to explain that to people and I just feel like they don't understand it because they don't know U2 like I do.  It's hard to explain though I guess... but here, we all know what we mean, right? lol
 
Being a U2 fan means you love the music, like you guys said.  Doesn't matter if you've gone to concerts, or collected everything U2ey.  I really liked how you talked about the younger fans, Luv.  Because sometimes I do feel like I've missed out on U2 because of my age... but you are so right about enjoying them now.  I feel like a very lucky person because I am a U2 fan.  I really do.  What would we do without them??!

U2GurlHBI have been a U2 fan since I was 11. I don't own every single CD and I really have no U2 memorabilia. I've only been to one concert with my aunt. But I am Still A HUGE U2 fan! I also feel like I have missed out on alot my age as well. I mean I'm only 16 and they've been around for nearly 30 years! I've missed out on quite a bit! LOLOL!
 
I don't think being a U2 fanatic means that you have to see them 100 times in concert or own every single CD they've made or even having any U2 memorabilia at all. Its all about the feeling you get every time you hear a U2 song. That uplifting, energetic, and positive feeling that you get is what its all about.
 
There are people out there who can't afford to buy the music or concert tickets. That doesn't mean they're any less of a fan as the next guy. I believe that all U2 fans have a special bond. For me thats what its all about. The music and your love for the band that you can share with so many other fans. This group is a great example of that bond. We are all so different from each other, yet we are able to come together as one and have this amazing bond. I just think its so amazing! Thats what U2 is all about for me.


If you would like to see your answers to this timeless question on this page, post what you think here:
What IS a U2 Fan?


Also, take a look at our U2 Fan Subculture page which deals with a similar topic and was also written by Wallers.

 
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