About five years ago I was reintroducing myself to the music of U2.  I knew there was some more meaning behind the music than I was getting, and needed the U2 101 class to really appreciate them more.  I knew of a guy running a blog at www.bagofnothing.com who was a MAJOR U2 fan, so I emailed him asking for some song recommendations from U2.  In about a weeks time I instead received a package in the mail full of U2 music, with a song list and reasons why each song meant something to him (and everyone else as well.)  It was a powerful way to learn new music, and it began a love affair with the music of U2.  Keith and I have become good friends since our first online conversations, and while I don’t live in the same town as him, work the same type of job, or have much in common besides being the same age; I’d consider him a good friend.  He would be welcome at my house anytime.

Now fast forward to Sunday afternoon when I get a phone call from him asking if I’d like to attend the U2 concert with him on Monday night.  His wife was under the weather and unable to attend. :(

Did I ask where the seats were?  NO!  Did I ask if he was serious?  YES!  I confirmed that I could leave town for a few days, and then made my plans to race to Dallas for the concert.  I met Keith at his house, where he also let me sleep after the concert and drink one of his Cokes (such a nice guy, huh?)  We hung out with his wife for an hour or so, then headed to the show.

We got there early enough for us to get the full Cowboys Stadium experience and to grab our seats.  Our seats.  Oh boy, our seats!  They weren’t actually seats.  Keith had gotten RedZone tickets, which enabled us to stand right next to the catwalk and stage area.  I freaking stood 5 feet away from Bono and the Edge at a U2 concert!  I watched the Edge play the guitar lick from “Where the Streets Have No Name” from 5  feet away!  This stage was ginormous, and was a technological marvel.  I can’t begin to describe this stage, so I won’t.

Thanks to Keith for making a dream I didn’t know I had come true.  This easily makes one of my top 10 lifetime experiences, and I owe it to a buddy who thought to call me when his wife wasn’t able to make it to the show.

And yes.  I’m posting the pictures and really lame videos to rub it in.  I am not above that.  Sorry.