"Breathe": U2 Live from the Somerville Theatre March 11, 2009 feat. Larry Mullen Jr & Bono slides

www.wickedlocal.com/somerville
Somerville rocks with U2
By Auditi Guha
Wed Mar 11, 2009, 04:30 PM EDT
Somerville - Davis Square moved in Mysterious Ways all of Wednesday as U2 came to play at the Somerville Theatre. A crowd of screaming pushed up against barricades as Somerville cops urged them to calm down to avoid trampling, while packs of media crews crowded the sidewalks to capture the Irish rock bands visit to Somerville.
U2 was scheduled to perform a short set at the city theater as part of three secret U.S. concerts to promote its new album. Despite the excitement, tickets were next to impossible obtain, unless you won a local radio contest. If you dont have a ticket, you cant get in, said Police Chief Anthony Holloway. We will strictly enforce this.
That did not stop fans. David L. Castine of Medford camped out in front of the Somerville Theater from 8:30 a.m. in hopes of scoring one.
Anticipation built around 4 p.m. as the crowds waited for the band to come in the back entrance for a sound check. Eager fans climbed nearby trees and fences to try to catch a glimpse of the famous rockers.
Music blogger for Hamptons.com in NY, Mariah Quinn, came down to catch the rock group on Meacham Road. It seems like a really cool event for Somerville, she said
North Dublins Brenda Treherne was there, carrying her dog Fonzy, a hairless Chinese crested dog. She lives in Somerville and said, Its great to see my hometown friends here, hoping for a glimpse
Police Chief Anthony Holloway said during the wait that he expects crowds to build up over the rest of the day. So far it is manageable and everything is under control he said at 3:30 p.m. It's a nice quiet crowd and it's going to stay that way.
The concert was put together on very short notice, as the theater did not get confirmation of the event until Monday. It sucks, Somerville Theatre manager Ian Judge said. I like U2, though. Who doesnt? But I will be so stressed at the event, the music will be an afterthought.
As police and city officials warned Tuesday during a brief press meet, Live Nation distributed the only known tickets via radio contests. No one without a wristband would be allowed into the theater, they said.
Despite the rain, it was a A Beautiful Day in the square for all the folks waiting for the band to show up. Roadies set barricades behind and around the Somerville Theatre and local news stations NECN, WBZ-TV, WHDH-TV, Fox-TV, and WCVB-TV watched the scene. Dover Street and Meacham Road were closed to traffic and a section of Meacham was cleared for Bonos van to pull in.

A waiting Mayor Joe Curtatone said he is a huge fan of U2 and was among a handful of city officials invited to the show. We were elated when we heard the rumors (last week) and were hoping it was true, he said.
Jack Connolly also among the non-ticketed officials invited to attend the show. He was really excited. He thinks the U2 show and the Irish bands at Somerville Theatre and the parade planned here puts South Boston to shame. It will be a heck of a St. Pats Day wrap-up, he said.
Along with all the folks who want a glimpse of Bono, a float honoring Randolph man, Lance Cpl. Alex Arredondo, killed in Iraq, came parading up Holland Street Wednesday afternoon. The truck, festooned with photos and crosses, did not stop, but did turn a few heads.
Also in the crowd was a man named Frank (last name unknown) dressed as Waldo promoting Candlewick Press. Candlewick Press pledged to donate 1,000 books if a U2 band member posed with Waldo, and had Wheres Bono? signs in their windows.
City officials urged folks to use public transportation or walk in and around Davis Square on Wednesday. Connect CTY calls detailing the traffic plan and road closures were sent out to area residents and businesses a day ahead.
Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor was among those touring the theater in preparation for the event on Tuesday. I think its pretty exciting, he said. I know its a lot of work for the city to set up public safety here, but I am excited Somerville is the venue to promote their new album. Hopefully things will go well.
This is the biggest event to hit the Somerville Theatre since Bruce Springsteen played a fundraiser there in 2003. Last year the Jonas Brothers played the theater, but it is nothing like what is being expected, city officials said.
-- Kat Powers, David Harris, Erin Smith, Erin Baldassari and Esther Kim contributed to this story.
www.wickedlocal.com/somerville...
Article from: Wicked Local Somerville with News from The Somerville Journal

[@U21310]

Larry propper goes 4 it on the drums! Especialy at 1:00, and the start!! 8-)

[@kevinfc1981]

his nose grew a lot bigger over the years!! hehehehe