a 30 year music love affair

At the tender age of 10, I begged my father to take me to the cinema for a double feature that included "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "The Last American Virgin". Aside from the memorable image of the Phoebe Cates pool scene in "Fast Times..", I was captivated by an infectious song in " The Last American Virgin". For months the song stuck in my head & I had no idea who played this catchy diddy. Until one day I recognized it on the radio. The song, "I will Follow". The Band, U2.

Two years later I happen to be shopping at a department store with a friend who decided to purchase

U2's War on Cassette. I remember racing back to his home and a popping it in his home stereo. I'll never forget the feeling we felt when we heard Larry's Into to "Sunday Bloody Sunday". It was bone chilling, it was anthemic, it was the greatest song I had ever heard. We played that cassette religiously for an entire year.

My freshman year in high school I recall the first time I had ever seen U2 perform live on television. The date-June 13, 1985. The Event- Live Aid. Just when I thought they were given the challenging task of proceeding Freddie Mecury & Queen's enthralling performance, 4 boys from Dublin Ireland had left me feeling as if I had been transported from Los Angeles to Wembley stadium in London. Their performance of "Bad" really changed how I perceived the relationship between artist and audience. When Bono scaled that wall and rescued that young woman from being crushed- I could not fight back the tears. I had never been so moved by music in my life.

The following summer I was fortunate enough to obtain tickets for the Amnesty International Show at the Forum in Los Angeles. It would mark the first of 20 times I would experience U2 live and in concert. The boys had just finished wrapping up their Unforgettable Fire Tour. If listening to their music was already spiritually intoxicating, then seeing U2 live would have to be described as a transcendental experience.

For over 30 years this Extraordinary band has provided the soundtrack to my life. I respect their integrity, their passion, and their consciousness. It has been such a privilege watching U2 grow as a band. They never cease to amaze me and I'm so fortunate to have discovered them so early on.

Here's to their continued success and legion of fans.

Cheers-

Martin

Los Angeles, CA