Our intrepid reporter and photographer Phil Romans was in New York City to see a group of four Irish men sign copies of a book that details their lives in a band called U2. Here’s his report on today’s U2 By U2 event:
10:40 a.m.: The scene outside the Barnes and Noble’s in Union Square is a peaceful one as everyone who needed to go inside has since gone inside. In all, there are 250 wristbands that have been given out: 150 to U2.com members, and 100 to the first ones who queued up overnight. If you were number 101, sorry – you didn’t get in. As a result, there’s only 5 people (give or take) waiting outside with the hopes of seeing the band as they arrive – or perhaps being allowed in at the last minute should some of the U2.com winners not show up. Seems odd – the crowd was far bigger, but unlike in other cities, when the Barnes & Nobles people said “sorry – no more bands,” people just left – what’s up with that? Perhaps they’ll come back after getting some food or sitting on a soft seat (that pavement is quite hard). I dunno – seemed odd.
People were given bracelets and green cards with numbers on them to indicate where in line you’d be. The signing is taking place on the 4th floor of the bookstore, and customers are allowed inside the bookstore, but not allowed to the 4th floor.
Security can be found throughout the building, as well as outside the building. There are signs on the doors of the bookstore stating that all bags, cameras and cellphones must be handed to a Barnes & Noble staff member prior to entering the area. Photos are allowed to be taken from the floor, but cameras and cellphones must be handed to a Barnes & Noble staff member prior to going on the stage when you get the book signed. The authors will not be available to pose for photographs.
Also seen on the streets of New York City: people walking around in U2 By U2 promotional tshirts.
12:50: Five minutes to go before the band arrives (can someone start up Arcade Fire?)
1:17: Fashionably late…no sign of band…at least everyone’s where they need to be…everyone…everyone…every one. (couldn’t resist)
2:05: Band is in building, not able to be seen. Apparently, they are doing special meet/greets and interviews for national media in an adjacent room. From hearing chatter in line, it appears that there’s at least a dozen or so people who will be putting their signed books on eBay. Chatter among others in line is along the lines of disappointment that people would blatantly do that. What are you gonna do – it stinks it’s happening, but can’t stop it.
2:15: Larry, Adam, Bono and Edge make their way to see everyone. Those in line were chanting “U2…U2…U2” as they were waiting, and then started yelling and screaming once the band became in view. Photogs shot for about 10 minutes, and then the line started moving. Signing should take about 2 hours given the long line. Also present were Paul McGuinnes, Dennis Sheehan and many from Principle Management. Photos and fan perspective to come later today. Watch all the major entertainment and news shows tonight and tomorrow for video coverage.
One book was signed on behalf of the African Well Fund (generously donated by a fan who was in line) and will be made available during their next “Build a Well for Bono’s Birthday” campaign next year. Bono even signed it acknowledging the AWF.
Bono took the time to make drawings in the books, and on the whole, he and Edge were quite engaging in conversation. Good thing they were last at the table.
6:30: Still on way home, but uploaded photos to the @U2 flickr site. Overall, it was a fun day. A friend of mine who won his wristband graciously offered to let me tag along for the long drive to and from NYC. Chatting with some people in line, they said that while most of the fans were in good spirits, there were a group of people who did join the line who threatened fights if they didn’t get in, and after watching the line finish after the book signing, these were the same people who were handing their signed copies of books to a guy standing near an elevator on the first floor. At one point, he had 2 bags of books already collected, paying the people off $100 per book. Expect to see them on eBay very soon. At least there were only about a dozen of those people out of the 250 who were in line.
Congratulations to everyone who’s dreams were realized. It was fun covering it for @U2.
(c) @U2/Lawrence & Romans, 2006