Music: [u2tour] Re: GA procedure, my experience in Pittsburgh

I find all this vitriol very upsetting. I am grateful to those who have developed and oversee the system which allows us to get in line early, bringing all the junk we need to make the day easier and somewhat pleasurable, and then get a fantastic spot to see the show. And make no mistake, a system is required or there would be no GA. It would be discontinued if the lineup dissolved into arguments and chaos.Someone has to do the organizing, and organizing is not fun or easy. It is a hard, usually thankless task no matter what you are trying to organize! People always have ideas and compaints but very rarely the energy and dedication needed to do the job themselves. There have been three tours now with the GA option, and I'm wondering if some people are taking it for granted, or maybe don't remember the old days. I saw my first U2 show on June 28th, 1983 and I've seen every tour since. Until Elevation I saw every show from the nosebleeds (and had a blast every time!). I will never forget my first show in the heart... to see the band so close after all those years. I will never take for granted the experience of seeing facial expressions, interaction between band members, fingers moving on strings. I am grateful for the chance to take a number and hang out all day in the snow, rain, sun knowing I will have a great spot to experience the joy of U2 - even if there are a few people in front of me. None of the line organizers I have encountered have ever been anything but nice and helpful to me. So I thank you for the part you all have played in keeping GA an option at U2 shows. And thanks to all those I have met and shared wonderful days with in the lineup!
Until next time~
Beth

--- In u2tour@yahoogroups.com, "Aaron Riley" <theu2edge@...> wrote:
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> I have a friend that has started the official GA line in Phoenix and Chicago for the next tour. We are numbers one and two and the list will be handed over to U2 Dave 2 days prior to the show. So sign up now!
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Amarpreet Bains
> To: U2 Tours
> Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 6:03 AM
> Subject: RE: [u2tour] Re: GA procedure, my experience in Pittsburgh
>
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> So because I've been towards the front of multiple lines and I've seen multiple shows, despite the fact that I have only ever started one line, I'm somehow a bully now? Fantastic logic there.
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> Generalize much?
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> When people show up that early, they've shown up in a group and someone from the group has STAYED at the venue 24 hours a day until Dave showed up. Dave is an official member of U2's security team, so you better care who he is. The alternative has been the entire line being thrown off property until 7am. Would you prefer that, and having mass chaos because 200 people all showed up at once? THAT is what they were about to do in New York until it was straightened out thanks to Dave (but hey, who cares?).
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> But what do I know, I'm just a bully.
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> --- In u2tour@yahoogroups.com, U2Girl <u2girl@> wrote:
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> > As I read these stories, I must admit I have gotten pretty angry. ï¿½First off, who the heck is U2 Dave, Secondly..who cares?? ï¿½The entire point of a ga line is to show up as early as you can..and hang out in the line until the gates open. ï¿½That is your spot. Period. You show up and get your number. Period. You make friends, talk, sleep..whatever. You get in line. ï¿½Who are these people who make these 3 day lists?? ï¿½It is impossible for people to get to a place 3 days in advance and follow theseï¿½independentï¿½rules. ï¿½And yes..I am a huge fan. ï¿½Have been since day one..close to 30 years ago. ï¿½I see about 2-4 concerts per tour. ï¿½What ever happened to "old school" lines. ï¿½Lines where people showed up..spend the day (or the night before) in the rain..the heat..ï¿½etc..to EARN THEIR SPOT?? ï¿½That is half the fun. ï¿½If I ran into someone who "nominated"ï¿½them selfï¿½to be a line manager 3 days in advance..make "check in rules" and so forth..I would laugh
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> > in their face. These people are nothing but bullies who have seen upwards to 20 shows and think them self to be the ultimate fan. Guess what?? You aren't. ï¿½I spent the night on cement during Elevation and Vertigo tours. Yes i signed a sheet and got a number from some yahoo fan. Difference was...we STAYED IN LINE. ï¿½I would be FURIOUS if I were in line all night to only have 200 people come the next day and "check in" in front of me. ï¿½WTH?? ï¿½I usually don't post..but I had to. Enough is enough. Not at all what the band is about. Not what the fans are supposed to be about. Peace!ï¿½
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