"I was 10 years old, we were sitting 1981 with friends and that's when I first heard a song from U2 and I was really excited. And friendship, once it’s won, it’s won, it’s one!"
Tell us something about yourself, who are you and what do you do for a living?
My name is Ulrike and I live with my husband, my two sons, my niece and our dog in Berlin. Professionally, I work in management. I like to spend my time in the nature, to walk with my dog or work in our garden.
How did you become a fan of U2, tell us how it happened?
I was 10 years old, we were sitting 1981 with friends and that's when I first heard a song from U2 and I was really excited. And friendship, once it’s won, it’s won, it’s one!!!
You have seen U2 in 1987 and also recently on the E + I tour, in which ways did they change?
In 1987, at the age of 15, I was with my cousin at the concert The Joshua Tree in Cologne. I was fascinated and totally under the spell of the band. There was less technology in use and the band members were the focus. By comparison, the E + I Tour 2018 featured much more technology that enhanced the music's expression and impact. I think U2 have grown and see the whole show as an overall concept, through the technology supports and still remains in focus.
Do you more enjoy listening to older U2 music, or do you like the newer stuff more?
I am enthusiastic about both the older and the younger music. For me, the songs just fit each one in his own time. If I had to choose two older and two younger albums, it would be The Joshua Tree / Attention Baby and Songs of Innocence / Songs of Experience.
What do you think was the key moment of U2 and why?
First, of course, it was a key mine that they all met and the fate brought our boys together. But apart from that, I think their time in Berlin has shaped them and made them become who they are now. Certainly it is especially nice that they understand each other so well and have developed a rapport between them. That is probably THE key moment par excellence.
What does your U2 collection look like? What kind of things do you have and how is that - organized?
Above all, I have their albums that I always have with me on my smartphone and enjoy listening to U2 while driving or gassing and even at home. Of course I also have some U2 shirts, cups and the subscriber gifts. They all have a place of honor in my home. I often watch the DVDs and the photos.
If you are forced to go to a desert island, you can only - take a U2 album with you. Which one would it be?
The Joshua Tree
What do you expect from U2 in terms of future music?
I like this original kind of music where Edge plays his guitar style, Adam charms us with his bass, Larry pulls us over with the drums and Bono delights us with his voice. The attempts more towards electronic music or with other bands like Coldplay I do not like so much. That's why I expect or better wish music that captures the original character, picking up on current and important topics - - just like U2 is usual.
How different is U2 compared to other artists you like?
There are many other good artists who may even be better at singing or making music, but nobody cares about my heart so much. U2 is the only band whose music gets under my skin that enchants and excites me. I do not know a song that I do not like. U2 are known and loved worldwide, they appeal to many age groups and are not limited to music, but are also active as activists, are committed to the weaker of the world and yet at the same time - remained "normal" and stand with both feet on the ground.
What are your hobbies and interests besides U2, musically or - otherwise?
Above all else, of course, my family is important to me. I love my husband for over 23 years and this love is getting bigger and bigger. I trust him blindly and we are one. My two boys, who are 12 and 8 years old, are the biggest thing for me. I'm very proud of them and just thankful that I have two great kids. And, of course, we should not forget our dog Yoda, who is an English Bulldog and enriches my life. I love long walks in nature, like to cycle or go jogging. I also do Zumba and feel the rhythm and dance till the end of the world.
Thanks for this interview Orentelori!
Note: Our crew members choose the fan of the month, you can't sign up for it.
