U2start.com | Glad to be here...

Greetings from The Republic of Texas!

Finally joined. I've really enjoyed the site so far. Look forward to getting to know you and sharing a common passion.

God bless ya.

Ali709

12 years

Hey Jonathan

Welcome!! You made the right choice when you joined this place, you're gonna love it and never turn back!

I see you've been a fan since 1983...that's amazing

So tell us about your experiences with the band...how did their constant change of styles feel? Did you remain a fan the whole time or where you turned off during some eras?

drewhiggins

12 years

The land of the Top eh? Good to have ya here!!! Pop in general chat sometime and say hey if you want.

OnlyTexas

12 years

Howdy, Ali! Thanks for the welcome note. I will try to be as succinct as possible while answering your questions, as I could go on and on.

My experience with the band all started when my older brother bought a tape of the War album and started listening to it on a regular basis. Now, understand, as a Texas boy in '83, I was mostly listening to young George Straight, George Jones, Gatlins, Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rodgers, etc. When I heard sounds of Sunday Bloody, Surrender, and New Year's Day, I was amazed and taken back. Such uniqueness and diversity had never touched my ears until that moment sitting in my brother's room in front of the stereo cabinet. Ever since, I've been hooked.

I've been very fortunate in the respect that as I have grown up, the band has evolved in sound/style as I was. For example, when Achtung Baby was released, I was finishing high school and the new style really resonated with me. And in 1993, I met my best friend, who luckily, is a huge fan as well. U2 is a sort of adhesive that binds us among other important life events and beliefs. So, I guess, to some degree, I have evolved with the band. And yes, I have remained a dedicated, and sometimes, a very patient enthusiast throughout the past three decades.

In all truthfulness, every release since the ATYCLB album has required me to immerse myself more than years past to appreciate and enjoy the music and lyric. Particularly, with No Line On The Horizon. I keep thinking something is missing in a lot of the songs. Nevertheless, I still love the work.

The music of U2 has been a part of every major event and person in life. My bride, son, friends, and brother have all shared in my passion for the band, which has created a bond with the music that cannot be erased. I know that sounds sappy, but it's the best way to describe my experience with the Boys for Dublin.

What about you, Ali? How would you respond to your own questions dating back to your introduction to the band (2003 and/or 2004)?

OnlyTexas

12 years

Originally posted by drewhiggins:The land of the Top eh? Good to have ya here!!! Pop in general chat sometime and say hey if you want.

Thanks, Drew! Hope to see/meet you soon in General Chat.

MattG

12 years

Hey there, good to meet someone who is already enthusiastic about posting on the site!

Hopefully we'll see each other around the boards.

-Matt

OnlyTexas

12 years

Matt,

I'm sure we will. As a transparent disclaimer: I have little to no technical knowledge of music. I'm not a big U2 historian. I just love the band and what the stand for...in most cases.

Thus, I may not be able to contribute much, but I will be around chat and get to know the community.

MattG

12 years

Absolutely nothing wrong with that, my friend - I would say more than half of this site boils down to just becoming friends and posting about whatever's on your mind about things.

When it's tour time....then it's a different story

Ali709

12 years

Originally posted by OnlyTexas:....U2 is a sort of adhesive that binds us among other important life events and beliefs. So, I guess, to some degree, I have evolved with the band....

Love this quote.

I feel the same way about them. It's interesting how I feel connected to other U2 fans...and I wish I had experienced what you did, evolving with the band.
As for myself, I won't clutter your welcome topic with my own U2 stories, you can read mine here (http://www.u2start.com/topic/4665/).
I did however experience a similar feeling as yours. evolving with the band as I moved from album to album.

Great to have you around mate