Ironically, unlike most of the other concerts I've attended, this one was close enough to home that it didn't require a plane ticket (although I did book an overnight stay at a nearby bed and breakfast). And thank God for that because the ticket itself (any ticket for a decent arena seat) was one of the priciest I've bought. (But in true Jeanie fashion, I go big or stay home.)
So I waited a week or two (but not too long, lest I lose a shot at a good seat) while I debated. U2, back in the '90s, was one of my favorite bands. In the decades since, however, I'd stopped buying CDs and gravitated more toward female singer-songwriters than classic arena rockers. As a result, I was still a fan, but a looser, more casual one than my long-forsaken teenage self. And, also, on a practical level, the show was on a work night, which basically guaranteed that I'd be operating (though not literally) the day after on almost no sleep; tough, but not an outright deal breaker.
But, alas, an entire show devoted to The Joshua Tree, arguably U2's best album, one of the few discs left in my meager music collection, and so close to my hometown was too good to miss. Plus, having Beck as an opening act was a bonus. (And, really, who knew if I'd have another opportunity to see them?) So I gritted my teeth, bought a pricey ticket, and reserved a room at a nearby inn.
The day of the show, the Tuesday after Labor Day, I left early in the morning for a full day of work, with roller bag in trunk, and then hustled straight from there to my reserved bed and breakfast. Unfortunately, I wasn't familiar with the area, 35 miles from home, having driven there only once. I'd hoped to arrive by 5:30 p.m., but I must have taken a wrong turn and had to remap the route, using my phone as a GPS, before I finally arrived, mid-panic, at 5:45.
I begged my B&B hostess, Catherine, for 10 minutes to change out of my work clothes and transfer my essentials into a tiny drawstring bag (all that the arena would allow) as she vacuumed her car and then drove me the short distance to the venue and dropped me off (conveniently saving me an Uber ride) within walking distance at what would be our post-show meeting spot.
I arrived at 6:30, so I had more than enough time to clear security, get something to eat, and find my seat before the show started. Dining options were limited, but I was desperate, so I settled on a huge lukewarm slab of pizza and a lidless cup of water (which I proceeded to slosh all over) for $12, and I was in my seat, ready to rock, at 7 p.m.
Unfortunately, the musicians weren't as prompt. Beck didn't arrive on stage until 7:45, but he was worth the wait. I was expecting namaste Beck, based on his most recent albums, but got rocker Beck, with "Devil's Haircut," "Loser," a funky "Where It's At," a new EDM song, and one from my personal favorite, Morning Phase.
Then it was a long(er) wait for U2. After Beck left the stage, I waded slowly through a crush of people to the ladies' room and considered getting popcorn until my claustrophobia (paired with long, unmoving lines) forced me back to the comparative comfort of my seat.
By the time U2 arrived, at approximately 9:40, the anticipation had built to an explosive level. They kicked off with energetic early cuts, "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "New Year's Day," and "Pride (In the Name of Love)," before launching into the full Joshua Tree album, accompanied by short-film video clips, interspersed with live stage footage (which I needed to actually see Bono, the Edge, etc.).
They returned for a generous encore featuring their biggest crowd pleasers: "A Beautiful Day," "Vertigo," "Elevation," Mysterious Ways," "Ultraviolet" (a tribute to historic influential women), and "One." Perfection.
It was an incredible night that I didn't want to end. The weather was perfect for an outdoor show (and I came prepared - having learned something from Raleigh - in a jacket over a hoodie with jeans and sneakers). I tried not to think about getting up for work in less than six hours (all concerts should be held on Saturday nights, IMHO) and just live in those glorious moments. I needed that night out. I don't think I realized how stressful, exhausting, and unenjoyable my life had been while working two jobs since returning home from June's travel adventures (which seemed so long ago and far away).
When the show ended around 11:30 p.m., I slowly followed the mob outside and received a text from Catherine, who was waiting down the street to pick me up. After a long walk down the street, accompanied by many of my fellow concertgoers, I found Catherine's car and hopped in with her rambunctious daughter and friends. I nearly dozed off in the passenger seat despite their raucous chatter and laughter. But then, back in my cozy, peaceful room, I struggled to wind down, maybe drifting off at 1 a.m. before I woke up (cursing) to my alarm at 5 a.m.
I got up, dressed, packed, collected my to-go breakfast, graciously packaged by my hostess, and GPSed my way to another full workday. Like almost every other adventure before or since, it was over too soon, but deeply beneficial, gratefully cherished, and forever remembered.
