U23D in Cleveland

So we’ve been living here in Cleveland for over three years and had yet to make it to The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Yesterday was the day, and I’m so glad we waited.

Our impetus for going was the Michael Jackson exhibit, for Seth. And yes, he got to see Michael’s glove. His red jacket for Thriller. A couple more outfits. One of his Grammy awards.

The museum is expensive. It cost about sixty bucks for us to get in, and Seth was free. Plus, they don’t allow cameras! We took the above photos in the lobby, but they wanted you to check your camera at the entrance (hell to the no…I respect your rule but I ain’t givin’ you my camera. She spent her time in HT’s pocket). There was a lot to see, and if you are a Rock & Roll connoisseur, maybe it is worth it. I picture it being really meaningful if you work in a record store, or in the music industry. I liked seeing Stephen Tyler’s microphone stand with the scarves up close. I liked seeing the dresses Stevie Nicks had worn. Some of Mick Jaggar’s clothes. The Elvis stuff. I mean, it was interesting, but not all that.

Then we went to see the U23D movie.

And it was worth the cost of admission. It was phenomenal. This isn’t like any old 3D movie. The technology was unbelievable. I’ve seen U2 in concert and this was better. It was like being two feet away from the band. You could see the hairs on The Edge’s arm. Bono practically touched my face at one point. He was singing to me. He wanted to wipe my tears away. My tears. It was freaking amazing.

I’d been neglecting U2. Taking them for granted.

Never again.

Up this close,you could really witness the relationship between the band members. The four of them are soul mates. The love between them, palpable. No question Bono is the star of the band, but he relies on the others, he draws energy from them. He is so demonstrative, constantly touching them, leaning on them. There is great love and respect between them. They are a powerful presence and their message is so positive and good.

And the crowd! This concert took place in Argentina, and the crowd was one big organism.

“One.”

Such love in that audience.

I’m not ashamed to admit I was ecstatic during this movie. Sitting there with my girl on one side, my boy on the other,HT on the other side of him. My girl at a U2 concert! Loving it! She was in it. Not overwhelmed at all. And I would know because she held my hand the whole time and if she’s scared she squeezes it. Seth sang along. Who knew he knew the words? How cool are we? The O’Neils at a U2 concert on a Friday afternoon.

Okay, yes it was a movie. But still!

If you get the chance to see U23D, do. You’ve never seen anything like it.

If you weren’t a U2 fan already, you will be.

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7 Responses to U23D in Cleveland

  1. Courtney says:

    OK, I TOTALLY want to go! With you guys!

  2. Michelle O'Neil says:

    Come on over Courtney!

  3. Wanda says:

    One. Love.

    I don’t think I know the words.

  4. Amanda says:

    “One Love” makes me think Bob marley…

    glad you had a great time and it was (eventually!) worth the $60 – that’s a lot!!

  5. kario says:

    Wow! First, because you guys have lived in Cleveland for three years already? Crap, we haven’t seen each other in a long time!

    Second, because I love the shots of Seth with the MJ stuff.

    Third, I love U2 and get to go to my first concert this summer (a re-do from their cancelled ones last summer). I can’t wait! So glad you guys got to do this.

  6. So glad Seth got to enjoy seeing some MJ stuff! And I definitely need to see the U2 movie – I’ve always loved them.

  7. naomi says:

    Sounds like a fantastic afternoon 🙂 I’d love to see U2 in 3D… athough I am already married to The Edge…so I kind of used to it 😉

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