U2 Vertigo Tour

Vertigo Tour 3rd leg: North America

2005-11-25: Corel Centre - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

20,000 flock to see U2

By NELLY ELAYOUBI, OTTAWA SUN

Fraser White remembers quite well when he fell in love with U2.

"Where The Streets Have No Name. That was probably the first time I saw U2 and it was their video. I really loved the video to that song," the 47-year-old said yesterday.

His older brother, Morley, whom he travelled with from Nova Scotia, said for him it was Live Aid.

"I particularly admire the work he (Bono) does for poverty around the world," the 52-year-old said.

The brothers drove to Kingston to meet up with their other brother, Robert, and his wife, Carolyn, so that they could all drive to Ottawa for last night's U2 concert.

"We had only one road trip rule. We could only listen to U2 songs," said Carolyn.

About 20,000 fans made their way to the Corel Centre yesterday, travelling from far and wide, for what many fans described as a "once-in-a-lifetime" show.

"I can't wait for the moment they come out," said Steve Murphy, who brought his wife and two daughters with him.

"I missed them in Cardiff (Wales) 20 years ago, and I vowed I wouldn't miss them again," his wife Sue said.

HUNDREDS IN LINE

The family, who moved to Kanata from the U.K. a year ago, was so keen for this concert, that Steve waited in line from about 5:30 a.m. the day tickets went on sale, while his wife worked the phone line and daughters worked the computer at home.

"In the end, the feet won," Steve said with a laugh.

Outside the Corel Centre yesterday, U2 songs blared from speakers, while hundreds waited in the frigid cold to gain entry to the stadium.

Scalpers were yelling: "Tickets!" while limos rolled up to the VIP area.

Inside, fans lined the vendor tables, waiting to choose their U2 concert souvenir.

"This is so nice. I'm so putting this on now," said 18-year-old Sarah Piker, admiring her newly purchased U2 T-shirt.

Brenda Cole, of Ottawa, said her excitement was indescribable.

She's been a fan for as long as she could remember, and has seen almost every tour since U2's The Unforgettable Fire.

"I was at their show 20 years ago at the Civic Centre," an enthusiastic Cole boasted.

So passionate about the band, the 37-year-old is driving to Montreal tonight to see the Irish rockers again.

Asked why she was so devoted, she said what many last night would agree with: "U2 is the best."