Under grey skies fans from across the world began streaming through Croke Park's turnstiles shortly after 3pm yesterday for the world's hottest gig this year. Some had been queuing since Wednesday hoping for the coveted wrist bands that would allow them into the "pit" which holds about 4,500 fans right in front of the stage.
Monica Leonik (26), from Poland, was there with friends Peter Zoybielsla (26) and Daniel Ogulewicz (26).
"We got our tickets in February on an internet website," she said, adding they paid €150 per ticket. "It is a lot of money but it is worth it. We've never been to a U2 concert, and we've never been to Ireland . . . I would say we are their biggest fans."
Lisa Morchan (24) and Niall Hegarty (25), from Moneymore, Co Derry, said that on a scale of one to 10 this concert would be "at least 100", with support act Belfast band Snow Patrol "about 50 on a scale of 1 to 10".
Richard Simms (59), his brother Mark (41) and their wives Jane (53) and Amanda (43) came from Cardiff and Sussex. "We have Irish connections so we are making a full holiday of it," explained Mark.
"We are having an absolutely amazing time. Everyone is in such a good mood. The whole city seems to be partying. Even if the weather isn't the best we are going to have a cracking time. It is great to see all the generations here too. The fans seem to be aged between 16 and 60."
Touts were not in such upbeat form, however, complaining that they were getting just €300 for a pair of tickets which had a face value of €80 each.
"We are having to pay out €250 for a pair," said one tout on Mountjoy square. Giving his name only as John Boy, he said "ordinary people" had bought their full allowance of six tickets per person in February. They were then selling four of them for a profit, so were effectively getting into the concert for free. "It's the papers who talk up the prices. They start saying the tickets will go for €1,000, then people think they have gold dust and they come down here and can't get rid of them. I'm not making any money here," he said, unrolling about 15 €50 notes from his pocket. "I had to bring this down here to buy the tickets, and I'll maybe bring home about four more of these notes."
Street stall holders around the north Dublin venue were more optimistic, however, of doing well, whatever the weather. One woman had bought 1,000 polythene ponchos to protect against the rain. "But I've a load of sun glasses and sun hats here too. So I am hoping for a bit of everything - a bit of rain, a bit of sun, a bit of luck."
As Phil Chevron, lead vocalist with veteran punk band The Radiators took to the mammoth stage just after 6pm, no one was doubting there would be a bit of everything for everybody. And that it would be spectacular.
Gardaí said by tea time yesterday there had been no arrests, and that the capacity crowd of over 82,000 was "very good humoured".
