Version 4.5
Updated: November 21, 2005

This is an unofficial U2 Tour FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) that we hope will answer most questions any U2 fan may have. The FAQ was developed by the webmasters who contribute to U2tours.com.

1. When does the tour start? Will U2 be playing my city?

The 3rd leg of the tour began September 12 in Toronto. Dates are available here on U2tours.com using the two drop-down menus above -- SEARCH ALL TOURS and SEARCH CURRENT TOUR. The 4th leg of tour will begin in February, visiting Mexico and South America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

2. How come they're not playing my city?

This is the 3rd leg of the tour. They've already completed one trip across N. America and a tour of Europe. If they're not playing your city this fall, they may have already played it earlier in the year. In 2006 the tour will visit Mexico, South America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

3. The shows are all "sold out." Am I out of luck if I didn't get tickets yet?

Not at all. U2 has a history of holding back tickets and releasing them as the concert date draws closer as a means of hurting ticket brokers and ticket scalpers. So you should keep an eye on official sources (i.e. Ticketmaster.com, the venue box office, and any other official ticket outlets) to see if and when tickets are released.

In addition, fans often trade and sell tickets amongst themselves. You should keep an eye on the U2tours.com Forum for finding other fans selling tickets at face value. And we can't recommend enough that you join the [u2tour] mailing list where you can announce that you're looking for tickets and find fans who have extras to sell or trade, as well as join in other discussions specifically about U2's tours and live performances.

4. On the Elevation tour, a company called ETS offered Ticket & Travel packages. Are they doing that again on the Vertigo tour?

Yes. Their U2-related web site, U2concerts.com, is up and running and that's where you can get all information about the ticket packages they offer. Packages may include your concert ticket, pre-show parties, transportation, and accomodation -- you choose what package you want based on your plans and needs.

5. What are "general admission" tickets?

General admission means there are no seats. This is how the Elevation Tour was handled, too. Since there are no seats, you can go anywhere on the floor that "traffic" will allow you. If you don't want to stand all night during the concert, you'll need to buy seated (non-GA) tickets.

6. How does "general admission" work? Do I need to line-up early? Do I have to stay in the line all day? What about getting food? What will I do with my personal belongings? How does it all work?

You decide when you want to show up. Some venues may announce a time that they will allow a line to form on their property, but fans who show up earlier will generally begin forming a line at or near the venue entrance.

Indoor shows: There's an "ellipse" -- the area inside the extended stage which holds about 300-400 fans. Entry into the "ellipse" is random, and you can show up at almost the last-minute and still be selected to get in the ellipse. Entry is determined by a computer scan of your ticket on your way into the arena.

Lining up at 6 am (or at any time) will not increase your chances to get in the ellipse. However, the earlier you show up, the closer you're likely to get to the stage -- whether you're in the ellipse or not. At whatever time you arrive, there's a good chance some fan(s) will be giving out numbers to keep the line in order -- usually by writing your number on your hand with a marker. Look for this person when you arrive.

Outdoor shows: There's an inner area near the stage and the two b-stage ramps, and a separate area further away on the pitch. There's no computer scan of your ticket to determine which area you're in. It's first-come, first-served. Those who line up earlier will have a better chance of getting into the closest area on the stadium ground.

Although every GA line is different, you can generally leave the line for brief periods of time to eat, go to the bathroom, run to your car, etc. Lengthy absences are frowned upon, though, even if someone else is holding your spot while you're gone. Also frowned upon: Having one person get in line early to hold spots for others who don't show up until later. List-keepers generally won't give out numbers to people who aren't there in person.

At most venues, security staff will alert the line of the plans for getting in the venue. Security typically tells fans to make one last trip to their cars to return personal belongings, or one last trip to the bathrooms. This usually happens around 3 or 4 pm, and you are told to be back by a certain time to secure your spot in line.

At around 6 or 6:30, most venues begin letting fans inside. Once inside the venue, you're given a wristband allowing you on the floor. If you are selected to go in the ellipse, you got another wristband. If your ticket is selected randomly to get into the ellipse, you are allowed to bring one guest (sometimes two!) into the ellipse with you.

7. My ticket says N-FAN (or L-FAN, or something similar). What does that mean?

That means your ticket was purchased via the U2.com Fan Club presale. If you have a GA ticket, it means you can lineup in the U2.com Fan Club line (if it exists). It might also mean you gain entry into the venue earlier, but that's not necessarily the case at all venues.

It does NOT mean you have a better chance at getting into the ellipse. And, it should be noted, the Fan Club line is quite often longer than the non-fan club line. Since both lines are usually let in to the venue at the same time, you should choose the line that's shorter when you arrive.

8. How can I meet the band? Do they do "meet and greets"? Can I buy a backstage pass?

No, you can't buy a backstage pass. And no, there are no formal "meet and greets." However, at most shows so far, a band member or two has stopped to shake hands and sign autographs prior to going inside for sound check. This usually happens in the mid-afternoon somewhere near the loading dock area (i.e. - away from the main public entrance). Just ask around and you're sure to find some fan who knows where other fans are waiting and hoping for this to happen.

9. I have seats behind the stage. Will I be able to see?

Yes. Most fans who have sat behind the stage on the Vertigo Tour had generally good views, but it's a matter of personal choice if they liked the experience or not. You can view photos from previous shows right here on U2tours.com -- just look for fan reviews that are marked with a small camera icon.

10. What songs will U2 play?

U2 doesn't announce the songs they intend to play in advance. That said, we recommend you familiarize yourself with all of U2's back catalog, including the first album, Boy.

11. What time does U2 go on stage? How long does the show last?

For shows with an announced 7:30 start time, U2 typically takes the stage at about 9:00 pm, give or take 10 minutes. The show usually runs about 2:00 to 2:15. The opening act will take the stage right at the listed start time, and play for about 40-45 minutes.

12. Are cameras allowed in?

Yes. Despite the fact that the tickets and the venues will say "No Cameras" allowed, U2 has been able to override the policy at each venue. You are allowed to bring in a camera, as long as it's not a pro-level device, i.e. -- no detachable lenses, etc.

13. What's the song that plays right before U2 takes the stage?

It's called "Wake Up" and it's by Arcade Fire.

14. When will the tour end?

The final announced date for the 3rd leg is December 19th in Portland. The tour will continue in 2006 with shows around the world.