During this time, I managed to meet the four members of the group, their manager Paul McGuinness and many other members of the team. I felt particularly privileged because I was one of only two fans allowed to watch, and everybody was friendly and charming to me.
As soon as I arrived I headed straight with the group for the airport runway where some shots were quickly taken for the video (including the shot of the four band members walking towards the camera with their bags while a vehicle moves behind them). Then they filmed a sequence where Bono pretended to be guiding a plane in, but rather unconvincingly. The film crew, however, had a good laugh enjoying the spectacle of Bono having fun and acting the clown.

While waiting for the stage to be set up for the evening’s live performance, we waited in the waiting room – where else? The group gave interviews and I made my début on MTV. I had taken the opportunity to talk to The Edge, Bono and Paul McGuinnness who were sitting next to each other. I sat on the ground in front of Bono and as he spoke to me I became increasingly conscious of the presence of MTV cameras. "See how your voice and mannerisms change in front of the cameras," Bono remarked. Still we had a good chat and I asked him loads of questions, including one about his sunglasses. Then Bono almost gave me a heart attack when he removed his shades and moved closer to reveal his blue eyes!
Paul McGuinness and I also teached to him what was on the official U2 website and the fact that it contained a few short extracts from their latest tracks.

Since the release of MDH, I always wondered if "The First Time" was written for Zooropa or specifically for the film. He replied that Wim Winders had taken him completely by surprise by setting the song track to the film. Then one day Wim Winders called Bono, showed him the result, and Bono was completely bowled over! Bono loves lovely surprises!

Following some advice from The Edge about my proposed trip to Dublin, it was back to serious work for all concerned as time was now running out.
At last I got to hear Beautiful Day in its entirety. It was a magical moment, all the more so since the group were performing right in front of me. After the first take, I was asked for my initial impressions. What could I say? Absolute magic (Wahhhh!)!
For the song, The Edge had used his impressive guitar of "BOY" fame. When I asked him about it, he gave me a comprehensive account of the guitar’s history, including the marks made on it by his belt and the fact that he had to have it glued back together following a crush at a concert.

Bono then suggested that I pose for photographs behind Larry’s white drum kit, holding his very own drum sticks. It was a dream come true, just like the entire evening. Meanwhile for the video, Adam went for the cool look, sporting a striped tracksuit and a Jimmy Hendrix T- Shirt.

After each take, they all watched the result on the monitors. As Bono at this stage was on his own, Dennis Sheehan suggested I have a chat with him. I tried on Bono’s sunglasses – much to his amusement as they were far too big for me – and he even gave me half of his "Pépito" (a cake). I made some suggestions to him about his movements on stage, even going so far as to suggest some improvements including removing his shades at times for the cameras. This advice he shared with Paul McGuinness and subsequently took on board during the next few takes, thinking of me as he did so, or so he said. Cute, isn’t it?

As the evening progressed the band got to ask me questions. Later they invited me to have a drink with them backstage.

It was a beautiful evening and one I will never forget. I will always remember Edge and Bono and the fact that they could not believe that I was a fan of "BOY", which was written in 1978 when I wasn’t yet born! Nor will I forget the charming Adam with his adorable smile or Larry... and those drum sticks!