So I’ve covered Rammstein and Valentine’s Day.
Next up: U2
I was having an average day at work… near hometime so I was anxious to leave and get home and just chill a bit. I went for my last smoke of the day and during this time my phone rang. I didn’t recognise the number so I was like meh. But I answered anyway. It turns out I WON tickets to U2! (it seems my online competition addiction finally paid off!!)
So the day dawned of the concert, and it was an eff up from the start. Overslept. Late for work. (thank gawd I have an awesome boss who let me take the day off) then Ewald’s parents arrived from Windhoek so we were running around with them the whole day and then rushed off to the Century City park and ride.
We had limited funds so the R20 for the parking REALLY stung. But we paid it and parked and then joined the mile long queue for the shuttle to the station. “why not walk?” you ask. ARE YOU MAD? It’s far.
About 40 minutes later, we got on the shuttle (our first time in a taxi) and arrived at the station which is surprisingly nice-looking inside – same decor as Cape Town International Airport. Anyway, within 2 minutes a train was there, and within 3 seconds that train was packed to beyond capacity so Ewald and I, being in no rush thought, ag we’ll just catch the next one. BIG MISTAKE. We waited almost an HOUR for the next one. During this time we were waylaid by one of the most annoying girls I’ve had the dubious pleasure of meeting. Think: “jeez, I haven’t done [insert stupid thing here] since back when I was in Grade 1, that must be pfffff about 7 years ago” and “[insert extremely lame joke here coupled with snorting laughter]” so yes, those minutes trickled by verrrrrry slowly.
Anyway, we got on the train and I was wedged between 4 guys (one being Ewald of course) I honestly believe that if I had lifted my feet of the ground I would have stayed in the air, that’s how tight the squeeze was. Ewald was pressed against the door and two women were standing in front of him. The woman in front of him was like, “no offence, but you have the most wonderfully squishy belly” errrrr thanks? Anyway, we got to the station and I was struck by the desperate need to go to the loo. Words of wisdom: Don’t ever, EVER pee at the station. EVER. it’s disgusting. After this lifechanging, traumatic experience, we embarked on the Fan Walk.
Now I’ve been told that the Fan Walk is the most awesome experience and that it has such a vibe. Ja. Sure. Walking 4 km in the howling wind is SO fun. Really amps me up. ( I trust none of you missed the sarcasm there) I suppose if you’ve had a few drinks it must be really fun, but like I said, we were on a tight budget so we didn’t have drinks. So it wasn’t so great. It was tiring and I was starting to get less stoked for the concert.
Eventually we reached the stadium (almost 2.5 hours after leaving home) and were directed to the field next to the stadium for ticket and bag checks. We got cooldrinks, had a smoke and then got into what could only be called a cluster–ck. One little gate for over 400 people. Doesn’t that sound like phenomenal planning to you? We literally shuffled towards this gate at a snails pace. It was absolutely ridiculous and downright annoying. By this stage I was ready to sell my ticket to some desperate U2 fan. But I didn’t, and about an hour later we got into the stadium.
I must say, I am very impressed by Cape Town Stadium. It’s gorgeous. And huge.
Lucky for us, there was still loads of space in the section we were going to stand in, enough for us to sit down for quite a long time. Springbok Nude Girls were a fail, as per usual so we just chilled and joked around during their set.
Once they left and my ears stopped hating me for putting them through Arno Carstens’ howling, we waited another hour and then U2 graced the stage.
I’m not gonna lie, they are phenomenal. Really and truly amazing. And that stage! Totally blew my mind. For once I could see EVERYTHING going on onstage thanks to the 360 screen. The lights, the sound, everything just worked together to make for an awesome show. Yvonne Chaka-Chaka’s guest appearance was sensational. She has an AMAZING voice and such a rad presence. The video of Desmond Tutu speaking literally brought tears to my eyes. I can’t actually describe how awesome that show was. I think everyone should see them live once in their lifetime.
The only thing that detracted from it was the sheer pain in my back and feet. It was sore enough to be a distraction. So due to the fact that Ewald and I were like two geriatrics in dire back and foot pain, we left just before the last song.
I can tell you, the thought of walking down the fan walk back to the station nearly had me in hysterics, but the I heard one of the policewomen saying “Buses to the Train Station this way” Best. Sentence. Ever. (that night anyway)
So we pushed our exhausted bodies and ran to catch a bus. We reached the station really quickly, got SEATS on the train and then a shuttle back to the parking area. It took us an hour altogether.
All in all, a great night, but an exhausting one.
