Sisters, Brothers

Nov

2005

Sisters, Brothers

You know him as Paddy Boom, drummer with the fabulous Scissor Sisters. But Paddy is also a U2 fan and one of many years standing. In fact Paddy says that he learnt to play the drums 'initially by copying Larry'. Well, here at U2.Com Towers, we heard a whisper that Paddy had been seen singing along at one of U2's New York shows. We checked it out and the rumour was spot on. What's more, Paddy agreed to answer a few questions for us. Turns out not only is he a big fan, but he really knows his U2 back-catalogue.

U2.Com: You went to see U2 live in New York, was that the first time for you?
I saw U2 in NYC many times. Radio City Music Hall Unforgettable fire Tour 85 was the first. Amazing spectacle of crowd unity, passion and rock abandon.

U2.Com: What were you expecting and did the show live up to those expectactions ?
I didn't really expect anything (can't get disappointed that way!) but was thrilled and inspired by their repertoire and diversity of songs at this point in their career. I was lifted via the dynamic waves of their music.
'Running to Stand Still' gave me shivers and I had my hands in the air for most of the show.

U2.Com: What was the atmosphere like at the gig ?
I've seen u2 probably 10 times through the years. The show I saw in NYC in October captured the love and dedication the fans and band still have for the music. Really positive and charged crowd. Not too many idiots which is great at a big gig. U2 still pulled it off with musical prowess and unpredictability.

U2.Com: Did the earth move for you ?
In moments they can do no wrong. I learned to play drums initially by copying Larry so I always get a bit of goose bumps on certain songs. They work the stage well.

U2.Com: Were you standing up or getting down ?
Standing up of course, defiant of those sit-down lame-asses. We were at a rock show after all.

U2.Com: Have you got favourite U2 songs and were you waiting for them to arrive in the set?
I have many favorites but some of the songs I would most get off on aren't obvious: Daddy's Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car; Even Better Than the Real Thing; 11 o clock tic tock; Party Girl; A Celebration; Shadows and Tall Trees; Gloria; One Tree Hill; In Gods Country; Two Hearts Beat As One. I appreciate the classics as well.

U2.Com: How did you first come across the band - and what is it they do for you ?
In high school a bunch of older guys were into it and 'War' was getting played on radio. The 'Live at Red Rocks' video was a key moment in developing my obsession. Nobody else seemed to harness a raw and original sound as good as U2.

U2.Com: Something about the show that inspired you - took your breath away ?
The quiet songs were just as powerful as the loud ones. At the Madison Square Garden show they cast slow numbers seamlessly into big riff hits. Delicate use of energy. I realized that 25 years later the music/band still has the magic touch.

U2.Com: What did you make of the production: video, lighting, staging, extra's ?
The April show had a political video I didn't care for but the production and the visuals were stunning. The stage shape with running 'dog track' lights was beautiful and unique. U2.Com: Pick up any ideas for your own shows ?
Don't be afraid to test the crowd with off-center selections. Take chances with the set and mix it up.

U2.Com: How did the show compare to other acts you've seen live ?
Only U2 can do big arenas and keep the crowds attention. I usually see smaller shows which have a different energy all together.