Ardent U2 fans start to queue for new album

Two hardcore U2 fans have started queuing for the band’s new album – which will not hit the shelves until midnight on Thursday.

Vincent Kearns and Martin Shanahan have set up camp outside HMV on Dublin’s Grafton Street in anticipation of the long-awaited release of 'No Line On The Horizon'.

The two men put their personal lives on hold every time a U2 album or concert ticket goes on sale in Dublin.

This time Mr Kearns has even got a family member on standby in case his 20-year-old daughter Caroline goes into labour three weeks early.

“There’s no greater feeling than being first to get a U2 album in your hands,” said the 42-year-old from Dublin.

Mr Shanahan, 47, is originally from Bantry, west Cork, but now lives in London with his partner Pam, who he admits is a U2 widow.

For 21 years the pair have met outside HMV’s Grafton Street store waiting for the band’s latest release. They do the same for concert tickets and book signings.

Despite claiming to have met their idols “thousands” of times, both refuse to miss a launch in case U2 appear to do a surprise signing on the night.

As the grown men sit like teens in deck chairs covered with sleeping bags, they attract only a few strange looks from the thousands passing by.

Curious tourists may stop and stare, and some even ask why they are there, but most busy city centre workers do not even notice them.

But the U2 fanatics revealed they have noticed major changes over the years and can see the recession taking its toll.

“We were reminiscing that we are the only constant thing on the street,” said Mr Shanahan.

“That shop over there,” he said, pointing to an empty unit on the exclusive shopping street where a women’s clothes store vacated in recent weeks, “that used to be a butcher shop and a little old man used to come over every two hours with a cup of tea.”

Vincent said the one big problem he notices on the street is poverty.

“One fella came up to give me money at 5am this morning thinking I was begging. When I told him I wasn’t and why I was here, I was embarrassed.”

Mr Shanahan, a gardener, started the queue at 10am yesterday and within minutes was joined by Mr Kearns.

They take turns using the facilities in nearby Burger King and staying awake to make sure they do not fall victim to drunks or drug addicts.

“U2 have been the soundtrack of my life since 1977,” said Mr Shanahan.

“I could not imagine skipping an album release. For me, it’s in my calendar, like Christmas or my birthday.

“I have been a fan for 31 years and this is the longest period between albums.

“I can’t wait to get it in my hand.”

He maintained fans like them are the backbone of the group.

“The download generation will only be there for one single,” he added.

“We have been there through thick and thin. The real fans are the bedrock and are what will make 'No Line On The Horizon' a 12 million seller in six months.”

HMV will open its stores on Grafton Street, Dublin, and in Galway at midnight on Thursday for the launch.

HMV’s Gennaro Castaldo said there has been an incredible amount of interest in the new album with a considerable number of pre-orders secured recently.

“All our stores will be fully stocked to cater for the strong demand. We advise fans to come down early to be in with a chance to receive a U2 goody bag,” he said.