I thought you should know that you recently lost one of your biggest fans.
My brother, Derek, had been a U2 fan for many years. He owned every album (and single), was often the first online to buy concert tickets, scoured E-bay for rare collectibles, and could quote you the next album release date at any time. He was a passionate fan.
In January of 2009, he purchased tickets for himself and three friends to see your Las Vegas concert in October. It would be his fourth U2 concert experience, a fact which brought him much pride. He had no idea at that time that he would engage in a battle for his life, and would never attend your concert. In March, a rare malignant tumor was found in his leg. Despite aggressive chemotherapy and surgery, the cancer spread throughout his body. By August, it became very difficult for him to walk, and a seizure caused a fractured shoulder. In spite of increased physical challenges, he was determined to go to the concert and mentioned it often. He began to look into handicapped accommodations. When pain became more of a constant, he remarked that “he could catch you on the next tour”. It was the first sign of surrender I witnessed in him.
In September, the cancer had spread to his brain and his illness was deemed terminal. My family was by his bedside on September 30th as he waged his final physical battle. In the early morning hours before he passed away, we turned on his U2 albums, hoping the familiar would bring comfort.
As the day of the October concert arrived, hundreds of Derek's friends dusted off their U2 albums and played them in memory of Derek. Even the grocery store where he was employed turned on a tune and cranked up the volume. He, no doubt, enjoyed his front row seat from Heaven.
Derek respected your band and it's music, not only for your musicality, but for your message. He was a devoted follower of Christ, and loved informing us of the meaning behind your lyrics. The fact that many songs are inspired by Bible verses was not wasted on him. As our large church was packed with friends and family to pay respects, a collection of U2 songs was played, and attendees received a program graphically inspired by your album covers. It was a great day of celebration and remembrance.
I want to thank you for the way you influenced and inspired my brother's life until the very end. We have great pride in the way he lived and the legacy he left.
Sincerely,
Jamie Stavenger
(Rich Baker, Derek, Dan Baker)
5 comments:
This 1s beautifully written Jamie , you are a sweet sweet sister to Derek. I love you dearly as I do him. I miss him and you.
I'm on staff of the largest U2 fan site (www.atu2.com) and your lovely post about your brother came to my attention in a U2 news search. The greatest gift the band has given me over the last few decades has other fans I've met who have become some of my closest friends. Although I live in Oregon, I was at that show in Las Vegas. I'm sorry that your brother couldn't have been there as well, although he may have been in spirit. There's a real feeling of community and joy that transcends above a "normal" concert experience and leaves the crowd feeling very uplifted, and a sense that a spirit(s) is in the house.
Since everyone who works on the website are unpaid fans who just do it out of love for the band, we don't really have any connections to them. However, if you'd like to share your brother's story, I do know who their management company is. Most of their staff in the NYC office and the Dublin headquarters have worked for them for at least a couple of decades and have a famiy-like relationship with the band. You can e-mail me at rashasweber@gmail.com if you'd like that info. So sorry for your loss; he looks like a very sweet guy!
I hope you contacted Rashas to forward this on to U-2.
We will always think of Derek when we hear U2- thankful that their music and spectacular concerts brought him so much JOY. For his 31st birthday in August he got a 360 Tour hat, and he expected to wear it to the Las Vegas concert on Oct 23. He promoted them relentlessly, and his passion was authentic. Yes, our loss was U2's loss, too! Thanks, Jamie, for letting them know.
Just read this Jamie--brought tears to my eyes!
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