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‘One But Not the Same’: U2 Concerts, Community and Cultural Identity

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Part of the book series: Leisure Studies in a Global Era ((LSGE))

Abstract

Since their formation in 1976, the Irish rock band U2 have undertaken 15 major tours, playing to millions of fans around the world. Their most recent tour, entitled U2 3600, included 110 shows and was attended by over seven million fans. In addition to going to the concerts, many fans listened to, watched and communicated about them online. Despite their very different geographic, demographic and cultural backgrounds, U2 fans share common interests and experiences and refer to themselves as members of the ‘U2 community’ (Cogan 2006, p. 18; Tollefsen 2006, p.198).

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© 2015 Michael Williams

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Williams, M. (2015). ‘One But Not the Same’: U2 Concerts, Community and Cultural Identity. In: Merkel, U. (eds) Identity Discourses and Communities in International Events, Festivals and Spectacles. Leisure Studies in a Global Era. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137394934_13

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