My buddy Elmo and I have been long time U2 fans, so when we heard Bono was in town to launch World Aids Day ahead of their Australian tour we scoured our media contacts to get access.

Turns out it wasn’t that hard, and with a scrum of TV crews, radio people, photographers and journalists we assembled at the Opera House where he was flicking the switch to turn the Opera House and Harbour Bridge red.

Bono was joined by his band mates (although Larry Mullen chose to remain away from the cameras) as well as PM Julia Gillard, Premier Kristina Keneally and Wendy McCarthy from the Pacific Friends of the Global Fund.

Julia Gillard entranced by the Bono charm forcefield

Bono talks as the Premier and PM look on

One of Elmo’s longtime ambitions is to interview Bono. With the scrum of media present and no guarantee that Bono would speak to anyone i didn’t like her chances of getting a one on one chat. But the stars aligned and after official proceedings were over Bono started chatting to the media. With the tenacity of Lucy from triple j, they lured him near and next thing i know Elmo was chatting with Bono. I’m not sure how long it was for. Probably only 5 minutes or so. But there it was, Elmo interviewing Bono.

And then, as if it couldn’t get any better, before Bono disappeared into the night he leans in and kisses Elmo on the cheek. Dreams realised.

I’m sure she’ll share her version of events in a far more eloquent fashion soon.

In the meantime here’s a few more of my snaps from the event.

Bono talks to the media as the red sails of the Opera House loom

The Sydney Harbour Bridge turned red

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Here’s the rest of my U2 photos from Sydney. There’s the gallery plus you can see a selection at triple j.

It was quite a thrill shooting U2, plus a show of this scale.

This weekend past i saw them play in Melbourne. No photos, it was from the comfort of a seat this time. It was actually better than i expected, the sound was pristine and the view was better than GA. Still wish i was taking photos though.

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Shooting U2 last night was the stuff dreams are made of. It started pouring with rain just before the show started and cleared up almost straight after our three songs were up. The photographers were quite far back from the main stage, lucky i hired the 70-200mm lens. Here’s a quick sample of shots.

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Do you know what tonight is? U2 motherchuckers!

I may feign interest in all the latest indie bands, but my big daggy heart lies with U2. This will be my 5th U2 gig after previously seeing them in Sydney, Slane Castle in Ireland, London and last year at Madison Square Garden in New York. You see U2 follow me on all my travels.

Of course accompanying me to tonights gig (and Saturday nights plus next weeks Melbourne show) will be my U2 partner in crime elmo. Check out her blog. She is loco for the Bono.

One thing i’m really rather excited about is that i’ve got a photopass for tonight’s show. Without having to queue up all day i’ll be ushered to the very front of stage, at the bands feet, to take photos. For three songs, then i get turfed out of the venue. Lucky i’ve got a ticket to get back in again. I’ll be easy to spot at because i’ll be grinning like a cheshire cat.

I’d actually lost my tickets until i turned my house upside down and found them last night. And i discovered i have too many! Anyone want to buy a general admission ticket or 3 for tonight’s gig (Friday) at Telstra Stadium? I’ll sell them for $100 which is just under face value. Email me.

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