As a teen I adored U2. I still do. It seemed inconceivable to me that the most popular (and the best) band in the world were from Ireland. They had bravado, creativity that crackled, they were cheeky and funny. And most of all they wrote beautiful song after song. I still remember seeing them live in New York after 9/11 when most other bands cancelled shows, and they stood up and did what they do best and brought a room full of thousands together. Bono was a shaman and a healer that night, wrapping his arms around the world. It was unlike any live experience I have witnessed before or since. When others criticised them or Bono, I defended doubly. I loved their music so much. Like any band they have had their ups and downs, some of their albums wobbled a bit, but there were always the beautiful gems in there that were lyrically mesmerising and with melodies from another planet. The most recent pair of records have really connected with me again, and I had the joy of standing at the very front for their Dublin gigs a couple of years ago when they performed them live. They were having the craic and belting out tunes with pure joy. Four lads from Dublin playing great tunes in their hometown. This clip from The Tonight Show a few years ago came across my radar today and it is one of those lovely snapshots of them at their best – the song is simple and catchy, and starts small and intimate, then Bono, ever the frontman, getting the crowd going, and bringing in The Roots to make a supergroup for the night. I have many bands I adore, but U2 will always be my favourite band. Because they belong to a part of me that always brings me happiness.