Today is the second annual International Day of U2

It’s generally acknowledged that the boys who would become U2 first met in the kitchen of Larry Mullen Jr’s house on September 25, 1976. Last year–one year beyond the band’s 40th anniversary–a group of fans decided to declare September 25 “The International Day of U2.

What does one do to mark the occasion? According to the supporting blog:

Just do at least one thing during this Day to celebrate this amazing band and all they have given to us over the years.

• Listen to, watch, and/or play U2 music / films throughout the day, all day (like we don’t already do this most days, am I right???);
• Wear your U2, whatever that might be (t-shirts, jewelry, nail decals, etc etc.) (Funnily, I later learned that there is also a U2 World Shirt Day on this day so join in that fun as well and wear a U2 shirt!)
• Post a statement / paragraph / thesis on what this band means to you on social media;
• Share your art / craft work, of or inspired by U2 on social media;
• Bake a U2 cake…

It’s really that easy – but if you want to take it even further, here are a few more involved ideas you can plan for September 25:

• Volunteer at your favourite charity / change the world somehow in the name of U2 (check my post on U2-related organizations from last year for links to donation and take action pages).
• Host a twitter-viewing party for a U2 film / YouTube playlist, like atU2.com did for the Live at Red Rocks anniversary. (This was seriously so much fun!);
• If you are in a U2 Tribute Band, hold a gig on September 25;
• Arrange Fan Meet-ups at your local Irish pub (or wherever), ask them to play some U2;
• Contact your local theatre and see how possible it would be for them to get and play Rattle and Hum and / or U2 3D on the day (or around the day) (Can we do this with non-theatrically-released dvds?);
• Contact your radio stations and ask them to announce the day and play a few songs in a row or feature U2 on whichever relevant program they might have.

Whatever you do, wherever you are, whoever you are with, use social media to share that love.  Post pictures and updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.  using the hashtags #internationaldayofu2 and #U2Day18 so we can all bathe in all the admiration around the world.

So on this date fans reach out on social media to share our love.  It can be as simple as posting a favourite picture, video, artwork or just stating one’s love for U2.  But anything goes – fans can donate, volunteer, plan fan meetups, and so on.  The only rule is whatever you do, post on social media using the hashtags #InternationalDayOfU2 and #U2Day18. (Those who wear a U2 shirt can also participate in U2 T-Shirt Day and use the hashtag #U2T0925.)

Off you go, then.