The Irreverent U2 Podcast: Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts

In this episode of our U2ish podcast we take on:The music festival (and so much more ) in IsraelU2's set list choices (aka A Chopped Setlist)Bono's hair debacleGavin Friday's birthdayHow people are spewing "facts" with no sourcesand more shenanigans!www.thegardentarts.comSUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentartstwitter: @the_gardentartsinstagram: @the_gardentarts

The Garden Tarts didn't make it to opening night but Correspondent Jenny did! She brings us a full report. Plus, our thoughts on some of the visuals, the set list, famous attendees and assholes on the internet. Plus, an intriguing ticketing idea Metallica uses for their fan club. Would it work for U2 and U2 fans? We aren't so sure. We've got questions for Bono over whiskey and cake, too!

The Sphere is almost here, Atomic City is even closer. It's U2's 47th birthday and we're ready for what's next. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

It sure it great when the bands writes the ep content for us! Two big pieces of news: Larry and Atomic City!www.thegardentarts.comSUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentartstwitter: @the_gardentartsinstagram: @the_gardentarts

We are in the month of Vegas! What felt so far away is finally here. In this ep:Tribute to Jimmy BuffettNews of Steve Harwell of Smash MouthVegas expectationsAdam Clayton and Elephant in the RoomU2:UV and Zoo StationQuestions for Bono over whiskey and cakeAn important question for you!www.thegardentarts.comSUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentartstwitter: @the_gardentartsinstagram: @the_gardentarts

In this week's ep: Vegas is coming up! Lots of today-ish in U2 history Streaming in 1997?! Shout out to Adam Questions for Bono over whiskey & cake www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

This week’s ep features Rolling Stone’s Andy Greene and his experience previewing the Las Vegas Sphere technology. He’s got us so excited! He's been to the facility in Burbank, CA and has experience all but the (even better than the) real thing. He's excited. We're excited. Listen to his hopes for the set list and our big question... what does he think The Fly will look like? www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

This ep is light on the 'ish and heavy on the U2. There is lots going on in the U2 world and we have questions for Bono over whiskey and cake. In this ep: a major guest announcement (oops!) Sarajevo Film Festival (and yes, we figured out the strike question. We'll answer next week.) reissued and remastered "Stay (Faraway, So Close)" and how it compares to the 1993 release Sinead O'Connor's funeral T.Rex film and our ever growing intrigue about what The Fly 2023 will look like. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

In this week's U2 podcast ep: Jenny travels back up to Canada (again) for a Stranger Things Experience Edge turns 62 Hillary reminisces about a super scary Halloween www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

This ep includes: Our tribute to Sinead O'Connor A commitment to All That You Can't Leave Behind Some strange and startling things Questions for Bono over whiskey and cake www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

Even our U2 content is "ish". We're on two different ends of the spectrum in this episode. Jenny learns about her family in Germany and Hillary went to see Bullet the Blue Sky, a U2 tribute band. Very different events but we both had a great time! (Not much of an argument that Hillary's time was better.) www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

You may not have noticed we were gone but, we were and it's time to catch up. Join Jenny and Hillary as we catch up after a few weeks off. We talk everything from the Sphere to Zooropa 30 to the U2 cover band Hillary is seeing this weekend. Join the convo! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

This year's Dalkey Book Festival featured two local talents who also happen to be two of the U2s. Once again, Friend of the Tarts and Ireland Correspondent Jenny Sermas reports back from what it was like being in Dalkey for the event. Take a listen to hear more! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

We've always wondered what it's like to see a concert from Slane Castle. Friend of the Tarts Jenny Sermas was there to see Harry Styles so we have deemed her our Ireland Correspondent for this weeks ep. Take a listen and remember to pack snacks! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

The Earth is on fire, Sphere tickets are a sh*t show, The Edge is with Anton and learning to drive in the 1990s. You gotta hear it to believe it! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

It was a busy weekend in the little seaside town of Dalkey, Ireland. We weren't there (boo) but we did follow along with the fun with Bono and Edge. Adam was out and about, too. Larry was his usual... nowhere to be seen. But, we got Tom Hanks! This is short but sweet one... join us! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

We're a bit all over the place this week with talk of Inhaler and Harry Styles at Slane, The Edge in Italy, Jenny at Taylor Swift and our love of Smartless. Just our usually bestest friend banter! Join us, won't you? www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

We like to tell people we have a U2ish podcast so we have an out when there's not a lot of U2 to talk about (or we're not in the mood. As if that ever happens). Today we play the 'ish card! We have plenty to catch up on and chat about. And yes, there are a few U2 mentions! Come hang out with us! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

We asked and you answered! We are merely the hosts this week as listeners share their thoughts and stories about attending the Beacon filming with Bono in New York as well as the final Stories of Surrender show in Naples, Italy. Thank you to Sherry, Jenny, Alex, Josh and Veronica for taking the time to share with you. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

It's been one heck of a trip around the sun for our favorite pop star. Congrats to Bono on all he has accomplished in the last year and happiest of birthday wishes! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

Garden Tart Hillary and Jenny went to see opening night of Stories of Surrender at the Beacon in New York in November 2022. With Bono back at the Beacon for an 11 show run, we had to go again! This time it was Jenny with Garden Tart Amanda. Tune in to hear us chat about what has changed in the last 6 months of the show. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

The details are finally here for U2 in Las Vegas and we are STOKED. We chat about Vegas, New York, Italy, Munich (just kidding). We are ready for what's next! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

For the second year in a row, we are pleased to have a VIP guest from the African Well Fund. For over 20 years they have been fundraising to build wells and sanitation projects all over Africa. This week marks the start of their 21st fundraising campaign. We had a delightful chat with Lara Wineman, one of the founding members and the graphic designer behind the elaborate birthday cards sent to Bono that contain all of our personal messages. Listen for more details on how you can be a part of it! Donate at www.afticanwellfund.org

We took a page out of Bono’s book and talked about how we have nothing to talk about but then, we found plenty to say! Other U2ish podcasts we’ve listened to, a SOS listening update, strange and startling things and some updated features. You’ll know them when you hear them! Boom Cha!

A big thank you to the U2Fam on twitter who gave us stuff to chat about. Songs on SOS that could be at the Sphere. SOS songs potentially replace the original. Why Two Hearts Beat at One and The Fly are amazing. All things Adam, including his garden. What our new (currently hypothetical) show on U2X should be called. Tune in!

Oh me, oh my it has been a busy few days in the U2 world. We unbox Songs of Surrender while simultaneously review A Sort of Homecoming. There's also NPR's Tiny Desk, U2X content, Apple One and goodness knows what else we reference. This is not a review of SOS. This is a gut reaction, a discussion, a discovery. We hope you come along for the ride. We've got plenty of questions for Bono over whiskey and cake and a report from the ground of one of the 40 Songs in 40 Cities promotions. (Thank you @U2FanPolls) www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

There is SO MUCH happening in the U2 world right now and it's all about to explode! We wrap up some of the news and then, most importantly, teach you all about Bono Bingo. If you want to play along (and you will!), you gotta listen to find out more! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

AN ENCORE PRESENTATION: Friend of the Tarts Andy Greene just published a great interview with The Edge in Rolling Stone. It’s always good when “one of us” has the ear of the band. We thought we’d share this again. This is one you *definitely* don't want to miss. Andy Greene, Senior Writer for Rolling Stone magazine and U2 fan extraordinaire talks Rolling Stone, his fandom, interviewing U2, meeting your heroes, being a NY Times Best Seller and so much more. This is an absolute blast!

News in the U2 world is booming and we cover it! Plus, speculation on the new album and some dream podcast guests (it's not who you think.) www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

This ep is quick but chockfull o' goodness! We've got news on NPR's Tiny Desk, Berlin Film Festival, Record Store Day, Buy Me a Coffee and a bonus after we say goodBYEEE about Smartless. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

We decided to watch the Super Bowl together (starting at half time) and wait for the U2 ad. While waiting we unboxed the reimagined version of One and answered listener questions from @TheNevilleNicol, @NFtweets, @NYCelticSoul and @U2Polls. We stalled as long as we could and finally had to get some stuff done around our houses while waited for the LAST AD OF THE NIGHT... U2. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

The U2 fan world is a big one. We are notoriously kind - looking out for each other to the extreme - and notoriously, well, not so kind. Consider this a PSA. Plus, plenty of strange and startling things and some how DMB and John Mayer tangents?! We never know where we are going to end up! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

Another week, another reimagined U2 song. We share our thoughts on the new With or Without You (aka WOWY). Before we get into the unboxing, we share how you can support our little pod and help us grow even more! We've got dreams! We can't wait to hear from you! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

Answering the question, what songs are we most excited to hear reimagined? We tasked each other with picking two songs from each record to be most excited about. 8 out of 40. Sometimes it was easy, other times it wasn't. We hope you'll listen and play along. Plus, rumors about Vegas, Bono on SmartLess, sitting on the floor and so much more. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

We have two very different opinions on the re-imagining of Pride and it was so funny to talk about it. Whether you like the song or not, this ep is for you. We've got a new segment "Anything Strange or Startling?" and a question for Bono over whiskey and cake. Plus, our opinion (facts) on the new album cover. This one is not to be missed! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

Welcome to our first TART Talk of the year! For this ep we took on the task of picking out one favorite lyric from each album. Just one! (and maybe some runner ups. It was a hard task, ok?!) And Jenny just happened to check her mail only to find a letter from THE EDGE. It's pretty hilarious to go back and hear this moment. We hope you get a kick out of it, too! Definitely need to mark this one explicit. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

Happy New Year, listeners and U2 Fam! Welcome to our first ep of 2023 and Season 5 of our little U2-ish podcast. In this little ep we welcome all of the new folks and reintroduce ourselves. Here's to 2023, new adventures, musical journeys, more TART Talks, ridiculous stories and so much more! Thanks for listening! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

Our last official ep of the year, finishing up 2022 and the Year of Pop! If you've been following along, you know we've been All Pop All Year and in this ep we recap all the we covered. Come play along one last time! (for Pop, anyway.) www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

The Garden Tarts (all 3 of us!) were in DC over the weekend with + guest Lauren. AND the U2s. We felt the awe that surrounds of the Kennedy Center Honors and saw Bono speak with Jon Meacham at the Washington National Cathedral. (What an epic venue!) We almost literally ran into Adam Clayton, got glimpses of all four lads at the Kennedy Center, was in the presence of the biggest celebrity we've ever seen, and met some amazing online fan friends IRL! And we mighta heard Bono talk about his buuk as well as recite AC/DC lyrics. We then promptly overserved ourselves too much tequila and then recorded this ep. This is a wild ride. And please don't call hotel security on us. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

It's been a busy month! We wrap up the news and speculations from the past few days, take some listener mail (here's lookin' at you, Chris, Misty and Carlene!), talk about our trip to DC and our plans for the future! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

In 1997 the new baby band, Third Eye Blind, had a chance to open for U2 on the PopMart Tour. Today we share our conversation with Arion Salazar, the original bass player for Third Eye Blind, on what it was like to play those opening slots, his experiences with U2 and how his fandom has grown. You don't want to miss this conversation. It's one for the books! Also, Arion answers the big questions like... what would he ask Bono over whiskey and cake? www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

The Garden Tarts are fresh back from the Bono-extravaganza in the Big Apple! We recap: opening night of the Buuk Tuur (also known as Stories of Surrender) wonder why no one is talking about the end of the main act shout out to all of our new (and old!) friends recap The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Bono. talk about bits NOT SHOWN on the Late Show OR extended version! (what's Bono's favorite and least favorite smell, for instance.) Oh, and we forgot some that we have since remembered. You'll have to tune in next week to find out those. the most epic weekend that wasn't a weekend at all! So much to tune in for! Listen and drop us a line. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

We've been teasing this content for almost the entire life of our little pod. Finally, on the 25th anniversary of the filming of the If God Will Send His Angels video shoot... we have our story to tell you! There are buses, cars, corn bread, prostitutes, staring contests, hugs, a motorcade and so much more. Don't miss this one! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

We are one week out from seeing Bono on his buuk tour in New York! Here's a quick ep, catching up on the Bono/U2 news of the day. www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

All the Bono Buuk Tuur news that’s fit to… well, we cover it all! PLUS, a special guest announcement! We’re SO excited!

Bono is in full Roy Kent mode. He's showing up everywhere and will continue to for the foreseeable future. We've got you covered on where he's BEAN, where he is and where he's going. (That we know of anyway!) And where WE'RE going! Book tour, baby! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

BOOK TOUR! BOOK TOUR! There's a book tour! Will we make it to a date? FINALLY! The Jann Wenner's answer to who's lying, Obama of Bono? And so much more. Take a listen and hope to see you on tour! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

We've got reports on all four band members (yes! even Larry!), updates on Bono's many appearances on both American coasts and our own musings, of course! We're sure there is more but this ep is late enough as it is. Time to hit publish... www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

This ep is definitely a journey! There's This Week in Pop History, news in the Bono-world and a so much talk about almost everything else. We play a new game called, "who's the liar?" Hallelujah? Sure. Van Halen? Sure. Genesis? Went there. Blossom? Why not! Yiddish lessons? Definitely. And not to forget a very pleased Alice from Wonderland. You're gonna have to hear it all to believe how it all goes together. Were drinks involved? Apparently not enough! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts

For the first time in Garden Tart history, we report on all four members of U2 and they aren't together! Tune in to find out what Bono, Adam, Larry and Edge have been up to. Plus, some musing about Kevin Bacon, the Dublin airport and a surprise fact about Pop that we didn't know! www.thegardentarts.com SUPPORT: www.patreon.com/thegardentarts AND www.buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts twitter: @the_gardentarts instagram: @the_gardentarts