Filmmaker Miraculously Cuts to the U2 Chase

Talk about overcoming your fear in the biggest possible way.

If all goes according to plan, and there's no indication that it won't, Vancouver filmmaker Patrick Stark will at some point during tonight's U2 Innocence + Experience second tour kickoff performance take to the Rogers Arena stage with the band's permission and sing along briefly. Not bad for a guy who has said his biggest fear in life is singing in front of a crowd.

Exactly for how long, and in what fashion, is still TBD (although from what we know of Bono, it's going to be memorable). But in the interest of a no-spoilers approach vis-a-vis Stark's upcoming documentary One Life No Regrets, the specifics shall not to be subsequently revealed here.



As anyone who has pursued a date with Drew Barrymore or a singing spot with Bono knows, the hardest part is gaining proper access to the talent to put in the request. That's where Stark's six-year filming process and thwarted attempts to get in touch with his target band gets even sweeter.

Last Saturday, the 47-year-old Stark got a Facebook message from a friend, notifying him that the members of U2 were chowing at Vancouver's Chambar restaurant. From Stephanie Ip's report in the Vancouver Province:

When he arrived, Stark was directed toward the band at the back of the restaurant. There was no fanfare or apparent security. "So I just started walking toward the back of the restaurant," he said. "It was nerve-racking because I thought I’d get cut off at the pass and kicked out. I thought, 'This is it. There’s no going back now. I’m going to give my best pitch and at least I’ll know.'"

Stark soon found himself standing at the head of a table, face-to-face with Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. "Immediately, Bono was very kind... and he stood up and shook my hand," said Stark, who then launched into an explanation of his project. "I said [former U2 producers] Steve Lillywhite was in the movie and so was Daniel Lanois - and that’s when they were really listening."

Stark popped the big documentary question and got a "sure" from Bono, who then suggested Friday night. The filmmaker told Ip that he has put in the equivalent of $500,000 in goods, services and cash into his long-gestating project.

Tonight's culmination: priceless.

Update (May 21):
Unfortunately, because of the sudden death of B.B. King and U2's desire to pay tribute, Stark did not get to go up on stage as planned.

[One Life No Regrets Facebook page]