Couple tie knot, see U2, meet Bono
U2 played a significant role in a dream wedding last week.
U2 fans Mathew Norton and Melissa Pruitt met in 2000 outside a theater where U2 was performing a promotional show.
They couldn't get in, but it wouldn't be the last time they saw each other. They kept in touch, and when Pruitt moved from North Carolina to California, Norton, a New Yorker, followed her.
During U2's final stop on the 2006 "Vertigo" tour in Honolulu's Aloha Stadium, Norton was poised for the perfect moment as U2 launched into "All I Need Is You." When Bono sang the line, "diamonds and a ring of gold," Norton presented the engagement ring.
They came to Las Vegas last week to see U2, of course, and to get married.
During their wedding Wednesday at Caesars Palace, they incorporated some Celtic tradition into the ceremony, specifically "handfasting," where the bride's and groom's wrists are, literally, tied together (thus, the expression, "tying the knot"). They also followed the traditional Jewish tradition and broke a wine glass.
When U2's limo arrived at Sam Boyd Stadium on Friday, the newlyweds were there, hoping they'd get a chance to personally greet the Irish rockers.
It worked out.
Bono, after talking at length with them, turned to his bodyguard and said, "Get them some champagne," according to Las Vegas publicist Ellen Sterling, who witnessed it.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
From NBC weatherguy Al Roker's Twitter feed Saturday: "Why is Las Vegas exempt from the same smoking laws the rest of the country enjoys? Here 24 hrs and I have a headache and my clothes reek." He's in town for the AARP convention.
Deal of the Day
Pole Position Raceway is offering $9.95 races (normally $25) this Monday and Tuesday and on Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to midnight. Mention "Norm."
SIGHTINGS
At the U2/Black Eyed Peas concert: Former President Bill Clinton and Chelsea with Rory Reid and his wife, Cindy, in a suite with actress Jessica Alba, her husband, Cash Warren, and other dignitaries. Also at the event: two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn, Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhardt and IRL star Tony Kanaan. Earlier, the former president played golf at Bali Hai with guitarist The Edge of U2. ... "Saturday Night Live" stars Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte, with actress Lake Bell at Koi (Planet Hollywood Resort) before going to Sam Boyd Stadium. ... Fashion designer Betsey Johnson, enjoying champagne and dancing in the aisle at the 7 p.m. performance of "Love" (The Mirage) on Friday. ... Rocker Eddie Van Halen, backstage after the 7 p.m. show of "Criss Angel Believe" (Luxor) on Friday. ... Meghan McCain, celebrating her 25th birthday with pals at Rain nightclub (Palms) on Friday. Also there: Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and the Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am as guest DJ. ... Comedian Carlos Mencia, celebrating his 42nd birthday on Friday night by joining Steel Panther at Green Valley Ranch onstage and singing "La Bamba" and Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" with the band. ... LeAnn Rimes, having breakfast solo at Society Cafe (Encore) on Friday. ... "Dancing With The Stars" professional dancer Kym Johnson, visiting Wayne Newton after his show Thursday (Tropicana) . ... Penn Jillette, singing "I am the Walrus" with the Lon Bronson Band on Thursday night at the Ovation showroom (Green Valley Ranch). It was an exact re-creation of the Beatles classic, including a live string section that included members of Cheap Trick's "Sgt. Pepper" orchestra.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Here's the latest from the Pentagon: The generals are worried that the White House is spreading itself thin by trying to fight a war on two fronts; Afghanistan and Fox News." -- Jay Leno
Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
