The mysterious ways of U2 fans

Emma Liley and Karl McKnight never knew each other two days ago but they have lots in common - including a love of U2 and number plates to match.

They both have green cars, two children, are definitely U2 crazy, were part of U2 clubs while at Waikato University and are heading to Auckland as two of the biggest fans the Irish group have in New Zealand.

Mrs Liley has U2BONO, which she was given as a 21st present from her family, on her Mazda Capella.

A weird coincidence, considering Mr McKnight received a call many years ago from someone wanting to buy his $325 plates for $2000 as a 21st present.

"While everyone has a price I wasn't ready to sell them," he said.

Mr McKnight has had BONO on his cars since personalised plates were around and is taking them to Auckland tonight in the hope U2 will sign them.

"That would be awesome," he said.

His wife Janette has them on her Honda Orthia now he has another personalised plate - KARLOS.

Friends catching a glimpse of the plates around town were often confused, Mrs Liley said.

"I'm always getting calls from people saying they saw me and I wasn't even there," she said.

With Mr McKnight's children attending the school where Mrs Liley's husband Matthew teaches, the cars have often crossed paths.

The sound of U2 appeals to both fans for different reasons.

Mrs Liley said they "capture the moment" while Mr McKnight said "it was easy listening music" most people enjoyed. While studying at Waikato University, his mates nicknamed him Bono.Mrs Liley wrote for a U2 fan club while attending the same university and "bumped" into band members in Christchurch in 1993 and again at Wembley Stadium in London, outside the Savoy Hotel and again in Dublin during 1997.

"It was amazing to meet them. I'm buzzing about going," she said.

She is hoping the hear the band play One Tree Hill during the Auckland performances.

Mr McKnight is hoping to hear them play Bad.

"I wouldn't have missed this for the world.

"I would have paid any price to get the tickets on Trade Me if I hadn't been able to get any."

U2 play Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium tonight and tomorrow night.