History
ZOO2, a U2 Tribute, started in late 2002 when Brian started the hunt for a new musical project after Not for You, a Pearl Jam tribute band dissolved. Brian and Mike had worked together briefly back in 1999, and when Brian called Mike regarding a U2 tribute Mike said "Girls like U2, yes I'm in". Mike and Rich had worked together in several music projects since the late 1990's and when Mike called Rich he said "I Like Girls and Girls Like U2, I'm in". Brian had a singer from the Pearl Jam tribute and ZOO2 was off and running.
The Pearl Jam singer left to pursue other interests in early 2003, which put the brakes on ZOO2 for a month or so while we auditioned some other singers. We decided to work with Joe and we were back working on the sound and show of U2.
Paul Wilcox came onboard in early 2004 to help fill in the sound. U2 uses musicians under the stage and sequences when they play live. Paul brings a great talent to ZOO2, moving the live sound quality of ZOO2 to a place between all the other U2 tributes and U2.
ZOO2 unraveled in June of 2005, Rich moved on with another U2 Tribute and we coerced Dale Brainard into picking up the drum duties for ZOO2.
2008 found ZOO2 with an opportunity to move ahead with a new singer - Mike Gonzalez. We're excited about the talent Mike brings to the band. We wish our previous singer all the best.
The Journey continues...
Brian
The Edge
Name: a.k.a. Brian Lawson
Instrument: Guitar, Piano, Vocals
Job: Scientist
Favorite U2 Concert: Clemson, South Carolina, 1997
Favorite U2 Album: Achtung Baby
Other Interests: Biking, Traveling,
Brian has been playing guitar for over 15 years and has experience in various original and cover bands including a recent San Diego based Pearl Jam tribute band (Not For You). The Edge has always been a major influence on Brian’s sound and playing style and he loves acting the part of "The Edge" which includes costumes and authentic sounds. Brian has recently moved to the area from South Carolina where he attended graduate school at Clemson University.
Mike
Adam Clayton
Name: Mike Wheelock
Instrument: Bass, Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals
Job: Software Engineer
Favorite U2 Concert: Boston, Elevation tour
Favorite U2 Album: Joshua Tree
Other Interests: Biking, Beach Volleyball, Bikinis
Mike has been playing bass for 20+ years, leaning towards progressive Rock as an influence. Mike has recent experience in cover bands including Omega, RockDogz, and Riptide.
Love the weather - hate the traffic.
Dale
Larry Mullen Jr.
Name : Dale Brainard
Instrument: Drums
Job : President/Owner of Precision Bellows Mfg.
Favorite U2 concert : Elevation San Diego - Vertigo San Diego
Favorite U2 Album : All of them
Other Interests : Traveling, Vintage Fender Bass collecting, Coaching Softball with his two Daughters, biking and hiking
Dale started playing drums at age 13 and quit playing at age 21. That was 1981! He started playing again in 2002 and has made playing his number one hobby. "It was like I never stopped playing for 20 years, I always knew I would get back into it someday" His goal was to be in a U2 Trubute Band. Prior to joining ZOO2, Dale played drums for "11 Oclock Tick Tock" an early U2 Tribute Band. He enjoys the challenges and friendships he has with his bandmates in creating a truly 1st rate U2 Tribute Band.
Paul
Daniel Lanois, Dallas Schoo, Brian Eno, etc
Name : Paul Wilcox
Instrument: Percussion, Keyboards, Guitars
Job : Engineer
Favorite U2 concert : My first, Vertigo San Diego
Favorite U2 Album : Joshua Tree
Other Interests : Audio recording, technical theater, rock climbing, biking, cats, sleep
Paul started to learn piano in the 6th grade. By high school he needed an elective class to fill his schedule, and playing mallet percussion in the winter drum line was a good choice based on his knowledge of the piano. He enjoyed learning more percussion instruments throughout college, and even played drum set in the jazz band for one semeseter. College at UCLA was made most exciting by playing in the marching band for four years (cymbals, tenor drums/quints). A great roommate taught him basic guitar skills. Paul is happy to know so many instruments, but sometimes he wishes he could choose just one and try to become an expert.