As we moved from being outside contenders to most likely to succeed, you could feel people getting around you. Between RTE, Hot Press and pirate radio there was a lot of support. Dave Fanning was important, he was the leading rock DJ on the pirate station Radio Dublin and was always on the lookout for Irish bands to play. He would do interviews and publicize gigs. Even equipment companies became more helpful, because you would be looking for favours and cutting good deals so that you could get things done. Record companies were coming to see us but it was nerve-racking because there was always a hitch.

1. Does it mean that at first no one paid attention to them, they were not important to anyone, but as soon as they achieved some success or at least had a chance to achieve one, people started to gather around them?

2. Does "equipment companies" mean companies manufacturing music equipment like guitars etc.?

Actually I don't understand this sentence. What does it mean "You would be looking for favours"? Who would be looking for favours, U2 or equipment companies?

Maybe it means: We were looking for good chances to strike up a business with anyone just to move forward somehow??

cheers