U2 are too loud for Spain

By Wendy Williams

IRISH rock band U2 have been fined 18,000 euros for making too much noise during rehearsals for the start of their current 360 Degree world tour.

Following numerous complaints from angry residents, city chiefs in Barcelona ruled that the band had exceeded noise limits.

And according to a statement issued by local authorities the band were fined for: “Rehearsing until midnight, two hours over the scheduled time, and at sound levels above those set by authorities.”

The group was practicing in Barcelona FC’s Camp Nou stadium in the days leading up to their concerts on 30 June and 2 July last year when the complaints were made.

This is not the first time that U2 have received a slap on the wrist for pumping up the volume.

They also received a hefty 36,000 euro fine for making too much of a racket in Croke Park in their home town of Dublin last year.

But in spite of the penalties incurred, U2 are set to return to Spain next month.

However the planned concert in Sevilla has been pushed back a day due to a nationwide strike over the government’s proposed labour reform.

Anyone travelling to Sevilla to see U2 should now go on the following day, 30 September.

Details of the strike have not yet been confirmed but it is likely to have an impact on public sector staff, affecting public transport and security services.