U2 fined after their 360 degree concert in Barcelona

It looks like the Irish superstars of U2 are being fined by Barcelona’s City Hall for being too noisy. Call me old fashioned but isn’t that what a rock concert is all about? Bono and the boys were able to organise a video conference at their first gig to the International Space Station as part of their launch of their 360º World Tour which kicked off in Barcelona last week but have fallen foul of Barcelona City Hall’s greedy councillors. It is also reported that U2 also held rehearsals without permission from the City Hall.

Local newspaper El Punt have reported that Barcelona City Hall is to fine the band because their concert was too loud, above the 70 decibel limit, and also for holding a practice session without permission at the FC Barcelona stadium until midnight, when 10pm is the limit. The size of the fine has not been disclosed.

This harsh measure which can only be described as greedy as well as stupid comes despite U2 leader Bono thanking local residents for their patience in putting up with the noise from rehearsals, at the start of the first concert.

I was actually at the second Barcelona concert and it was probably one of the best I had seen in a while. The stage and light shows were really impressive. The last time I saw something like this for quality and value for money was at Knebworth in the UK for Queen's Magic Tour. Also, what was said about the taxi drivers ripping people off and the metro was completely true, too.

I can't believe the City Hall has the audacity to fine a group like U2. I mean, they gladly take their money and 90,000 people were at the concert eating and drinking and if you add that to the cost of the ticket we are talking around 80 - 90 euros per person. Greedy I think is the best word to describe Barcelona council.