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U2 Defend Cost and Carbon Footprint of Stadium Tour
- Posted on Aug 17th 2009 10:00AM by John D. Luerssen
Well, it was only a matter of time. U2 guitarist the Edge has defended the cost of U2's ongoing world tour after it was the subject of recent criticism by the likes of one-time Talking Heads frontman David Byrne. Byrne blogged that the group's 360° trek was "excessive" considering U2's stance on world hunger, but he isn't the only one protesting. Residents in proximity to Dublin's Croke Park balked at the band's homecoming gigs last month, which necessitated nearly 100 trucks traveling through the narrow lanes around the venue, believing they were unnecessary."We're spending the money on our fans," the band's guitarist told BBC 6 Music. "I don't think there's a better thing you could spend it on. I think anybody that's touring is going to have a carbon footprint. I think it's probably unfair to single out rock 'n' roll. There's many other things that are in the same category but as it happens we have a program to offset whatever carbon footprint we have."
As for the disruptions in Dublin, the Edge said, "I think that's probably about as realistic as you can be right now. We'd love to have some alternative to big trucks bringing the stuff around but there just isn't one."
U2's massive tour, which boasts the largest stage ever built, through Europe wraps on Aug. 22 at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and gets underway stateside at Chicago 's Soldier Field on Sept. 12.
- Filed under: Concerts and Tours, News
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Add a Comment
Hogjil
did you see th launch of this program for U2 fans in refeence to their carbon footprint?
http://offsetoptions.cloudapp.net/u2-360/
Ken
Get your history straight. The US's "We are the World" was a copycat response to Britain's Band Aid group performing "Do they know it's Christmas", which was the brainchild of Bob Geldorf from the Boomtown Rats. This song came out in Nov 1984, and was a smash hit. It still remains the 2nd best selling single in UK history. The US artists did their song in Jan 1985. Then, Live Aid 1985 was held in the summer of 1985. The London concert ended with all the musicians singing "Do they know it's Christmas". The Philadelphia concert ended with all the musicians singing "We are the World". During Bob Dylan's performance, he muttered that perhaps some of the money raised during the event should go to farmers to help them pay their mortgages. That comment incensed Bob Geldorf, who thought famine in Africa was more important than US farmers who were in debt to the bank. But it was Dylan's comment that spawned Farm Aid. Personally, I think the Brit's song is much better, and a very young Bono sings a key line at the 1:21 mark "Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jEnTSQStGE
Louise
I've seen U2 band many times… They have captivated millions of fans worldwide. Last time I got my U2 tickets for their last concert but before I compare prices for free via this
http://www.ticketwood.com/u2/
The band was up for it from the start...waited along time to catch & It was really a great concert.
Alphadog
U2 are real rock n rollers and decent artist too.But like the saying goes don't mix business with pleasure.I'm not to fond of Bonos political agenda it's a bit hypocritical .Music is not enough his like M---F Hitler world domination.
Besides US Yanks started the movement with We are world
and Farm aid it's nothing we haven't seen before.He sings today while poor African children die of Hunger or Aids.Do to the lack of money or care like Jews in a death camp !
PAOLO, LONDON
There is no proof that CO2 emission correlates to global warming. There is no proof global warming is not part of a natural cycle. All is based in mathematical models, and not on reality, mathematical models are empiric and may be flawed.
Let U2 play their music, and let the politicians find another way to show us they are saving us!
D. Stankey
U2 have done more for World Poverty, Human Rights and
debt relief than the G8 Leaders combined.
One would need to see the show to realize the impact
and messages sent to the world about hope, love, peace,
liberty and freedom.
Has David Byrne forgotten the extravagance of the
"Stop Making Sense" Tour ??
Brian Wm. Burnett
1 reply to Brian Wm. Burnett's comment
Pretentious "rock stars" defending their excesses in touring. It's all about the ego stroke, not doing anything about poverty or global warming.
I will NOT be going to see these hypocrits play anyplace , ever.
John McBain
24 shows in Europe and 1.7 million fans! I guess they all walked to the shows! Rock on U2, "I WILL FOLLOW" no matter how much of a footprint I leave!
September 11 2009 at 2:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
donkeybreath
"We'd love to have some alternative to big trucks bringing the stuff around but there just isn't one."
Yes there is...less stuff!!
leo
Bob dylan goes up there with just a backing band for part of a show, and himself, a guitar and a harmonica for the rest. He doesn't need gimmicks. End poverty. Give the edge a banjo.
August 17 2009 at 3:11 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
blond8fly
I'm going to have to side with Byrne on this one...U2 often seems very self-righteous and to me, purchasing carbon offsets is the murkiest and perhaps laziest way to get in Mother Earth's good books. Try harder, dudes.
August 17 2009 at 10:30 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
11 Comments