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U2 Fined $53,000 for Noise Pollution

BonoSome might argue U2's been responsible for noise pollution in the past, be it parts of 1997's 'Pop' or even this year's 'No Line on the Horizon.' But now the city of Dublin has made that notion official, taking its hometown heroes to task for breaching noise levels during their Croke Park concerts last July.

Concert promoters MCD were fined €36,000 (approximately $53,000) for Bono and the boys' offense, according to Ireland's Evening Herald. Dublin City Council levied the penalties against the firm for allowing U2 to exceed allowed noise limits on a number of occasions during the shows.

Ireland's biggest-ever musical act was reportedly responsible for 12 breaches over three nights of concerts, racking up €3000 for each violation. Still, considering the €20 million in profits the band and promoters made during the three stadium performances, some -- including the Irish Independent -- called the €36,000 fine "paltry."

In addition to the noise concerns, the shows were controversial and the subject of complaints by area residents who took exception to the continuous 44 hours it took to dismantle the stage. Pat Gates, the head of the Croke Park Area Residents Alliance, told the Herald that as a result of their frustrations with the event, area residents were "at the end of their tether" with the council and with Croke Park management.

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alschrod

Amen to fining them--and the charge couldn't be more descriptive! "Noise" is EXACTLY what U2 and many other groups have put out over the years. Remember, rock is entertainment more than anything else--"music" should be what you kick back, close your eyes and dream to, not what makes you shake your asses, wave your arms and sweat over.

November 14 2009 at 2:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply