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U2 guitarist defends huge stage
UPI ^ | Aug. 15, 2009

Posted on 08/16/2009 3:21:44 AM PDT by beaversmom

LONDON, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- The Edge, a guitarist with the Irish rock group U2, said the huge stage the band plays on during its world tour is for the fans.

The stage has attracted brickbats, both because of its cost and the cost financially and environmentally of moving it around the world, the BBC reports. David Byrne of Talking Heads estimated on his blog that 200 tractor-trailers are required to move the pieces around Europe.

"It could be professional envy speaking here, but it sure looks like, well, overkill, and just a wee bit out of balance given all the starving people in Africa and all," Byrne said.

The stage's three pieces, built at a cost of 15 to 20 million pounds ($25 million to $33 million) each, provide unobstructed sightlines for fans, no matter how large and packed the venue.

"We're spending the money on our fans. I don't think there's a better thing you could spend it on," The Edge told the BBC in a backstage interview Friday before a concert at Wembley Stadium in London.

U2 is on its "360-Degree" tour that will take the band round the world. The Edge said any touring group will have a "carbon footprint."


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To: beaversmom

1) Who cares? It’s their stage, their money, etc.

2) How can people listen to such bland, boring dreck anyway?


21 posted on 08/16/2009 9:03:31 AM PDT by VoiceOfBruck (Always be a good boy, don't ever play with guns)
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To: AUH2O Repub; June K.
It’s harder for aging rockers to fall off of large stages.

Like this one?:

Townshend falls off stage, Royal Albert Hall 2002

22 posted on 08/16/2009 1:32:33 PM PDT by Mr_Moonlight
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To: Mr_Moonlight

:)

At least he kept his COOL!

Thanks, MM, for sharing that!

June K.


23 posted on 08/16/2009 2:06:04 PM PDT by June K.
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To: beaversmom
just a wee bit out of balance given all the starving people in Africa and all,"

says oddball Byrne from his 10 million dollar apartment on Manhattan's posh but cool upper west side or from his estate near Brewster.

i know he has a kid but I bet he's gay

24 posted on 08/16/2009 2:13:27 PM PDT by wardaddy (Aint it hard when you discover that He really wasnt where its at ....Bro.)
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To: June K.

He even let the audience guy strum a few notes :)


25 posted on 08/16/2009 2:17:33 PM PDT by Mr_Moonlight
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To: Mr_Moonlight

MM,

Yes-I noticed that! :)

Wish that had been ME ... strumming Pete’s guitar, I mean, not falling off a stage! :)

I only have seen ‘The Who’ one time! :(

Junie K.


26 posted on 08/16/2009 3:06:52 PM PDT by June K.
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