U2 could be fined for noise

BARCELONA authorities might fine U2 for rocking too long and loudly during rehearsals for their latest world tour, the city council said yesterday.

However, the city said it is proud to host the beginning of the Irish band's world tour.

It said that one of its districts had received a formal complaint from residents about the band playing after permitted hours and making too much noise. The council said that it had given the band permission to rehearse until 10pm, limiting the amount of sound they could make.

However, local media said the band had rehearsed until midnight at sound levels measured at 70 decibels – the equivalent noise of a vacuum cleaner at one meter.