bloggedy blog: the personal weblog of a music lover and aging punk wannabe

:: Tuesday, May 24, 2005 ::

More U2 news than I can link to in a single headline
It's looking like 2005 is shaping up to be a good year for U2, despite a mediocre release (mediocre by U2 standards, anyway, which would be outstanding for lesser lights). USA Today reports the Biggest Band on Earth will rake in $300 million from its live performances by year's end.

People just can't get enough of U2. Quoth USA Today: "The demand has been overwhelming and far exceeded supply," says Arthur Fogel, president of The Next Adventure, the tour's promoters. "We tried to hit as many regions as possible, but there's no question we underplayed a good many markets. The speed of the sales has been awesome. We have sold every ticket to all 110 shows (32 in stadiums), a phenomenal achievement."

But here's the kicker: "The intense clamor for U2 tickets has brokers charging upward of $4,000 per seat. Scalpers are reaping stratospheric profits, to the band's dismay."

$4,000 a ticket! Wha-wha-wha? I think I may have paid like ten bucks to see U2 back in 1982 in Kansas City, the first and only time I saw the band in concert.

Meanwhile, U2 is taking advantage of this bully pulpit, preaching their message -- or messages -- on every stop.
There were pleas for debt relief, a request to text message the One group (an anti-poverty organization), a proclamation that Christians, Jews and Muslims are all children of Abraham, a dedication to the men and women of the U.S. military, a lesson on the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a request to keep religion out of medical research.
Bono "also addressed world leaders, including President Bush and British Prime Minster Tony Blair. 'You lead and we'll follow,' said Bono. 'We're not asking for the moon; we want to bring mankind back to Earth.'" (Link via Thunderstruck.)

Meanwhile, RockRebel shares a spiritual side of Bono through an "exclusive". To wit:
I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to be finally be my judge....It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity...

:: Andrew 06:40 + ::
...

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