U2 Face Tour Fine

03 July 2009

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Irish rockers U2 are facing a hefty fine for breaching noise regulations during rehearsals in Spain for their world tour.

The band kicked off their global trek in Barcelona on Tuesday, but spent days rehearsing there beforehand.

A city resident complained about the excessive noise after the rockers played longer than agreed by local officials.

Bono and his bandmates were allowed to practice until 10pm at the Camp Nou stadium - but on one occasion they rehearsed until midnight, according to a local newspaper.

They face a fine of 15,000 Euros ($21,000/£12,800) under noise pollution laws. Local businessman Alfons Huescar says, "While business outlets cash in on fans flooding in, residents can't even open their windows at home."

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