U2 noise complaints in Barcelona

U2 might be fined by authorities in Barcelona for causing too much noise during rehearsals for their world tour, which kicked off on Tuesday night (June 30th) in the Spanish city. According to the Associated Press, the city council received a formal complaint from residents in the district near where the group was rehearsing, alleging that the band was playing after permitted hours and making noise. The group had been allowed to practice until 10:00 p.m., but a local newspaper claimed that the sessions had gone until midnight.

While city officials insisted that they were proud to host the band, a statement from the District of Les Corts said that it had "acted administratively in the face of a possible failure to comply with time and noise creation regulations."

Officials did not say how much the band could be fined, although the El Mundo newspaper said a fine could reach as much as $21,000 in U.S. dollars.

Local businessman Alfons Huescar said about the rehearsals, "While business outlets cash in on fans flooding in, residents can't even open their windows at home."

The crowd of 90,000 at Tuesday's tour opener was treated to the debut of the group's massive new stage, called "The Claw," as well as a 21-song set that featured a number of new tracks, several hits plus a few rarely played cuts. The band also paid tribute to the late Michael Jackson.