U2 is currently in the midst of their 360 Tour — and the band’s custom-built set giving fans an unobtrusive view of the rockers has been critiqued for its lavish cost. Called the “claw”, the three steel structures cost an estimated $32 million each; something many believe goes against the group’s humanitarian platform. Even Talking Heads frontman David Byrne was not impressed. Writing on his blog, he said, “$40 million to build the stage and, having done the math, we estimate 200 semi trucks crisscrossing Europe for the duration. 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.”

In response, U2′s The Edge said: “We’re spending the money on our fans, I don’t think there’s a better thing you could spend it on.” Um, really? Nothing?

“I think anybody that’s touring is going to have a carbon footprint,” he added. “I think it’s probably unfair to single out rock ‘n’ roll. There’s many other things that are in the same category but as it happens we have a programme to offset whatever carbon footprint we have.”

Alright, so at very least U2 is offsetting their tour — something that should be an option of last resort when “greening” an event. Regarding the trucking option, it appears that they looked into it — but just couldn’t find any greener options. “I think that’s probably about as realistic as you can be right now,” continued The Edge “We’d love to have some alternative to big trucks bringing the stuff around but there just isn’t one.”

via BBC

Categories: Music
Tags: david byrne.

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

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