Barcelona authorities fine rock band U2 for noise, study sanction for Shakira

Barcelona fines rock band U2

MADRID — Barcelona city hall says rock band U2 has paid a fine of euro18,000 ($22,000) for playing too long and too loudly during rehearsals in the Spanish city last year.

A spokeswoman said the Irish group was penalized for rehearsing until midnight— two hours over the scheduled time— and at sound levels above those set by authorities prior to a concert in Barcelona in June 2009.

The fine followed a complaint by residents near Barcelona soccer club’s Camp Nou stadium, where the concert was staged.

The spokeswoman said the city was now studying fining Colombian singer Shakira for recording a video in the city without a permit, dancing in a fountain and riding a motorbike without a helmet.

The official was speaking on condition of anonymity in keeping with city hall policy.