U2 Fined by Spanish City, Shakira Next?

By: Kevin Hayes
Topics: Daily Blotter

U2 band members, from left, Adam Clayton, Bono, The Edge, and Larry Mullen Jr. in 2008. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

MADRID (CBS/AP) Barcelona city hall says the rock band U2 has paid a fine of approximately $22,000 for playing too late and too loud during rehearsals in the Spanish city last year.

It's unknown if they were rehearsing songs off of their 1997 album "Pop," which, frankly, would have meant they were just asking to be fined (it is not a good album).

A spokeswoman said the group was penalized for rehearsing at sound levels above those set by authorities, and for rehearsing until midnight - two hours over the scheduled time.

Oh, Barcelona (I've never been)! A beautiful city (probably), rich in history (I assume), where rock bands have to play softly and go to bed by 10 o'clock (apparently)!

The fine followed a complaint by residents near Barcelona football 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.