Fighting Words from Bono

U2 Frontman Boasts Band Draws Bigger Crowds at Giant Stadium than Bruce Springsteen

(CBS)  Listen up, Bruce Springsteen! Bono is saying U2 draws a bigger crowd to Giants Stadium than you and your E Street Band.

U2 frontman Bono, who gave a shout-out to rocker Springsteen on Springsteen's 60th birthday Wednesday, followed it up Thursday with a boast that is bound to draw the Boss' ire.

At the end of the band's second of two sold-out shows at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Bono told the audience, "We have set a record here tonight."

Photos: Bruce Springsteen
Photos: Bono

"Not even the Pope," he said, repeating those four words for emphasis, packed more people into the soon-to-be-replaced stadium. Then he concluded, "Sorry, Bruce Springsteen."

His native state of New Jersey figures prominently in his music of Springsteen, who grew up in the shorefront community of Asbury Park. He and his E Street band begin and end so many of their tours in the stadium that it is practically considered a hometown gig. Springtseen's shows at the Meadowlands typically sell out in minutes.

During Wednesday night's more than two-hour show, Bono offered birthday wishes to Springsteen and changed the words to "He's the one" during the chorus of "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." He urged the fans to sing along to celebrate the birthday.

On Thursday night, Bono gave an onstage welcome to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in the audience after his helicopter caused a stir at the stadium.

Both U2 and Springsteen will perform next month at New York's Madison Square Garden in the concert marking the 25th anniversary of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. However, they will be playing on different days of the two-night concert.

[SHEETPAN]

I don't care to see either of them. The Ticket prices are ridiculous. As is thier self important Self-righteousness.

[4thought]

They are both fabulous! Why choose?

[tiredofthebs]

I agree with Sandra4677. U2 has been around for ages. I still listen to the Joshua Tree and still watch Rattle & Hum. They are a phenomenal talent.

[presjfk]

I have seen U2 countless times over 25 years. They're great. I went to one Springsteen show in 1983 and it sucked. Sorry Bruce.

[Carvin82604]

If I got free tickets to both of they're shows, Id find something better to do.

[4thought]

Seriously, what, I'd like to know? Thanks.

[canislupus16]

Love both U2 and Springsteen - I'm sure Bono was kidding around. And hey, both these guys are stand-up good guys, unlike a lot of today's punk "celebrities" in sports, entertainment, etc.

Anyway, funny how life changes - or I get older. I first saw Bruce, before he was.... THE BOSS, in his early days; not THE early days of NJ but maybe what you'd call the pre break-out days.

After "Born to Run" and about the time of "Darkness on the Edge of Town" I figured, whether he makes it or not, he is good. He happened to have a gig in the Syracuse War Memorial, I think capacity was around 8,000 - and he didn't sell it out! Imagine that today. My buddy and I were sitting about close enough to spit on the stage, and what a show. Twenty minutes into it, we knew he and E Street were special.

A few short years later, I'm still living in Syracuse. Well, Bruce had another gig in town, but I missed out on getting tickets for some reason. But I listened to the concert anyway, live -- from my living room, which was about 15 blocks from the concert venue; this time, the sold-out Carrier Dome.

[eferrell2]

That's not saying much - I would not pay to see either one!

[jxknowles]

Must be a Wayne Newton fan!

[PMcMScot]

Nice try, Bono. :) The only reason you sold more seats than Bruce at GS this time is because that cool claw stage you're using on this tour allowed tickets to be sold for the whole stadium. Bruce's end stage set up means he can't sell tix in the section behind the stage. :)

[casionova]

Make Bono History!

[incog-nito]

Springsteen draws an older crowd because, hey, he's older now. But as far as tatent goes, Sony Bono is no Bruce Springsteen.

[Sandra4677]

It's BONO - not Sonny Bono you twit. U2 has been around nearly 30 years so they are well established and talented. If Joshua Tree had been released this year, it would still be just as amazing and accepted. Their music is TIMELESS. I love the Boss, but why attack Bono for what he said. I am sure it was just sarcasm & Bruce probably laughed about it.Don't make more of it that it was. A fact is a fact - U2 sells out more shows than Bruce. Plain & simple fact. No one can aruge w/ that.

[pubsrtoast]

I would rather see Bruce and the E Street band anytime.