Fighting Words from Bono

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.
By MARY JAYNE McKAY