David Byrne Points Out the Irony of U2's World Tour

July 29, 2009 3:56 p.m. by Rachel Brodsky

Celebrity journals can often be a catalyst for controversy, but some just want a chance to gripe a little like the rest of us. In former Talking Head David Byrne's case, the gripe had to do with Bono & Co, otherwise known as the Irish powerhouse rock band we know and love (?) as U2. Turns out that Byrne feels a tad PO'd at U2's blatant lack of frugality, calling their world tour "overkill." Byrne then called U2 out on spending over 40 million dollars on the production for the tour, when there are "starving people in Africa and all." And wait...didn't Time Magazine once ask "Can Bono Save the World?" Just wait till the tour is over, Dave.

Byrne then went on to say (while admitting the possibility of his professional envy): "Maybe it’s the fact that we were booted off our Letterman spot so U2 could keep their exclusive week-long run that’s making me less than charitable? Take your pick — but thanks, guys!" [Daily Swarm via David Byrne Journal]

4 Responses

July 29, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.

margaritaland

I love you David Byrne.

July 29, 2009 at 7:17 p.m.

Jamie

Perhaps we should consider that U2 is a rock band first...one that certainly helps out world causes, however the are a rock band first. Music and tours are their primary business...humanitarians...second. I agree David Byrne has a point on the amounts involved...but it's their money and their risk...throw your anger at the governments of the world David Byrne, let a band have their say, their way

July 30, 2009 at 1:35 a.m.

Amir Fulan

David Byrne didn't complain during the U2's POP tour which if you remember was also huge... U2 were singing part of his song during the Discothèque(life during the wartime) and introducing Talking Heads to the younger audince....
I love work of David Byrne but...c'mon...
It's so popular to sppit on U2 whatever they do...charity or having fun with huge stage...nothing is good...C'MON folks,relax...
Also people are forgetting that U2 is not Red Cross that U2 is Rn'R band...

July 31, 2009 at 12:37 a.m.

Suzy4u2

It's like rain on you wedding day, a free ride that you just didn't take. But wait there are no free rides. U2 has worked for every accolade they've ever gotten. They still get trashed and written off and just keep coming back. Maybe you should try a little harder, David.
Sounds like sour grapes to me. He's not the first and definitely not the last to throw crap at U2 - that's what happens when you have become the biggest band ever. Get over it and move on.