DIE BURGER
Saturday 14 March 1998
U2 set to rock the Cape
CAPE TOWN. - World-renowned Irish pop group U2 is
here to rock the Cape. This promise was made by lead
singer Bono to a handful of media representatives after the
group's arrival at Cape Town International airport
yesterday morning.
The group kept its arrival low-key. Only about a hundred
fans rooted out the news that their heroes would land at
9am. Bono, wearing a hooded black shirt and red
sunglasses, went out to meet the waiting fans after a short
photo session with the media.
One enthusiastic U2 supporter nearly fainted when Bono
shook his hand and gave him a hug. Bono repeatedly said
how excited he was to be in this country of "rebirth". He
expressed his admiration for former archbishop Dr
Desmond Tutu, and said the group would dearly like to
meet President Nelson Mandela.
Adam Clayton, who celebrated his 38th birthday
yesterday, was ecstatic about Cape Town. He said it was
unbelievable to be celebrating his birthday in one of the
most beautiful cities in the world.
Water Affairs and Forestry Minister Kader Asmal and
the Irish ambassador to South Africa, Mr E Otuathail,
welcomed the group at the airport. Asmal became friendly
with the members of U2 when he lived in Ireland.
The PopMart world tour started in April last year in Las
Vegas, with U2 scheduled to appear in a total of 62 cities.
The PopMart stage set includes one of the world's largest
video screens, a golden arch of more than 33 m, a 12 m
high mirror-ball and an illuminated olive on a 33 m high
toothpick.
The group was formed 20 years ago when the members
were still pupils at the Mount Temple school in Dublin.
They started out playing in pubs in Dublin. Today U2 is one
of the world's biggest pop attractions with hit albums such
as "The Joshua Tree", "Rattle and Hum" and "Zooropa"
behind them.
The U2 PopMart concert starts day after tomorrow at
Greenpoint Stadium, including Just Jinger on the bill as
support band. According to the organisers, there are still
tickets available for the concert through Computicket. -
(Karin Cronji)
) 1997 DIE BURGER
webred@burger.naspers.co.za