U2 set to announce '360' world tour

U2360 - that's the name U2 have given their world tour, which will see the band playing stadiums around the world. It's set to begin 30 June in Barcelona, Spain.

The shows, which according to Billboard are to be announced on Monday (9 March), will have U2 playing in the center of stadiums and will feature a giant cylindrical video screen.

"This is going to be completely different," says The Edge, "and that's what makes it exciting. It's hard to come up with something that's fundamentally different, but we have. Where we're taking our production will never have been seen before by anybody, and that's an amazing thing to be able to say. For a band like U2 that really thrive on breaking new ground, it's a real thrill."

Bigger audiences, lower prices

With the band playing in a 360 configuration, it is estimated that the capacity for each venue can be increased by 15%-20%, depending on the layout of the stadium.

This should enable U2 to keep ticket prices down, with seats generally in the $30-$55 range. (Of course, there will be premium seating available, at premium prices too, said to be in the neighborhood of $90- $250.)

The plan for the tour is to begin in Europe, head to the US in September, with a total of 40-45 shows this year. Additional stadium shows will be scheduled in America for June and July of 2010, then August and September in Europe. The tour could wrap up in South America in the fall of 2010.

Tickets will go on sale in Europe in mid-March, and in the US in late March/early April.

And if you still haven't heard U2's new album No Line On The Horizon, check out our track-by-track review and blog - they'll tell you all you need to know.