A sort of homewrecking

The future of U2's Hanover Quay studio will be decided in April when town-planning authority An Bord Pleanala rule on whether the site should be the subject of a compulsory purchase order.

At a public hearing yesterday (Thursday January 31st), the band submitted a nine-page objection to the Docklands Development Authority proposals, which would see the studio being demolished to make way for a €2 million leisure complex.

"My client's structure must be maintained," insisted U2's counsel, Garrett Simons. "It serves as a landmark and will continue to do so."

Echoing those sentiments, Paul McGuinness' business partner, Trevor Bowen, added: "The name of U2 is now synonymous with the area, the premises is purpose-built and internationally renowned and fully meets the band's ongoing recording needs and as such, we see no valid reason for the issue and upholding of the current CPO".

There were separate objections from Point owner Harry Crosbie, who owns two buildings on the site, and the interactive TV company, eMuse Technology Ltd., who said that having to move would destroy their business.

Meanwhile, U2 are in New Orleans ahead of their half-time performance at Sunday's Superbowl XXXVI. The good news for UK and Irish fans is that their three-song mini-set is being shown live at 10.30pm as part of Sky Sport 1's coverage of the NFL showpiece.

Having declared himself "overwhelmed" to be in town for the event, Bono went on to discuss the differences between American Football and music.

"It's a strange thing," he reflected. "If you're in a rock band and you play these venues, every night you win. It's an odd thing to go into a Superbowl and realise that half the crowd is going to go home in tears. And I rather like it!"

The show will provide a stern challenge for the crew who'll have just six minutes to assemble and then take-apart U2's heart-shaped stage.

Also on the bill are Paul McCartney, Mary J. Blige, Marc Anthony - and Mariah Carey, who has rather worryingly been entrusted with singing 'The Star Spangled Banner'.