Public outcry over U2 Berlin Wall concert

Published: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:01:01

A U2 gig to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall has sparked local anger after a barrier was erected around the concert site. The Irish band's performance at the Brandenburg Gate, part of Thursday evening's MTV Europe Music awards (EMAs), was attended by some 10,000 people who won free tickets online. But after organisers installed a two-metre wall around the venue to block the view for those without tickets, Berlin locals and tourists alike have criticised the decision to build a barrier around a show commemorating the fall of an iconic wall.

"It's a shame that a barrier has been set up," local politician Frank Henkel was quoted by the BBC as saying. "It's stopping many Berliners from hearing the concert." Canadian fan Louis-Pierre Boily, who had travelled to Berlin despite missing out on tickets, added: "It's completely ridiculous that they are blocking the view.

"I thought it's a free show, but MTV probably wants people to watch it on TV to get their ratings up." Representatives for both U2 and MTV have not yet issued any comment about the barrier. Thursday's EMAs ceremony was hosted by Katy Perry.

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