Rumours of U2 Rehearsing for Tour in Santa Monica (*With Audio!)

Apparently U2 is doing something in Santa Monica.  Word is that they’ve taken over The Barker Hanger, a building at the Santa Monica Airport with a large stage area that can be used for any number of special events.

While some assume that they’re prepping for a tour, some of us are guessing that they’re shooting a rumoured Super Bowl commercial  to publicize the new album which is due in April.  If it’s not a commercial, it’s the video for the first single.

Those who have tried to sniff around the area have encountered very heavy security.  You’d expect that for an airport, but there seems to be some extra muscle on duty.  But that hasn’t stopped the spies. (Thanks to Alan for this link.)

Here’s a possible timeline:

1a.  Spots run Super Bowl weekend (Feb 1-2).

1b. Press conference announcing new album and tour (Monday, Feb 3)

2. First single drops Tuesday, Feb 4 (or sometime that week).

3.  Rehearsals begin for the tour.  I’ve seen rumours about the band possibly setting up shop in Vancouver for that.  Or maybe it’ll be the Save-On Foods Arena in Victoria.

4.  The tour will start in a warm-weather location in mid-to-late April.  Since the 360 Tour began in Europe, I’m going to offer a wild guess and say that his next tour will start in the US in either Florida or Arizona.

5.  Watch for U2 to enlist some interesting partners.  Google?  Amazon?  Netflix?