Race-goer Bono's on to another winner as U2 album passes finish line
(Herald.ie)

Ireland may be in the grip of a recession, but that didn't stop the
masses descending upon Leopardstown for this year's races.

And it was here that U2 frontman Bono told the Herald all about the
supergroup's new album.

The rocker said the elation that came from finishing the band's 12th
album felt "like pouring brandy on the pudding".

Given that their first album since 2004 has been plagued with
setbacks, it was little wonder that the world-famous star was kicking
back and relaxing in Dublin this week.

shut

But in a clear sign that no industry is immune to the global credit
crunch, Bono revealed how the legendary UK studio where they recorded
their most recent material has now shut its doors.

"We were working very hard in London at a place called Olympic studios
and that's where U2 was recording, but they closed down just before
Christmas.

"That was a little sobering for everybody: a lot of people lost their
jobs and it was a great studio. The Stones recorded Sympathy for the
Devil there, The Who recorded there, as did Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles.

"So we didn't really get home until just before Christmas, but we're
making up for it now."

U2 fans, who have been clamouring to hear their new material, will be
delighted to with the news that the band were all thrilled with the
final product, called No Line on the Horizon.

"There's a particular sound that we were looking for on this album
that really suited that studio and we went there and we got a great
result, we were very happy," Bono added.

"The album's finished, over and done with now. And you know the way
the pudding arrives and you pour the brandy on it and set it on fire?
That's pretty much what I'm doing now -- to myself!"

He explained how he's now looking forward to relaxing with his wife
Ali and their four children, ahead of the album's release in March.