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U2 set to Claw in record-breaking 88,000 fans for Wembley show
By Amar Singh Last updated at 09:18am on 14.08.09
The record for the biggest ever audience at Wembley Stadium is due to be broken tonight as U2 perform at the venue.
Final stage: construction workers put the finishing touches on The Claw
More than 88,000 people are expected to attend the gig which will see the Irish band break the record currently held by Foo Fighters who appeared in front of 83,000 fans last summer.
Old hand: The Claw hs been used in massive gigs including Zagreb (above)
The extra capacity for the U2 gig has been made possible by a massive state-of-the-art 64-feet high stage.
Dubbed The Claw', the four-legged crab-like construction has been built to ensure that more tickets can be sold to fans — who can also be promised an unonbstructed view of the stage.
It is also the tallest stage in the world and has taken four days to assemble by a crew of more than 200 people. U2 frontman Bono said: “Having The Claw means that more people can fit into the shows, there are better sight lines and everyone will be closer to the action.”
The Claw is made of solid steel and requires 180 trucks to transport it from city to city. It is twice as high as the previous largest stage — built for the Rolling Stones A Bigger Bang tour.
Each “leg” contains its own sound-system, bolstered by 18 subwoofers and powerful enough to belt out U2 hits across any arena.
It has no discernable front or back, and can carry 165 tonnes of equipment freeing up space and allowing the band to sell an estimated 20,000 more tickets to each of their gigs. And for those who aren't close to the stage a 50-tonnes panoramic screen is also supported by the structure.
The Claw was developed by show director Willie Williams, who has been working with U2 since 1982.
Mr Williams came up with the four-legged design after being inspired by the Theme Building of Los Angeles Airport. He said: “It's really an amazing spectacle — when you are on stage all you can see is people.”
U2's 360° Tour has seen the band play at a series of major outdoor venues, including Barcelona and Zagreb.
