DUBLIN — Bono and U2 are rocking 80,000 fans in Dublin as the Irish supergroup’s world tour hits emotional highs on home soil.

A deafening roar welcomed the Dubliners as they launched their three-concert homestand Friday at Croke Park, Ireland’s biggest stadium. The band’s “360” tour switches from Europe to North America in September.
U2 guitarist The Edge said the band always considers its native city the emotional highlight of touring. Bono joked that recent shows in Barcelona, Milan, Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam were mere “rehearsals” for Dublin.
The U2 gigs are injecting an estimated euro50 million into Ireland’s recession-ravaged economy. Hotels are booked solid. Dublin Criminal Court canceled jury deliberations for the weekend — too many jurors had tickets.