Exactly two months ago, we were reporting that Bono had emergency back surgery, and within a few days of that came confirmation the North American leg had been postponed. But now rescheduled dates have been announced for 2011, and here we are at the start of preparations for the band's first concerts of 2010.

The last 360° Tour concert was almost eight months ago, on 28 October 2009 in Vancouver. The first concert of the year is not until 6 August 2010 in Turin, but U2 have booked the Stadio Olimpico from today, the 21st of July. We will bring you full reports of all rehearsals, just like we did last year before the tour began in Barcelona.

The first few days of the stadium reservation appear to have been given over, unsurprisingly, to setting up the gigantic stage. U2Italia (in Italian - shock!) indicates that the first truck has arrived. Furthermore, U2Place (also in Italian) reports that U2 may arrive in Turin to commence rehearsals as soon as this coming Monday, the 26th of July.

Quite conveniently, there happens to be a webcam outside the Stadio Olimpico, so you can try to see what's happening here over the next few days. The band are about to be on the road again!

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Axver