Two shows added, but all tickets sold out for U2

(Chicago Sun-Times) -- Tickets for U2's United Center shows in May were snapped up quickly Saturday -- including those for two shows added during the day amid the strong demand.

The Irish band booked extra United Center performances for May 10 and 12. Those shows, as well as the previously announced concerts planned for May 7 and 9, sold out.

The ticket rush for the upcoming Vertigo tour came as the band fended off complaints from some of its biggest fans. They were livid over paying $40 to be eligible for an Internet ticket pre-sale Tuesday -- only to get nosebleed seats or none at all.

A statement last week on the band's official site -- www.u2.com -- told fans "we really appreciate your patience as this is the first time we've attempted an online presale." It apologized "that demand exceeded supply" for New York and Philadelphia shows, but made no specific apology to irked fans in Chicago.

"New technology -- including U2.com -- helps us stay in touch with you, but also reveals its drawbacks when everyone tries to do the same thing at once," the statement said.