More ignorance from a member of the U2 brigade.
I'm not ignorant, I just don't get your logic.
Muse played theatres in Chile, Argentinia and Brasil 2 years and 4 months before tickets went on sale for U2's South American tour, which sold out quickly. Here's what Muse did in Sao Paulo back then.
Muse
HSBC Brasil
Sao Paulo, Brazil
July 31, 2008
$225,192
3,629 /
4,400
1 /
0
$96.36, $59.26
Evenpro/Water Brother/Mondo Entretenimento
They weren't even popular enough to sell out a theatre in Sao Paulo in 2008. They increased their popularity after The Resistance was relased, no doubt about that. But how could they have possibly increased their demand level in South America so much within 2 years and 4 months, that they were able to contribute significantly to enormous gross figures like $33 million and $20 million? South America is one of U2s strongest markets, in fact, they don't need anyone to open for them there.
Same for Interpol. I can't believe you actually think Interpol has ANY impact on ticket sales in Chicago (or anywhere else). Here's what they grossed in Chicago this year.
Interpol, School of Seven Bells Riviera Theatre
Chicago, Ill.
Feb. 12, 2011
$72,500
2,500 /
2,500
1 /
1
$29
Jam Productions
U2 will probably gross close to $7 million with an average ticket price of $102 (based on how they did in 2009). In Chicago, Interpol on their own is able to gross 1% of what the 360° show will gross in the same market. So even if we assume that all of the people Interpol can draw on their own will visit the U2 concert (which is not going to happen, because Interpol will only play 10 songs and the average ticket price will be $102 and not $29), their contribution to ticket sales in Chicago is absolutely irrelevant.