There is a light at the end of the tunnel for those music fans that are lost in the world of indistinguishable teen pop stars.

Veteran rockers U2 are back on the scene in more ways than one.

Last October the guys from Dublin released their 11th studio album All That You Can't Leave Behind, launching a long-awaited reemergence of one of our generation's classic rock and roll bands.

All That You Can't Leave Behind debuted at No. 1 in 32 countries and has reached sales in excess of 6 million worldwide since its release.

The band decided to keep its album simple, going back to the basics of rock 'n' roll, leaving behind computer-aided melodies and the latest musical trends of imitation.

They created an album that has a traditional U2 feel, but with an added level of maturity.

"I sometimes get cross when I think things have just gotten too sweet; you feel like your teeth are rotting, just listening to the radio," said U2's front man, Bono, in a recent interview with CDNOW.

With upbeat songs like "Beautiful Day" and "Elevation," the overall tone of the album is positive and hopeful. U2's softer side surfaces in songs like "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" and "When I Look at the World."

"I just said this has got to be about the essence of who we are as a band," Bono said.

Although the new album came out too late to be considered for the 43rd Grammy Awards, the single "Beautiful Day" was released in time to qualify.

The song earned U2 three nominations: Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group with Vocal.

"In the words of U2, it's a beautiful day," said former President Clinton during his visit to Ireland last year.

More beautiful days are on the way for U2 fans.

U2 recently announced their Elevation Tour 2001, a 34-city journey through North America, spanning the months of March through June. The band hasn't done an arena tour since 1992, and the fans were ready.

On Jan. 13 the first batch of tickets went on sale via the Internet and immediately sold out.

Second and even third showings in cities like Boston were added and sold out.

The second wave of tickets, totaling 16 tour dates, went on sale last weekend, and many more will come, including a European tour which has yet to be announced.

Internet savvy fans were able to purchase their tickets even earlier than the public online date if they registered with the U2 Web site at U2.com.

According to its Web site, Ticketmaster has reported the demand for U2 tickets is greater than any other pre-sale for a rock act, leaving many frustrated fans out in the cold.

Those fortunate enough to get tickets will be treated to a special stage set up, which allows everyone a good view and a feeling of intimacy.

Some were concerned for audience safety, as there is a partial general admission section, but the band and its promoters are ensuring fan safety.

Even though a general admission section cuts costs, ticket prices are still steep. Reserved seating costs $130, $85 and $45, and general admission standing floor is $45.

But hey, they're worth it.