U2 will release new album as planned

The release of U2's new album is going ahead as planned - despite the theft of a CD containing new tracks last month.

U2 panicked when a copy of their new songs went missing during a photo session in Nice, France, but will release the still-as-yet-untitled LP as scheduled on November 23 - while their single Vertigo will be played on the radio from September.

U2 were prepared to rush through the release of the album after the CD disappeared.

Bono said at the time: "If it is on the internet this week, we will release it immediately as a legal download on iTunes, and get hard copies into the shops by the end of the month.

"It would be a real pity. It would screw up years of work and months of planning, not to mention f***ing up our holidays. But once it's out, it's out."