Desire for U2 CD hits dizzy heights

U2’S new album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, is on target to becoming one of the best-selling Irish records of all time.

Early sales figures since the album went on release at midnight yesterday indicate the album is a cast-iron guarantee for securing No 1 spot in next week’s Irish album charts.

A crowd of more than 300 people braved arctic conditions in Dublin overnight for a special opening of the HMV store on Grafton Street as the album was released to the group’s Irish fans 72 hours ahead of the rest of the world.