Powerhouse Bono has the edge

BONO’S ability to bend the ears of world leaders has led to him being named the most powerful man in the music world.

As well as his position as leader of the world's biggest rock group, U2, Q Magazine says it is the 42-year-old star's abilities as a lobbyist which put him at the forefront of top people in the music business.

Highest British entry is Thom Yorke, 34-year-old frontman of rock act Radiohead, for his abilities to shift vast quantities of CDs and campaign on various issues. Sir Paul McCartney, 60, is in joint ninth, along with 69-year-old Yoko Ono, for their position as bosses of Apple Corp, which owns the commercial rights to The Beatles.