The band were named 'Best Selling Rock Artist' at the World Music Awards in Hollywood on Wednesday night.

At the same ceremony, The Killers, who recently supported U2 on some of their
European stadium dates, were named Best New Group.

U2, who have been on a break before the third leg of Vertigo '05 kicks off in less than a fortnight, were not at the ceremony. Manager Paul McGuinness has said that sales of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, which went to No.1 in 32 countries, indicate it could eventually become the band's best-selling record.

R&B singer Usher collected the award for Male Entertainer of the Year and Rapper 50 Cent was named World's Best-Selling Pop Male Artist.

The World Music Awards are based on record sales, certified by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.