He continues: "I think U2 are a fantastic band - just like any big group that goes out and takes chances. Years ago, everybody wanted to hate on Metallica and Lars Ulrich because he fought Napster. Well, he was right. It's easy to hate the 800-pound gorilla because everybody sees them as entitled and privileged and they get to do what the rest of us can't.

"But you know what? They work their asses off for it - they're a phenomenally great band. Whether you like their recent songs or not, whether you like some of the publicity moves they make or their business acumen, I have nothing but tremendous respect for that band."