U2 HAVE been named as the highest-earning band in the world for the last year.
The group were estimated to have made $130 million (€100 million) according to earnings monitor Forbes.com.
They were followed by Australian rockers AC/DC at $114 million and singer Beyonce Knowles, who earned $87 million.
The U2 sum included ticket and merchandise sales and a steady-selling back catalogue.
The bulk of the earnings came from their 360° world tour, which has been disrupted this summer by an injury to Bono.
The phenomenal earnings have been helped in part by a lucrative deal negotiated by U2 in 2008 with promoter Live Nation.
The 12-year contract is worth an estimated $70 million and allows Live Nation to handle the band’s merchandise, sponsoring and their official website.
The band's latest album, No Line on the Horizon,was released in February 2009.
The 360° tour began in June 2009 and features a 360-degree staging/audience configuration, in which the fans surround the stage from all sides.
U2 were scheduled to headline the Glastonbury festival this year but had to cancel after an injury to Bono’s back during preparation for the third leg of the 360° tour.