Bono has revealed he was completely “knocked out” that so many people had listened to U2’s latest album Songs of Innocence.
The album was released for free to all Apple users, setting off an onslaught of criticism against the band.
The U2 frontman previously called the marketing idea a “gross invasion” and said he understood why some people were unimpressed.
However, a survery by Kantar Group claimed the Dublin rockers were the most popular band among Apple users – with 23pc listening to at least one U2 song in January.
Winning: The bands free album has gotten loads of listeners
Despite many listeners not originally wanting the album, it appears the move has now paid off.
“If these figures suggest that these songs still matter to people, then we’re knocked out. That’s all any songwriter wants,” Bono said.
“It’s nice to know that five months on so many people have discovered ‘Songs of Innocence’. In the end we just wanted people to hear the album,” guitarist The Edge added.
It comes after Bono was rumoured to be singing a duet with Ed Sheeran at his upcoming sold out Croke Park gig in July.
