A spokesperson for U2 has insisted they will release new music by the end of the year.

There had been speculation the album would be delayed until 2015, but that rumour has now been denied.

"We've always said an album is expected this year," said the band's spokesperson.

It has been 5 years since since the band's last record No Line on the Horizon was released.

That album reached No 1 in 30 countries and was followed by the 360° Tour, which remains the highest-grossing tour in history.