Here's what the guy posted at @u2.com:
Thirty years ago next Monday is the anniversary of U2's first ever rehearsal as a band.
With the release of their insightful and incredibly detailed autobiography U2 by U2 this week, it's time for yet another period of activity for the hardest working band in showbusiness. I got together with them for a long overdue catch-up and asking Bono what Dublin's finest are hoping to achieve with U2 by U2?
"It's one of those times in life when you just have to bare your soul and let people in. That's what we've tried to do with the book. It can be really hard work getting all those feelings and emotions out into words. I had to do that before my own biography but this time it was even harder. I think it's great though that we have so many stories to tell and so many moments to remember," says Mr Hewson.
The Edge, however, has yet to get round to doing U2 by U2 justice.
"I haven't read anyone else's bits in the book yet but I'm sure they're a good read!"
"Like everyone else in the band I'm just pleased that we can offer the fans something to get their teeth into and understand where we've been coming from all these years."
Larry Mullen Jnr is more philosophical about the band's position in 2006.
"I'm happy that we've done the book. It's better that we tell everyone the stories behind all the various eras of U2 but I don't like looking back. I only want to look forward both in my own life and the life of U2."
With that sentiment in mind I ask Larry about the band's latest work-- apparently the legendary Rick Rubin has been drafted in to fill the producer's role, and as a U2 fan and a Rick Rubin fan, it sounds musically mouthwatering. This is the man who has produced the likes [of] Red Hot Chilli Peppers, AC/DC, Johnny Cash and the Beastie Boys. He is particularly good at conjuring devastating drum sounds. Larry must be having the time of his life!
"Yes, it's true we have been working with Rick and things are going really well. The drums are being hit hard and although it's early days yet I think the new material is going to turn out to be a bit special."
The Edge agrees: "We've been in London's Abbey Road working with Rick and things are going fantastically well. I'm very excited about the new songs-- more excited than I have been in the early stages about other new album sessions, so I'm hoping that things will continue that way." Bono also enthuses about the latest U2 musical activity. "We have laid down three songs and I think they are some of the most exciting tunes we have done to date. Abbey Road has brought out the best in us and I can�t wait to continue recording the new stuff. It sounds brilliant so far!"
The band have also recorded a track with Green Day to raise money for Music Rising, a charity endorsed by The Edge to help musicians of New Orleans who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. The song is a cover of an old Skids number called The Saints Are Coming and is a storming workout with both bands flexing their considerable collective muscles, as Bono reveals:
"We had a real blast recording that together. Those Green Day boys sure know how to give it up!"
U2's manager Paul McGuinness is equally as excited about the band's recent recording and reveals that fans may have a pleasant surprise to look forward to.
"We are all thrilled with the new songs and I think that the band are in the best form they have been in for years. Three songs have already been recorded with Rick Rubin and the boys are itching to get back into the studio to get more on tape.
"We head off to Australia to pick up the Vertigo tour again in November so we will be very busy, but look out for a download single before Christmas! I'll say no more now but wait and see."
on that!!
I thought Rubin said they have 4 songs by now?
