The band are in the final stages of rehearsals before the opening of the tour on Monday.

With just three days to go before nine months of shows, U2 are in Los Angeles putting the final touches to 'Vertigo 2005'

Last night they ran through one possible set list, with an alternative version expected tonight, Friday.

On Saturday evening a small number of fans who have won local radio station competitions will get to hear some of the new material.

Both Gavin Friday, longtime friend of the band, and Steve Lillywhite, producer of 'How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb', are working with U2 on final preparations.

The U2.Com team have just arrived and will be posting regular stories and pictures as the tour opens. Watch this space. We don't want to spoil the surprise by revealing what's in store - let's just say, we were knocked out!