Eight is the magic number!

U2 are currently practicing their acceptance speeches after receiving eight nominations for the 44th Grammy Awards.

Taking place in Los Angeles' Staples Center on February 27th, the boys will be slugging it out for 'Record Of The Year', 'Song Of The Year', 'Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal', 'Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal', 'Album Of The Year', 'Song Of The Year' and 'Rock Song Of The Year', which sees 'Elevation' and 'Walk On' going head to head.

Other multiple nominees are India.Arie (7), Alicia Keys (6), Alison Krauss (5), Brian McKnight (5), Outkast (5) and PJ Harvey (2).

"They're thrilled and really excited and not at all blase," says manager Paul McGuinness. "There's a lot of very distinguished records on the list."

McGuinness confirmed that the band would be performing live at the gong-giving ceremony and – even more tantalisingly – are thinking of playing European shows in the summer.