Europopstars!

The Corrs have been confirmed as the best-selling group in Europe.

According to official IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) figures, the quartet shifted 14 million albums between 1996 and 2001, which is more than other big hitters like the Spice Girls, Oasis, Robbie Williams, U2 and George Michael.

Indeed, the only artists who've outperformed them are Celine Dion with 33 million and Madonna with 17 million.

Meanwhile, the band were back in Ardmore Studios last month recording a special for VH1. Premiering in the States on March 14th, The Corrs: Live In Dublin features guest performances from Bono who dueted with Andrea on versions of 'Summer Wine' and Ryan Adams' 'When The Star Goes Blue', and Ronnie Wood who helped them with Hendrix's 'Little Wing' and the Stones' 'Ruby Tuesday'.

Unlike their last visit to Ardmore for MTV Unplugged, the band were accompanied throughout by a full orchestra, and according to spokesman Barry Gaster were in "absolutely superb form."

STOP PRESS: No Irish shows in 2002

On the live front, Gaster has scotched rumours of a Lansdowne Road extravaganza in June. "They're not doing anything in Ireland this year," he insists.