U2 are the third most-played rock act in the UK this century

U2 have been named the third most-played rock act of the 21st century in the UK, according to new data by PPL.

Compiled from radio and television broadcasters, the data reflects cumulative airplay between 2000 and 2024.

Queen led the list with over 400 million seconds of airplay, with their most aired track being ‘A Kind of Magic’. David Bowie ranked second, while U2 came in third, followed by Oasis and Fleetwood Mac.

The figures were released ahead of National Album Day on October 18. Now in its eighth year, the initiative celebrates album culture, with this year’s theme spotlighting rock music.

U2’s latest album, Songs of Surrender, reached number one on the UK Albums Chart in March 2023, becoming their 11th UK number‑one album.

In May, U2 became the first Irish songwriters to receive the Ivors Academy Fellowship, the highest honour given by the UK songwriting institution.

The band have also won the 2025 Guthrie Prize, an award that recognises individuals that use music to confront injustice and inspire action.

Over their career, the band have sold more than 175 million records globally and received numerous accolades, including 22 Grammy Awards and multiple Ivor Novello Awards.

See the full list below: 

1. Queen
2. David Bowie
3. U2
4. Oasis
5. Fleetwood Mac
6. Stereophonics
7. The Rolling Stones
8. The Police
9. The Killers
10. Kings of Leon