U2 reunited with Lillywhite but release date unclear

U2 have confirmed industry speculation by announcing that they're starting work on their new album with old production ally Steve Lillywhite.

The news is something of a shock given that the follow up to 2000's All That You Can't Leave Behind was said to be nearing completion before Christmas.

Asked as far back as June 2003 about the album, manager Paul McGuinness had said: "I've heard a lot of the stuff, they seem to have about 20 tunes on board at the moment. I always say I'm no judge in the early stages. I'm better at hearing it when it's nearly finished. That said, it sounds very exciting to me, very rock and roll, very direct."

He did however add a cautionary: "I'm just reminding everyone that we must learn from past mistakes and not release it before it's finished."

Enthusing about his return to U2land, Lillywhite says: "It's the first time I'll have gone in to actually start a record with them in 20 years. I worked on The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby and All That You Can't Leave Behind, but this will be the first time I've really set up the mikes and done everything for a long time.

"I've heard some great songs. The Edge is playing some really great guitar."

The Edge has also been busy recording the theme tune for the new TV version of Batman. Due to premiere Stateside in the summer, the series reverts to the Adam West-style comedy Caped Crusader of the '60s with West returning in the role of Mayor Grange. Bruce Wayne – now upgraded from millionaire to billionaire status – is being played by Rino Ramano who's previously been heard but not seen in the cartoon versions on Spiderman, Ghostbusters and Men In Black.

It's not the first time U2 have visited Gotham City with the whole band contributing 'Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me' to 1995's Batman Forever.