U2 will be honoured at The BRIT Awards 2001 ceremony with the prestigious 'Outstanding Contribution To Music' Award.

The band are planning a special BRITs live performance at the biggest event in the UK music calendar, which takes place on February 26th at Earls Court 2 in London.

'With passion and integrity being their trademark,' reads the announcement of the award, 'U2's stature has grown with each of their 12 albums. Their consistent musical excellence and uncompromising pursuit of creative innovation has been rewarded with a host of international awards, while their groundbreaking tours have become the standard against which others are judged..'

Tony Wadsworth, BRIT Awards chairman, added, 'It is with great pleasure and not a little excitement that the UK music industry seeks to recognise the immense impact that U2 have made throughout the world in over 20 years as a group committed to creative excellence, integrity and rock 'n' roll'