U2 rolled in early to rehearsals for tonight's Brit Awards in London. Unlike every other act taking part at the Earls Court show, they know they will be winners tonight.



The band will receive the 'Outstanding Contribution to Music' award and close the show with a live performance.



You can catch this live online at http://www.brits.co.uk/ - and on UK television tomorrow night (Tuesday), on ITV.



As if the award had slipped their minds, when U2 rolled into Earl's Court Arena for rehearsals, reports the Brits website, they 'were greeted by a giant congratulatory poster on their way.'



'Once inside, the band remained locked in their dressing room until rehearsal time when Edge and Larry jammed for several minutes before being joined on the stage by Adam and Bono - still in his trademark glasses even in rehearsals.'



U2 are also nominated in the Best International Group category, an award they have won four times in the past.



Brits nominees are voted for by more than 1,000 music industry, retail and media workers. Over 5,000 guests will attend the show, which is expected to have a worldwide TV audience of some 500 million.



Tonight's award for U2 crowns a great few month. A fortnight ago they picked up a "godlike genius" gong at the NME awards and last week won three Grammy Awards for Beautiful Day.