U2 WINS ALBUM OF THE YEAR, TAKES FIVE GRAMMYS

(VIDEO) U2 surprised everyone at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards and won three awards including the prestigious Album Of The Year. Hear the band’s thoughts…here!

U2 surprised many experts and had a strong showing at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, held Wednesday, February 8, in Los Angeles. The band tied for the most trophies, and won the prestigious Album Of The Year award over albums by Gwen Stefani, Mariah Carey and tourmate Kanye West.

An almost appologetic Bono took the stage after hugging Paul McCartney and kissing the hand of West. He gave kudos and encouragement to his fellow nominees.

“We have… This is our second album of the year, but we’ve lost two — Achtung Baby and All That You Can’t Leave Behind — so we know how it feels. Kanye you’re next. He’s a great artist being on the road with us, extraordinary. Listen, to be in the company of Paul McCartney who discovered the country that we’re all living in is a true honor indeed. Yes, sir. Mariah, you sing like an angel, really something else. And what about Gwen. This is the heart of Hollywood. She’s like Carol Lombard. She’s an extraordinary girl. I don’t know what to say. This is really a big, big night for our band.”

Backstage before the show an unapologetic Bono talked about why the band is at the 48th Grammy Awards and seemingly owning the awards for the last four or five years. He said he’s still hoping to turn people on to the music.

“You spend your… You pour your whole life into these songs. You believe in your music. This is a chance to get your music across to people who haven’t checked out How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb or only heard ‘Vertigo,’ So we’re here trying to state our case, layout our table, sell our wares.”

Aside from Album Of The Year How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb also won for Best Rock Album. The song “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own” won for Song Of The Year and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. The band’s “City Of Blinding Lights” for Best Rock Song.