(Cover) - EN Showbiz - U2 have been named as the greatest act of the past 25 years.
The legendary Irish rock band were chosen by readers of Q magazine to receive the prestigious gong at its annual awards event today. Their honour was a special prize to mark the magazine's 25th anniversary this year.
Speaking on the red carpet, frontman Bono said Q had been crucial to his longstanding career in the music industry.
"It's a truly great thing," he told the BBC.
"They're so important for anyone that wants to take all their music all the way."
British songstress Adele was also honoured at the event. The talented singer landed two awards for best female and best track for her hit Rolling In The Deep.
Her impressive win comes just a fortnight after she was forced to cancel a number of US tour due to problems with her throat.
The 23-year-old - whose album 21 is the biggest selling record of the year wasn't present at the ceremony.
Her gongs were picked up by producer Paul Epworth.
Other big winners included Coldplay, who were named the best act in the world today, and Take That's Gary Barlow, who was honoured with classic songwriter.
Jessie J landed the best video title for Do It Like A Dude. The British songstress lost out on the breakthrough prize however, which went to rising star Ed Sheeran.
The ceremony also saw Queen entered into Q's Hall Of Fame and Siouxsie Sioux awarded for her outstanding contribution to music.
The best album prize went to Bon Iver for his self-titled second release.
Former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher was named Q Icon.
The awards were held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
Winners at the Q Awards:
Breakthrough artist - Ed Sheeran
Best new act - WU LYF
Q classic songwriter - Gary Barlow
Best track - Adele, Rolling In The Deep
Q innovation in sound - Kaiser Chiefs
Q inspiration - Fatboy Slim
Q next big thing - Lana Del Rey
Best video - Jessie J, Do It Like A Dude
Best album - Bon Iver, Bon Iver
Best live act - Biffy Clyro
Q classic song - Snow Patrol, Chasing Cars
Q icon - Noel Gallagher
Q best male artist - Tinie Tempah
Q best female artist Adele
Q outstanding contribution to music - Siouxsie Sioux
Best act in the world today Coldplay
Hall of fame Queen
Greatest act of the past 25 years - U2 (C) Cover Media