Paul McGuinness has confirmed to U2.Com that the band will be taking Elevation 2001 back to the US this autumn - and that this will mark the end of the nine month tour.

U2's manager also revealed that  negotiations are underway for a specially made live concert film of the tour to air on TV worldwide in late autumn.

An extended version of this Elevation show, filmed in Boston in June, will be released on DVD in time for Christmas. The film is being directed by Hamish Hamilton and the soundtrack  mixed by longtime U2 producer Steve Lillywhite.

'I have no doubts that this is the most succesful tour we have ever done,' said McGuinness. 'It's not just the fact that the tickets were all sold out before the tour started, the band are really enjoying the shows and the audience reaction is absolutely extraordinary.'

'There's a great atmosphere on the road.' he added. 'Everyone feels  good about the shows.'

Elevation 2001, the most popular  tour by any artist this year, will have included more than 80 sold-out concerts by the end of the current European leg, at the second Slane Castle show in Ireland next month.   

After a few weeks off, U2 plan to complete the tour with a second North American leg, which will take the combined total of live shows this year past the 100 mark.  Total ticket sales for the year will surpass 2million.

'The band are having what will probably turn out to be the most succesful album ever, even twenty years after they made their first record, ' said McGuinness. 'That must be a real thrill.

'What is amazing about U2 is that they are  doing the best shows they have ever done and touring with their best album.'

An extended version of this interview with Paul McGuinness will appear onU2.Com next week.