U2 won two major awards at yesterday's NME Carling Awards in London.



The band were voted 'best rock act' in the world by readers of NME and NME.COM - and then presented with the 'godlike genius award, a 'lifetime achievement' prize in the gift of NME contributors.





"They have impeccable taste," said Bono, of fans of the New Musical Express who voted in the awards



All four band members accepted the awards - one presented by Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue, pictured - on the eve of the band's much anticipated show at London's Astoria.



In accepting the award for 'best rock act' Edge quipped that he was mightily relieved: 'I'm glad we've won the rock award because hip hop is the devil's music!'



The NME founded the British hit parade almost half a century ago and have been giving awards to everyone from the Beatles to Nat King Cole since 1953.



The awards are chosen by the fans of the music magazine and NME editor Ben Knowles said: "This is an awards ceremony that means something. It is voted for by the most discerning and intelligent music fans on the planet."



Another big winner of the evening was the British indie band Coldplay,collecting three awards for Best New Artist, Best Single and 'Best Session of the Year'.