U2 are leaving Island Records after 27 years and are signing up with rivals Mercury, according to reports.

The BBC claims the Irish band have decided to end their long-standing relationship with Island and are set to release their Greatest Hits LP through Mercury Records on November 20.

No comment has been made from the band or from either record label, but it is thought U2 are keen to continue working with Jason Iley, who switched from Island to Mercury to become their President earlier this year.

He and his team, including A&R manager Richard O’Donovan, jumped ship in May and this is thought to have motivated U2’s decision.

Meanwhile, the band members have revealed the songs they wish they had written in the new issue of Q Magazine.

Larry Mullen Jr opted for ‘Block Rockin’ Beats’ by The Chemical Brothers, Adam Clayton picked ‘Back to Life’ by Soul II Soul and The Edge chose ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis.

Bono listed a number of tracks, including ‘Brownsville Girl’ by Bob Dylan and Sam Shepard; ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ by Massive Attack; ‘Live Forever’ by Oasis; ‘The Last Song I’ll Ever Sing’ by Gavin Friday; ‘Lucky Man’ by The Verve; and ‘Almighty Love’ by Emm Gryner.

- Virgin.net

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