U2 have seen sales of their albums increase after they gave away their new record online for free.

As previously reported, the Irish rockers announced their comeback to music recently by giving away new album 'Songs of Innocence' on iTunes.

Rolling Stone have now reported that their back catalogue has received a boost in the wake of the giveaway.

24 of the band's previous releases entered the US top 200 and the 'U218' singles collection hit the top ten in 46 countries.

In the US, U2's 'The Joshua Tree', 'Achtung Baby', 'War' and two editions of the singles collection are in the top 50.

'Songs of Innocence' meanwhile is the band's first album in five years, but some internet users have felt aggrieved that the record was pushed on them without prior warning.

Follow us: @Pressparty on Twitter / Pressparty on Facebook.