U2 are close to completing their new album as their doppelgangers celebrate 20 years on the road with a special greatest hits show at the Grand Theatre, Clitheroe, on Saturday.

The Dublin band remain one of the biggest rock acts on the planet, three decades since the release of their first album Boy and mega-selling singles New Year’s Day, With or Without You and Beautiful Day among an archive of best selling tunes.

“U2 constantly re-invent themselves and evolve, and I think that’s their secret — they always try and reflect the era and the music of the time,” said Luke Pepper, who plays The Edge in U2 copyists U2-2.

“I read an interview with Bono who said that he didn’t think many young people would see U2 as relevant now, but I think the opposite.

“U2 have always kept their fingers on the pulse, politically and musically, and they’ve always thrown up new ideas and concepts.

“When they do tour again, and release the new album, I think they will see that many, many people will still see them as a very important band and a force to be reckoned with.”

Look-alike and sound-alike U2-2 have navigated the world, recreating U2’s vast arsenal of sounds, since 1994 — even supporting Bono and the boys in Holland.

“We supported them on the Zoo TV tour in Rotterdam and that was one of the most surreal moments of my life,” added Luke.

“A promoter booked us in for a show at a small venue the night before U2 played. After the gig the agent said to me, ‘Do you want to be a support to U2 tomorrow?

“We couldn’t believe it — we thought it was a massive wind-up.

“Sure enough, though, we arrived at the stadium and watched U2 doing their sound check.

“Afterwards, the security guys came over and directed us towards their dressing room.

“They thought we were the real U2 and when we explained they couldn’t believe it.

“Anyway, we watched U2 play One — beamed live to Top of the Pops — and then we did a set in front of hundreds of fans.”

n U2-2 and support from The Mark Duckworth Band. Saturday, July 19. Tickets priced at £12 from Grand box office, 01200 421599