THE celebrations were long and loud in Liverpool last week, when MTV Europe hosted its annual awards bash and bestowed the Ultimate Legend award on the one and only Paul McCartney. Presenting the former Beatle with his trophy was legend in the making Bono.

"In the universe of rock and roll, the Beatles were the Big Bang," Bono said by way of introduction.

"In 200 or 300 years from now we sense, we fear our names will be forgotten. There is one person here, in this hall tonight whose songs we know will be heard now and forever.

"His songs will continue to be sung, heard and played as long as humans care about beauty and longing. There is one person here tonight whose work is immortal. There is only one Paul McCartney. You call him sir, I call him lord, saint. Paul McCartney!"

Bono is clearly a man not at a loss for words! Lord/Saint McCartney gave Bono a personal tour of Liverpool before the show, and showed off all his special haunts. "t was like being in the Popemobile with the Pope driving," gushed Bono.