U2 have been given a financial boost after landing 1.56 million shares from their concert promoters Live Nation.The generous move, worth over $18 million (£10.4 million), comes seven months after the Irish group announced a 12-year deal with Live Nation, handing over merchandising, branding, touring and other rights to the concert promoter.The value of the shares is estimated at 2.1 per cent, according to filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Financial details beyond the stock issuance haven't been disclosed. U2 is one of five artists that Live Nation bosses have signed in the last year - Jay-Z and Madonna have also received shares, according to reports.Live Nation's most recent roster additions, Shakira and Nickelback, have missed out on the share hand out.

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