U2 has extended their hugely successful Vertigo tour into 2006, with plans to hit the road in February for Mexico, South America, New Zealand, Australia and Japan, according to the band?s official website.

It is not yet known if a return visit to North America is planned.

The Vertigo tour supports U2’s 11th studio album, “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,” which hit stores one year ago and debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 album chart.

Vertigo is already among the most successful tours in history, having grossed a whopping $256.5 million this year and drawing more than three million fans to 88 sold-out shows, according to Billboard.

U2 is currently on its final North American touring leg of the year, which concludes Dec. 19 in Portland, Ore.

The band is also releasing “Vertigo 2005/U2 Live from Chicago” today (11/15) via Interscope. The live DVD set features one disc with footage shot during its May 9-10 performances at Chicago’s United Center, and a second disc of bonus material, including a behind-the-scenes documentary.

Billboard reports the band has been mixing up its set lists more frequently as of late, with such songs as “The Ocean,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” “Angel of Harlem,” “With or Without You,” “Bad” and the B-side “Fast Cars.”






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