Is it possible that U2 have finally completed work on their much-anticipated new album? All signs point to yes — or at least probably. The first sign was Bono’s release and return to the spotlight with personal appearances in the United States on behalf of DATA last week. At one of those appearances, Bono himself confirmed that the band were nearly done with the album. Another sign was the descent of Universal Music bigshots to Dublin last Thursday, where a rumored listening party took place (see a photo of Bono with Universal Music Group Chairman and CEO Doug Morris and Chairman of Interscope Geffen Jimmy Iovine). Yet another sign is producer Steve Lillywhite’s departure from Dublin. Lillywhite, who will wed former MTV exec Patti Galluzzi this weekend, likely requested that the band wrap their work before his scheduled nuptials.

Of course, as the expression goes, it’s not over until the fat lady sings. In this case, the fat lady — or Mr. McGuinness, as he prefers to be called — has not sung.