U2's new album Vertigo stolen in France - on its way onto the web?

BBC reports  that the music group U2 might launch their new album early, since it is highly likely that a copy of the unreleased version "Vertigo" was pilfered from a photo shoot in France last week and chances are good it's on the fast track to the Web - Gnutella is a hot tip amongst bloggers.

Well, if you can't beat them, now the band is considering an early online release. It might be that U2 will rush the record on Apple's iTune's store if the songs show up on peer-to-peer networks. French police have launched a major search for the missing disc, and about 20 people are interrogated. 

However, police is also careful with their statements, since the circumstance of the "theft" are not clear -  "We have to be careful. Was it lost or was it stolen? An inquiry is under way. We have numerous theories - from the fan who wants the rough cut for his collection to the web specialist who wants to be the first to put it out."

Well, it might end up on the web - or, it surely will. In any case, this is great advertisement for the band and a free promotion.