It can sometimes be difficult to keep up with a band who seem to be on a non-stop circuit of world touring and album-making. But Hot Press Contributing Editor Olaf Tyaransen has followed U2 closely for the past four years, travelling with them across the world and gaining an insight into the four members like no other journalist has done before.

Featuring interviews with all of the band's members, as well as on-the-road experiences from touring, and reports from their stunning live shows, Olaf takes us deep into the ups and downs of the greatest rock band in the world. On top of all that, we also take a sneak peak at Songs of Experience itself, and we talk to Mr. Noel Gallagher about supporting the band on their world tour.

Elsewhere in the Annual, we offer an extraordinary insight into the mind of Al Porter, right before a wave of sexual harassment allegations brought down his career. In an interview where the questions, and answers, have taken on new meaning since allegations of sexual misconduct broke, Al Porter specifically refers to the Hollywood scandal, talks about the #metoo trend, and claimed that he didn't believe he'd ever sexually assaulted someone in the past...

We also have a major interviews with some of the leading cultural figures who have dominated 2017. Justice League star Ben Affleck talks about his latest superhero hit; Radiohead's Phil Selway talks OK Computer and the future of the band; London rap sensation J Hus explains how grime/hip-hop has started to set cultural/political trends in the UK this year; Twin Peaks star Amy Shiels reveals all in her "Mad Hatter" interview; alt-folk artist Seamus Fogarty talks about breaking through with his incredible new album The Curious Hand; and trad-folksters Lankum take us through Between The Earth And Sky, a blistering state-of-the-nation address, which speaks volumes to the modern Ireland that we live in.

In the Hot Press interview, we speak to actress, influencer, and social media sensation Nicola Hughes, who talks about life in the spotlight, her goals for the future, sex, drugs, Repeal the 8th, and much more.

Add to that all the essential Albums, Movies, Games, Books and Quotes of the Year, as well as a look back at 2017’s sporting, political, and sexual highlights (and lowlights), and you’ve got the only Annual you'll need to take you into the New Year.

The Hot Press Annual 2018 is available in stores from November 24, or you can order it below direct from hotpress.com. or via download in the iOS app .