Rock star Bono has been voted the most powerful figure in the global music industry for his ability to win the attention of world leaders.

The U2 frontman, who is known for his tireless campaigning against issues such as poverty and Aids, was singled out to top the list of the 50 Most Powerful People in Music by the readers of the UK's Q magazine.

In second place came Doug Morris, the head of Universal Music while controversial US rap star Eminem came third.

The power top 10

1.Bono 2. Doug Morris (Universal Music boss) 3. Eminem 4. L Lowry Mays (founder of US entertainment firm Clear Channel) 5. Kurt Cobain (late lead singer of Nirvana) 6. Thom Yorke (Radiohead frontman) 7. Lyor Cohen (boss of Island Def Jam) 8. Clive Calder (head of Zomba Music) 9. Sir Paul McCartney/Yoko Ono 10. Simon Fuller

The highest UK entry in the poll was Thom Yorke, the lead singer of the rock act Radiohead. He came sixth for his group's enduring success, as well as his own individual lobbying on world issues.

Bono, whose real name is Paul Hewson, has been a prominent global figure since U2 first stormed the charts in the early 1980s.

The band's 12th studio album, All That You Can't Leave Behind, was released in 2000 and has sold 10 million copies worldwide.

Bono has built a second career for himself as a self-styled ambassador for human rights.

He has visited many of the world's poorest countries in an effort to raise awareness of the problems suffered by their people, in particular the effects of world debt.

Former US president Bill Clinton was known to receive regular phone calls from Bono and his successor George W Bush is said to do the same.

The Pope is also believed to be ready to listen to the musician's opinions on how to help the impoverished and sick.

Posthumous

Eminem's high position in the poll was due to record sales of some 25 million, as well as the controversial outspokenness of his lyrics and stage behaviour.

Eminem is known for his challenging lyrics and performances

Other notable inclusions in the list include the late Kurt Cobain, formerly of the rock band Nirvana. He was placed at number five, despite being dead for eight years.

Sir Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono were put joint ninth for their position as bosses of Apple Corp, which owns the commercial rights to the Beatles.

Former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, the brains behind worldwide TV hit Pop Idol, was ranked at number 10.

Sharon Osbourne - wife of the rock star Ozzy Osbourne - was placed at number 48.