U2 rocker Bono has slammed music fans who download songs illegally - insisting laws against the practice will eventually be tightened when movie studios begin to lose revenue through the web.

Bono admits that as a "rich rock star" he has doesn't want more money - but is adamant musicians should not be allowed to lose income through the internet.

The rocker is convinced the fight must go on against the practice, but fears police will not be granted powers to prosecute offenders properly until they get the backing of Hollywood executives -when the illegal downloading of films becomes as common as music.

He tells USA Today, "People think people like me are overpaid and over-nourished, and they're not wrong. What they're missing is, how does a songwriter get paid?

"It's not the place for rich rock stars to ask for more money, but somebody should fight for fellow artists, because this is madness. Music has become tap water, a utility, where for me it's a sacred thing, so I'm a little offended (by illegal downloading).

"The music business has been thrown to the dogs legislatively. That will change when file-sharing of TV shows and movies becomes as easy as songs. Somebody is going to call the cops."