Leading cultural figure? Yes. Wants to save to world? Definitely. Feted by politicians? Absolutely. Humourless and takes himself too seriously? Too right.

This check list for U2 frontman Bono might just as well be for composer Beethoven.

Despite an age difference of nearly 200 years, the two have more in common than you would think.

Classical music magazine Gramophone found this was the case when it tried to find a way to link the Austrian genius to today's music.

It was stunned by the similarities between the classical composer and the Irish singer.

The magazine then came up with this portrait of Beethoven as a 'stylish, brooding icon' for its front cover.

Editor James Inverne said: 'Beethoven was a major cultural figure in his day, just as Bono is now.

'In the 18th century, composers were the pop stars of their day. Beethoven was also a regular guest at court and would have been a point of reference for the Austrian aristocracy.

'Bono has a comparable relationship with Tony Blair and George W Bush, and the dynamic is still the same.'

Mr Inverne also said that Beethoven had a similar outlook to Bono's.

'Beethoven believed the world should work to make itself a better place and that we should stand up against oppression,' he said.