Adam Clayton admits he reckons he can get away with wearing studded €500 Louboutins

THE quiet man of U2, Adam Clayton, stepped out in €500 Christian Louboutin shoes as he raised awareness for a new mental health initiative.

Speaking on the John Murray show on Radio 1, Clayton spoke about wearing the studded women's shoes, saying"I figured I could get away with it."

The campaign ‘walk a mile in my shoes' is being launched by St. Patrick's University Hospital, and is aimed at getting people to understand mental health illness.

Clayton became involved because of his mother, who was a tireless fundraiser for the hospital, who died last year after a battle with cancer.

He said"I felt I had a connection, I'm very sympathetic to the issues." He said it was important for others to understand the"terrible trauma" a mental health problem can cause.

The U2 bass player said mental health issues have been made worse by the economic situation, pointing out there has been"a whole generation wiped out of employment."

He celebrated his 52nd birthday in Dublin's Four Seasons hotel last week, joined by 20 close friends. Band mate Bono was unable to attend due to commitments to attend another birthday bash in Switzerland.

Clayton confirmed the band are continuing their work on a 13th studio album, however said a release date hasn't been confirmed."According to Bono it'll be in the shops tomorrow, but I think it'll take a little longer than that."

Clayton joined other stars including Brent Pope, Norah Casey and Daithi O'Se to launch the new campaign. It will see volunteers wearing mismatched shoes for a day, donating €2 in the process.