U2 Music band officially Delivers …
DUBLIN – Breaking a nearly decade-long silence on new studio material, U2 has stunned the music industry by shadow-dropping a six-song EP titled Days of Ash. Released today, February 18, 2026, the project marks a pivot away from polished pop production and back toward the gritty, socially conscious rock that first propelled the band to global fame.
Frontman Bono characterized the release as a necessary reaction to current world events. In an official statement, he noted that while a full-length studio album is still slated for later this year, these particular tracks felt too urgent to hold back. “These are songs of lamentation,” Bono remarked, describing the EP as a “stand against the normalization of tragedy.”
A Sonic Document of Conflict
Days of Ash is structured as a series of “musical postcards,” each dedicated to specific individuals caught in the crosshairs of global political and social upheaval.
-
“American Obituary”: A high-energy track that channels the industrial pulse of the early 90s, centering on the story of Renée Nicole Good, who was killed during an enforcement action in Minneapolis.
-
“Song of the Future”: A poignant tribute to the memory of Sarina Esmailzadeh, the teenage face of the Iranian protest movement.
-
“One Life at a Time”: An acoustic-driven track honoring Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen.
-
“Yours Eternally”: A cross-continental collaboration featuring Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian soldier-musician Taras Topolia, exploring the emotional toll of the frontlines.
The collection is rounded out by “Wildpeace,” a spoken-word piece featuring the poetry of Yehuda Amichai, layered over an ambient soundscape.
The Original Lineup Reunited
For the U2 faithful, the most heartening aspect of the release is the prominent presence of drummer Larry Mullen Jr. Following a period of recovery from surgery that saw him sit out the band’s landmark Las Vegas residency, Mullen’s distinctive, militant percussion anchors the EP. His return signals that the core quartet is fully restored and firing on all cylinders.
Release Details and Philanthropy
| Track | Theme | Collaboration |
| American Obituary | US Immigration/Justice | — |
| The Tears of Things | Loss & Memory | — |
| Song of the Future | Iranian Resistance | — |
| Wildpeace | Poetic Reflection | Adeola |
| One Life at a Time | West Bank Activism | — |
| Yours Eternally | The Frontlines | Ed Sheeran & Taras Topolia |
A Return to Roots
The surprise launch also includes the digital revival of Propaganda, the band’s legendary fan magazine, which features deep dives into the lyrics and the recording process.
U2 has committed all proceeds from Days of Ash to humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International and the UNHCR. While this EP serves as a somber reflection of 2026’s challenges, the band hinted that their subsequent full-length album will pivot toward a more celebratory, “carnival-esque” sound.
