In a move that has taken the music world by surprise, legendary Irish rock band U2 has unveiled a new six-track EP titled Days of Ash. This release includes a poignant tribute track dedicated to Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who was tragically shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis last month. The incident occurred as she was dropping off her youngest child at school, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Renee Good
The opening number on the EP, American Obituary, features Bono singing emotionally charged lyrics: “Renee Good born to die free/American mother of three/Seventh day January/A bullet for each child, you see.” This song serves as a powerful lament for Good, highlighting the personal tragedy and broader societal issues surrounding her death. Bono described the track as “a song of fury” and “a song of grief,” not only mourning Good but also critiquing the lack of a proper inquiry into her killing, which he argues undermines the credibility of law enforcement.
Addressing Global Injustices
Beyond the tribute to Renee Good, Days of Ash delves into other global injustices. The EP includes Song of the Future, which honors a teenage girl who died while protesting in Iran in 2022, and One Life at a Time, a tribute to a Palestinian father of three killed by an Israeli settler in 2025. Additionally, the track Yours Eternally features collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian musician Tara Topolia, imagining a soldier on the frontlines during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Bono emphasized the urgency of these themes, stating, “Ask anyone in East Germany or Poland or Latvia if they think Putin will stop at Ukraine.”
Artistic Collaborations and Themes
The EP also showcases diverse artistic collaborations. The Tears Of Things explores a conversation between Michelangelo’s David and his creator, reflecting on living compassionately in times of violence. Wildpeace features a poem by Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai, read by Nigerian artist Adeola of Les Amazones d’Afrique, with music by U2 and producer Jacknife Lee. In a statement, the band explained that four of the five tracks focus on individuals whose lives were brutally cut short, underscoring their commitment to social and political issues. Bono noted, “These EP tracks couldn’t wait; these songs were impatient to be out in the world.”
Band Members Reflect on the Release
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr., who missed the band’s recent Las Vegas residency, praised the new songs, saying, “These new songs stand up to our best work.” He highlighted U2’s long history of activism, dating back to collaborations with Amnesty International and Greenpeace, and acknowledged that taking a stance often invites backlash but is integral to the band’s identity. Guitarist The Edge added that the tracks affirm their belief that “the dignity of people is not negotiable,” while bassist Adam Clayton described the music as symbolizing “tolerance, freedom and choosing not to jump to judgement.”
Future Plans and Celebratory Tone
Despite the somber themes of Days of Ash, Bono teased that the band is working on more celebratory songs for an upcoming album later this year. He contrasted the current EP’s “songs of defiance and dismay, of lamentation” with the future release’s focus on joy and carnival-like atmosphere, stating, “Look, we need some carnival here. It can’t all be ashes.” This dual approach reflects U2’s enduring ability to balance social commentary with uplifting music, a hallmark of their career since the 1970s.
Revival of Propaganda Fan Magazine
In addition to the EP release, U2 has resurrected Propaganda, a fan magazine originally launched in February 1986. In an interview featured in the revival, Bono delves deeper into the new songs, expressing his long-standing admiration for America while critiquing its current state. He called for an independent inquiry into Renee Good’s death, arguing it is essential for justice and for the ICE officer involved to confront his actions. Bono lamented, “Renee doesn’t get to live with it,” drawing a stark comparison between ICE agents and the “gang members we’re being told they’ve come to arrest.”
With Days of Ash, U2 continues to leverage their global platform to address pressing humanitarian issues, blending artistry with activism. The EP is available now, accompanied by lyric videos for each track, and serves as a testament to the band’s unwavering commitment to social justice and musical innovation.
