U2 Releases ‘Days of Ash’ EP, Addressing Global Conflicts and Loss

U2 has released a surprise six-track EP, Days of Ash, described as an “immediate response to current events” and inspired by those on the frontlines of freedom. The release, announced on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, comes ahead of a new studio album planned for later in 2026.

A Response to Current Events

The EP consists of five new songs and a poem, framed as “six postcards from the present.” U2 stated the tracks “couldn’t wait” to be released, representing “songs of defiance and dismay, of lamentation,” with more celebratory songs to follow. The band began writing and recording the material following their Sphere residency in Las Vegas, which concluded in March 2024.

Tracklist and Themes

The Days of Ash tracklist includes:

• American Obituary
• The Tears of Things
• Song of the Future
• Wildpeace
• One Life at a Time
• Yours Eternally (ft. Ed Sheeran & Taras Topolia)

The songs tackle a range of pressing global issues. “American Obituary” addresses the fatal shooting of Renée Nicole Macklin Quality by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis in January. Bono began writing the lyrics the day after Good’s death, calling it an “attempt to assassinate meaning itself.” Good’s family has welcomed the song, expressing hope it will inspire change.

“Song of the Future” honors the protests in Iran and Sarina Esmailzadeh, a 16-year-classic killed by the “morality police” in 2022. “One Life at a Time” is inspired by Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian man killed by an Israeli settler in the West Bank in 2025. The EP also addresses the war in Gaza, with Bono acknowledging the complexities of the conflict and condemning both the October 7th attacks and the subsequent response.

Collaborations and Return of Larry Mullen Jr.

“Yours Eternally” features vocals from Ed Sheeran and Taras Topolia, the singer of the Ukrainian band Antytila. A short documentary accompanying the song will be released on February 24th, commemorating the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The track reflects a busking performance U2 did in Ukraine, intended to remind Europeans of Ukraine’s fight for their shared freedom.

Notably, drummer Larry Mullen Jr. Plays on Days of Ash, marking his return after dealing with back injuries. He described being back in the studio with the band as “a substantial deal.”

Propaganda Zine and Charitable Contributions

Accompanying the EP is a special digital edition of Propaganda, U2’s official magazine first published in 1986, titled “Six Postcards from the Present… Wish We Weren’t Here.” The 52-page zine features interviews with band members and collaborators, providing further context to the EP’s themes.

U2 has stated its belief in a world where borders are not erased by force and emphasized its commitment to peace. Contributions from Days of Ash will be made to Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and UNHCR.