U2 Drops Surprise EP ‘Days of Ash,’ Confronting Global Conflicts

U2 has released a surprise six-song EP, Days of Ash, addressing political turmoil in the United States, Iran, Israel and Ukraine. The EP, available now on streaming platforms, is a departure in tone from the band’s upcoming album, focusing on “defiance and dismay,” according to Bono.

Addressing Global Issues Through Song

The EP tackles several specific events and individuals. “American Obituary” is dedicated to Renée Good, who was killed by ICE officers in Minneapolis during a protest in January 2026 [Rolling Stone]. The song references the events of January 7th, detailing the loss of a mother of three. “Song of the Future” honors Sarina Esmailzadeh, a 16-year-old who died during protests in Iran in 2022 [NME]. “One Life at a Time” is dedicated to Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian man killed in the West Bank last year [NME].

Collaboration and Creative Process

The track “Yours Eternally” features collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Taras Topolia, a Ukrainian musician currently serving as a soldier [USA Today]. Bono and The Edge visited Kyiv in 2022, performing in a metro station at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The collaboration with Topolia stemmed from a connection made through Ed Sheeran.

A Return to Zine Culture with ‘Propaganda’

Accompanying the EP is a relaunch of U2’s classic fanzine, Propaganda, now a one-off digital and limited-print publication titled “U2 – Days of Ash: Six Postcards From The Present… Wish We Weren’t Here.” The 52-page zine includes interviews with those involved in the EP, including Topolia, and features song lyrics and commentary from the band members [USA Today]. The zine is a nod to the punk-era “zine culture” of the 1980s.

Looking Ahead

While Days of Ash addresses current global conflicts, U2 is also working on a full album expected later in 2026, with Bono describing the forthcoming tracks as “songs of celebration.” The band emphasizes the urgency of addressing current issues, stating the necessitate to “stand up to them before we can travel back to having faith in the future” [Rolling Stone].

The EP’s tracklist includes: “American Obituary,” “The Tears of Things,” “Song of the Future,” “Wildpeace,” “One Life at a Time,” and “Yours Eternally” (featuring Ed Sheeran and Taras Topolia) [Rolling Stone].