U2 Releases New EP Honoring Renee Good

The Irish rock band's first new music in nearly a decade draws inspiration from world events

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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U2 has released a new six-song EP titled "U2 - Days of Ash" that opens with a tribute to Renee Good, the Minnesota mother who was fatally shot by a federal agent during an immigration crackdown this past winter. The band says the EP is an immediate response to current events and is inspired by people "fighting on the front lines of freedom." The songs also reference international tensions and humanitarian concerns, including the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and immigration debates in the United States.

Why it matters

U2 has frequently used its platform to highlight social and political issues, and this new EP continues that tradition. The tribute to Renee Good reflects the band's desire to spread a message of peace and unity during a time of national urgency.

The details

The first track on the EP, "American Obituary," is dedicated to Renee Good, who died on January 7 in Minneapolis during an encounter with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Becca Good, Renee's partner, said that "Renee didn't just believe in kindness; she lived it, fully and fiercely" and that she "believed every person deserved the same compassion, care and dignity regardless of who they were." The EP was released on Ash Wednesday, with the band describing it as an immediate response to current events. Some of the other tracks reference the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and immigration debates in the United States.

  • U2 released the six-song EP 'U2 - Days of Ash' on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Renee Good was fatally shot by a federal agent on January 7, 2026 during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.

The players

U2

An Irish rock band that has frequently incorporated social and political themes into their music throughout their career.

Renee Good

A Minnesota mother who was fatally shot by a federal agent during an immigration crackdown in January 2026.

Becca Good

Renee Good's partner, who described her as someone who "didn't just believe in kindness; she lived it, fully and fiercely."

Antonio Romanucci

An attorney representing Renee Good's family in a civil case connected to her death.

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What they’re saying

“Renee didn't just believe in kindness; she lived it, fully and fiercely. She believed every person deserved the same compassion, care and dignity regardless of who they were.”

— Becca Good, Renee Good's partner (wbal.com)

“We certainly feel the urgency of the country's situation reflected in the band's powerful call for coming together.”

— Antonio Romanucci, Attorney representing Renee Good's family (wbal.com)

“It's an incredible honor to have the talent and impact of U2 spreading the message of peace in Renee's name. We certainly feel the urgency of the country's situation reflected in the band's powerful call for change and coming together.”

— Renee Good's parents and siblings (wbal.com)

What’s next

The EP was released alongside lyric videos for each track and is available on major streaming platforms.

The takeaway

U2's new EP, with its tribute to Renee Good and its references to global issues, demonstrates the band's continued commitment to using its platform to highlight important social and political concerns during a time of national urgency.