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. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U2 has released a new six-song EP titled "U2 - Days of Ash" that opens with a tribute to Renee Good, a Minnesota mom who was fatally shot by a federal agent during an immigration crackdown. 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 reference international tensions, humanitarian concerns, and social themes that frontman Bono has frequently incorporated into U2's music.

Why it matters

U2 has a long history of using its platform to highlight important social and political issues, from global poverty initiatives to human rights advocacy. This new EP continues that tradition, drawing attention to the death of Renee Good and broader debates around immigration, as well as other world events that have captured public attention.

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. The band says the song is a call for peace and a dedication to Good's life. Becca Good, Renee's partner, said in a statement that "Renee didn't just believe in kindness; she lived it, fully and fiercely." The EP was released on Ash Wednesday and the band says it is an immediate response to current events, with some tracks referencing the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and immigration debates in the U.S. One song also mentions Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, whose death last year drew international attention.

  • 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 in Minneapolis.
  • The Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen died in the Israeli-occupied West Bank last year.

The players

U2

An Irish rock band known for incorporating social and political themes into their music.

Renee Good

A Minnesota mom who was fatally shot by a federal agent during an immigration crackdown.

Becca Good

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

Awdah Hathaleen

A Palestinian activist whose death in the Israeli-occupied West Bank last year drew international attention.

Antonio Romanucci

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (jammin983.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 (jammin983.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 (jammin983.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 not only pays tribute to Renee Good, but also reflects the band's longstanding commitment to using its platform to highlight important social and political issues. The music serves as a powerful call for unity, compassion, and change during a time of heightened tensions and humanitarian concerns around the world.