U2 Releases Surprise Political EP 'Days of Ash'

The six-track project features songs addressing global issues and honoring victims of violence.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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U2 has surprised fans by releasing a political-charged extended play (EP) titled "Days of Ash." The six-track project includes five new songs and a poem reading, with themes addressing global issues such as immigration, protests, and conflict. The band says the songs on the EP couldn't wait and are "songs of defiance and dismay, of lamentation" in response to the "maddening times" the world is facing.

Why it matters

U2 is known for using their platform to address social and political issues, and this surprise EP continues that tradition. The songs on "Days of Ash" reflect the band's desire to stand up to the "awfulness" they see "normalised daily" and honor the lives lost to violence and conflict around the world.

The details

The EP includes the song "American Obituary," which reflects on ICE raids and the fatal shooting of Renée Good in Minneapolis. "Song of the Future" honors the life of 16-year-old Sarina Esmailzadeh, who was allegedly beaten to death at a protest in Iran in 2022. "One Life At A Time" is written for Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian father of three killed in the West Bank in 2025. And "Yours Eternally" features vocals from Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian musician-turned-soldier Taras Topolia.

  • The "Days of Ash" EP was released on February 19, 2026, to coincide with Ash Wednesday.
  • U2 plans to release a new full-length studio album later in 2026.

The players

U2

An Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1976, consisting of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.

Taras Topolia

A Ukrainian musician who is currently serving as a soldier and is featured on the song "Yours Eternally" on the "Days of Ash" EP.

Ed Sheeran

A British singer-songwriter who is featured on the song "Yours Eternally" on the "Days of Ash" EP.

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What they’re saying

“The songs on Days of Ash are very different in mood and theme to the ones we're going to put on our album later in the year. These EP tracks couldn't wait; these songs were impatient to be out in the world. They are songs of defiance and dismay, of lamentation.”

— Bono (U2 statement)

“Taras is the inspiration for Yours Eternally, a song written in the form of a letter from a soldier on active duty with a bold, mischievous spirit to match Ukraine's.”

— Bono (U2 statement)

What’s next

U2 plans to release a new full-length studio album later in 2026, which the band says will feature 'songs of celebration' to follow the more politically-charged tracks on the 'Days of Ash' EP.

The takeaway

With 'Days of Ash,' U2 continues its tradition of using its platform to address global issues and honor victims of violence and conflict around the world, providing a powerful artistic response to the 'maddening times' the band sees 'normalised daily.'