U2 Releases Tribute Song 'American Obituary' for ICE Protest Victim Renée Good

The band's surprise EP 'Days of Ash' confronts injustice and moral fatigue through powerful protest music.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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U2 has released a surprise EP titled 'Days of Ash' that features a poignant tribute song called 'American Obituary' honoring Renée Good, a Minneapolis woman fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in January 2026. The band describes the EP as an 'urgent intervention' rather than a traditional album release, confronting injustice and moral fatigue through their music. The song directly addresses the circumstances of Good's death, with lyrics questioning the use of force. Good's family has expressed gratitude for U2 using their platform to spread a message of peace and honor Renée's legacy of kindness and compassion.

Why it matters

U2 has a long history of incorporating political and social commentary into their music, using their platform to advocate for various causes. This latest release continues that tradition, focusing on the real-world tragedy of Renée Good's death and the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. The band's tribute ensures Good's story and the complexities of these topics remain in the public consciousness.

The details

The lead track 'American Obituary' serves as a powerful protest song, with lyrics referencing the date and location of Renée Good's shooting. Bono described the song as 'a bit more punk rock' than their 1983 protest song 'Sunday Bloody Sunday,' reflecting the sentiments expressed by Good's family. The lyrical rhythm was inspired by Bob Dylan. The EP also addresses the war in Ukraine and violence in the Middle East, rooted in the stories of those whose lives have been cut short.

  • Renée Good was killed on January 7, 2026 in Minneapolis.
  • U2 released the surprise EP 'Days of Ash' on Ash Wednesday 2026.

The players

Renée Good

A 37-year-old Minneapolis woman who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in January 2026.

Becca Good

Renée Good's partner, who shared a statement expressing how deeply Renée would have been moved by U2's tribute.

Bono

The frontman of U2, who described the song 'American Obituary' as 'a bit more punk rock' than their 1983 protest song 'Sunday Bloody Sunday.'

Larry Mullen Jr.

The drummer of U2, who emphasized that taking political positions has always been central to the band's identity.

U2

An Irish rock band known for incorporating political and social commentary into their music, including addressing conflict in Northern Ireland and responding to the war in Ukraine.

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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, where they came from, or what they looked like. It was the core of who she was.”

— Becca Good, Renée Good's partner

“Renee Good born to die free/American mother of three/Seventh day January/A bullet for each child, you see.”

— Bono

What’s next

The Luminary Loppet, a Minneapolis event, also honored Renée Good and Alex Pretti, another individual killed by federal immigration agents, with ice sculptures.

The takeaway

U2's tribute to Renée Good through the song 'American Obituary' ensures her story and the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement remain in the public consciousness, using their platform as artists to advocate for social change and call for peace amidst ongoing debates.