U2 Releases Surprise EP of 'Songs of Defiance and Dismay'

The politically-charged project includes five songs and one poem inspired by ongoing societal and political issues.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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U2 has surprise released a new EP titled "Days of Ash" that features five songs and one poem addressing current events and inspired by "the many extraordinary and courageous people fighting on the frontlines of freedom." The band described the project as an "immediate response to current events" and said the songs "couldn't wait" to be released.

Why it matters

U2 is one of the most influential and politically-engaged rock bands of the modern era, using their platform to speak out on important social and political issues. This new EP demonstrates the band's continued commitment to using their music to raise awareness and inspire action around global conflicts, human rights abuses, and other pressing concerns.

The details

The EP includes five songs and one poem. "American Obituary" was written for Renee Good, a woman killed by ICE. "Song Of The Future" is about Sarina Esmailzadeh, a 16-year-old Iranian girl who died after being beaten by security forces for not wearing a hijab. "One Life At A Time" was inspired by the killing of Palestinian man Awdah Hathaleen by an Israeli settler. "Yours Eternally" features Ed Sheeran and Taras Topolia and was written after Bono and The Edge's experience in Ukraine following Russia's invasion. The EP also includes "The Tears Of Things" and a poem called "Wildpeace" by Israeli author Yehuda Amichai.

  • U2 surprise released the "Days of Ash" EP on February 18, 2026.

The players

U2

An influential Irish rock band known for their politically-engaged music and activism.

Bono

The lead singer of U2 who has been outspoken on a variety of social and political issues.

The Edge

The guitarist of U2 who co-wrote the songs on the "Days of Ash" EP.

Larry Mullen Jr.

The drummer of U2 who said the band believes the "right moment" has come to release these new politically-charged songs.

Ed Sheeran

The English singer-songwriter who is featured on the U2 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.”

— Bono, Lead Singer of U2 (americansongwriter.com)

“I believe these new songs stand up to our best work. We talk a lot about when to release new tracks. You don't always know... the way the world is now feels like the right moment.”

— Larry Mullen Jr., Drummer of U2 (americansongwriter.com)

“We believe in a world where borders are not erased by force. Where culture, language, and memory are not silenced by fear. Where the dignity of a people is not negotiable. This belief isn't temporary. It isn't political fashion. It's the ground we stand on. And we stand there together.”

— The Edge, Guitarist of U2 (americansongwriter.com)

What’s next

U2 is expected to release a full album later in 2026, which will likely feature a different musical style and thematic focus compared to the politically-charged "Days of Ash" EP.

The takeaway

U2's surprise release of the "Days of Ash" EP demonstrates the band's continued commitment to using their music as a platform to address pressing social and political issues around the world. The project's songs of "defiance and dismay" reflect the band's belief in a more just, equitable, and peaceful global community.