Guitarist confirms band has been working in the studio — including the return of drummer Larry Mullen Jr — and reacts to rumors of a show in Rio
Since returning post-pandemic, the U2 he was a little less active than usual. All shows performed by the band since resumption have taken place in the same location: The Spherethe massive immersive arena in Las Vegas, United States. As for the releases, only the single “Your song saved my life” (2021), the album of revisitations Songs of surrender (2023) and the new 20th anniversary edition of How to dismantle an atomic bomb (2004) with songs from the recording sessions, aptly titled How to reassemble an atomic bomb (2024) – sounds like a lot, but there isn’t a lot of truly new material in this pie.
The situation, however, could be about to change. The guitarist The edge confirmed some news related to the group in an interview with BBC Radio 2 (go Music Radar).
Most notable is the fact that the band is working on new songs. The creations emerged together with none other than Brian Enolegendary producer with whom they recorded the albums The unforgettable fire (1984), The Joshua tree (1987), Achtung Baby (1991), Zooropa (1993), Original soundtracks 1 (1995, as Passengers), Everything you can’t leave behind (2000) e No lines on the horizon (2009).
As for the sound concept, Edge provided a curious description. The guitarist described the material as “a crazy kind of sci-fi Irish folk music”.
Another good news for fans is the return of Larry Mullen Jr.. The drummer was out of the concert season at The Sphere for health reasons, and was replaced by Bram van den Bergbut he recovered and resumes his position for new studio recordings. The Edge says:
“We put him in the studio. He’s fine, he’s taking it easy, but he’s back on the drums, he’s still recording with us, so we’ll do more before the end of the year. Good [vocalista] and I’m working on a crazy kind of sci-fi Irish folk song, which might end up being on the new U2 album, we’re not sure yet.”
The guitarist stresses that it’s part of the U2 process “go too far away, go off track and then come back”. According to him, this is how you get a song “unique sound”.
U2 in Copacabana?
In another interview, Silvio Essinger for the newspaper The globeThe Edge was asked about rumors that U2 will hold a free concert on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, in 2025. The situation shouldn’t even be a rumor, as the mayor of Rio de Janeiro announced, Eduardo Peesbut since politicians can’t be trusted, it’s worth checking.
All in all: the guitarist didn’t even know it. Since the alleged presentation would have taken place in May, he should have already known. However, there isn’t a bad moment with Edge, as one would agree anyway.
“Wow, this is the first time I’ve heard of this, so… I don’t know! I have no idea if we could make it happen, but we would be flattered to be invited, because we love Rio, we love Brazil and it would be an amazing place!”
Even theThe globenew material was mentioned. According to the artist there is no deadline for the release, but the idea is, in fact, to return to the influences of traditional Irish music.
“From records like October (1981) e War (1983) that we did not really consider the Irish influence. Since then, we have gained an outside perspective and become more aware of the uniqueness of Irish music. Now it looks like there’s a new place to go. It could lead to a U2 album, a side project, like Passengers… We’re not thinking much about where it will end up.”
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Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
