Guitarist confirms that the 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 the post-pandemic return, the U2 has been a little less active than usual. All shows performed by the band since the resumption have taken place in the same location: The Spherethe impressive immersive arena in Las Vegas, United States. As for releases, only the single “Your Song Saved My Life” (2021), the album of reinterpretations Songs of Surrender (2023) and the new edition of the 20th anniversary of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004) with tracks from the recording sessions, aptly titled How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb (2024) — it seems like a lot, but there isn’t that much truly new material in this cake.
The situation, however, may be about to change. The guitarist The Edge confirmed some news related to the group in an interview with BBC Radio 2 (via Music Radar).
The most notable is the fact that the band is working on new songs. Creations have emerged alongside 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), All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000) and No Line on the Horizon (2009).
Regarding the sound concept, Edge gave a curious description. The guitarist defined 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 due to health reasons, being replaced by Bram van den Bergbut he has recovered and resumes his position for new studio recordings. The Edge states:
“We put him in the studio. He’s fine, he’s taking it easy, but he’s back on the drums, still recording with us, so we’ll do some more of that before the end of the year. Bono [vocalista] and I are working on a crazy kind of sci-fi Irish folk song, which might end up being part of the new U2 album, we’re not sure yet.”
The guitarist points out that he is part of the U2 process “getting too far away and going off track and then coming back”. According to him, this is how you get a song from “unique sound”.
U2 in Copacabana?
In another interview, Silvio Essinger for the newspaper The GlobeThe Edge was asked about rumors that U2 would perform a free concert on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, in 2025. The situation shouldn’t even be a rumor, as it was announced by the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paesbut as you can’t trust politicians, it’s worth checking.
All said and done: the guitarist didn’t even know. As the supposed presentation would take place in May, it should have already been known to him. Still, there is no bad time with Edge, as he would still agree.
“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 this would be an amazing place!”
Also the’The Globethe new material was mentioned. According to the artist, there is no deadline for release, but the idea is, in fact, to return to the influences of traditional Irish music.
“From records like October (1981) and War (1983) that we didn’t really look at the Irish influence. Since then, we have gained an outsider’s perspective and become more aware of the uniqueness of Irish music. Now, it feels like a new place for us to go. It could result in a U2 album, a side project, like Passengers… We’re not thinking much about where this will lead.”
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Source: Rollingstone
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.
