U2 Releases Surprise Six-Song EP, 'Days Of Ash,' Addressing Global Political Issues

On Wednesday (Feb. 18), U2 released a surprise six-song EP titled Days of Ash, featuring tracks that address political conflicts worldwide including ICE raids in America, Iranian uprisings, the war in Ukraine, and Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The EP includes the tunes "American Obituary," "The Tears of Things," "Song of the Future," "Wildpeace," "One Life at a Time," and "Yours Eternally," which features guest contributions from Ed Sheeran and Taras Topolia. Bono stated: "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." "American Obituary" honors Renee Good, killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, while "Song of the Future" pays tribute to 16-year-old Iranian Sarina Esmailzadeh, beaten to death by security forces during 2022's Women, Life, Freedom protests. The tracks are available on all streaming platforms along with accompanying lyric videos.