What Happened to U2?
U2, the iconic Irish rock band, has remained a prominent force in music and activism for over four decades. Following a highly successful Las Vegas residency at the Sphere in 2023-2024 and the release of their re-recorded album 'Songs of Surrender' in 2023, the band has continued to release new music in 2026, including two EPs and several singles, with a new studio album anticipated later in the year. In recognition of their enduring impact and humanitarian efforts, U2 is set to be honored as the 2027 MusiCares Persons of the Year.
Quick Answer
U2 has remained highly active, recently concluding a critically acclaimed 40-show residency at the Las Vegas Sphere from September 2023 to March 2024, performing their 'Achtung Baby' album. In 2026, they released two EPs, 'Days of Ash' and 'Easter Lily,' along with new singles like 'Street of Dreams' and 'Fireflies,' ahead of an expected new studio album. The band, including drummer Larry Mullen Jr. who returned for the 2026 releases, will collectively receive the 2027 MusiCares Persons of the Year award.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Release of 'Songs of Surrender'
U2 releases 'Songs of Surrender,' an album featuring 40 re-recorded and reinterpreted songs from their back catalogue, produced by The Edge. It serves as a companion to Bono's memoir.
U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere Residency Begins
U2 inaugurates the new Sphere venue in Las Vegas with their 'U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere' residency, performing their 1991 album in full. Larry Mullen Jr. is absent due to surgery, replaced by Bram van den Berg.
Sphere Residency Extended to 40 Shows
Due to overwhelming demand, U2 announces a final extension to their Sphere residency, bringing the total number of shows to 40, running through March 2, 2024.
U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere Residency Concludes
U2 concludes their highly successful 40-show residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, which grossed $244.5 million.
V-U2 Concert Film Screens at Sphere
The immersive concert film 'V-U2,' filmed during the Sphere residency, begins screening exclusively at Sphere.
Release of 'Days of Ash' EP
U2 releases the 'Days of Ash' EP, a standalone collection of five new protest songs and a poem, marking the return of drummer Larry Mullen Jr. to new recordings.
Release of 'Easter Lily' EP
U2 releases their second surprise EP of the year, 'Easter Lily,' continuing their output of new music.
Bono and The Edge Perform at Obama Presidential Center Opening
Bono and The Edge perform at the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Release of 'Street of Dreams' Single
U2 releases 'Street of Dreams,' the first single from their upcoming new studio album, expected later in 2026.
Release of 'Fireflies' with Martin Garrix
U2 collaborates with DJ and producer Martin Garrix on the EDM single 'Fireflies,' which was debuted live by The Edge at Tomorrowland Festival.
Release of 'Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah' Cover
U2 releases their cover of The Pogues' 'Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah' as part of a tribute album for Shane MacGowan.
Named 2027 MusiCares Persons of the Year
The Recording Academy and MusiCares announce that U2 (Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.) will be honored as the 2027 MusiCares Persons of the Year for their musical and humanitarian contributions.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
U2, formed in Dublin in 1976, has consistently pushed musical and technological boundaries throughout their career, maintaining their status as one of the world's biggest rock bands. After releasing their 14th studio album, 'Songs of Experience,' in 2017, the band continued to tour, notably with 'The Joshua Tree Tour 2019.' The early 2020s saw U2 engaging in various projects, including the launch of U2 X-Radio on SiriusXM in 2020.
A significant turning point came in 2023 with the release of 'Songs of Surrender' on March 17, an album featuring 40 re-recorded and reinterpreted songs from their extensive back catalogue. This project served as a companion to lead singer Bono's memoir, 'Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story.' Shortly after, U2 embarked on a groundbreaking concert residency, 'U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere,' to inaugurate the state-of-the-art Sphere venue in Las Vegas. The residency, which ran for 40 shows from September 29, 2023, to March 2, 2024, saw the band perform their seminal 1991 album 'Achtung Baby' in its entirety, utilizing the venue's immersive 16K resolution wraparound LED screen and advanced sound system. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. did not participate in the residency due to recuperation from surgery, with Dutch drummer Bram van den Berg filling in. The residency was a massive commercial success, grossing $244.5 million from 663,000 tickets sold, making it the fourth-highest-grossing concert residency of all time.
In 2026, U2 demonstrated a renewed creative output. On February 18, 2026, they released the 'Days of Ash' EP, a collection of five new protest songs and a poem, marking the return of Larry Mullen Jr. to the band's recordings. This was followed by the 'Easter Lily' EP in April 2026. The band continued to release new material, including the single 'Street of Dreams' on July 7, 2026, which is the lead single from an anticipated new studio album later in the year. They also collaborated with DJ Martin Garrix on the EDM single 'Fireflies,' released July 24, 2026, and covered The Pogues' 'Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah' for a Shane MacGowan tribute album on August 28, 2026.
As of September 14, 2026, U2 remains an active and influential band. Their humanitarian efforts continue to be recognized, with the Recording Academy and MusiCares announcing on September 10, 2026, that U2 (Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.) will be honored as the 2027 MusiCares Persons of the Year. This award acknowledges their groundbreaking work and decades of supporting global health, disaster response, and other causes. The band is currently working towards the release of their new studio album, expected in late 2026, showcasing their ongoing commitment to creating new music while also celebrating their legacy.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if U2 made different choices?