U2 Surprise Release ‘Days of Ash’ EP with Ed Sheeran & Kyiv Bomb Shelter Footage

U2 unexpectedly released a new six-track EP, Days of Ash, coinciding with Ash Wednesday. The EP features five original songs and one poem by Yehuda Amichai. One of the new songs includes a collaboration with Ed Sheeran and Taras Topolia, a Ukrainian singer who previously performed with U2 in a Kyiv bomb shelter in 2022.

A Collection Rooted in Real Life

The songs comprising Days of Ash are centered around the stories of individuals whose lives were tragically cut short. These include Renée Good, a mother from Minneapolis, Sarina Esmailzadeh, an Iranian schoolgirl, and Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian father and consultant for the documentary No Other Land. A short documentary film, directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Ilya Mikhaylus, will accompany the song “Yours Eternally” and is scheduled for release on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Did You Know? U2 began working on the songs that would become Days of Ash over the past year.

A Distinct Sound and a Forthcoming Album

According to Bono, the tracks on Days of Ash differ in tone and theme from the material planned for U2’s next album, expected in late 2026. He described the EP’s songs as “songs of defiance and dismay, of lamentation,” emphasizing their urgency. Bono stated that songs of celebration are currently in development.

Expanding the Experience

Alongside the EP, U2 is also releasing a new issue of Propaganda, their print zine which began in 1986. This 52-page publication, titled U2 – Days of Ash: Six Postcards From The Present… Wish We Weren’t Here, includes lyrics, notes from each band member, an interview with Bono, and conversations with filmmaker Ilya Mikhaylus, film producer Pyotr Verzilov, and musician/soldier Taras Topolia. The zine is available in digital and limited-edition print formats.

Expert Insight: The simultaneous release of an EP and a zine demonstrates U2’s continued commitment to engaging with fans on multiple levels, offering both musical and textual explorations of complex themes. This approach allows for a deeper dive into the artistic process and the stories behind the songs.

U2’s previous full-length album, Songs of Surrender, was released in 2023. Last year, each member of the band – Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. – issued statements regarding the situation in Gaza, expressing concern over the blocking of humanitarian aid and potential military actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the EP’s title, Days of Ash?

The EP was released to coincide with Ash Wednesday, a Christian observance marking the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection and repentance.

Who is Taras Topolia and what is his connection to U2?

Taras Topolia is a Ukrainian singer who performed with Bono and the Edge in a Kyiv bomb shelter in 2022. He is featured on one of the songs on the Days of Ash EP.

When is U2’s next full-length album expected to be released?

U2’s next album is slated for release in late 2026.

How might the themes explored in Days of Ash influence the direction of U2’s forthcoming album, and what further artistic expressions might emerge from their engagement with these poignant narratives?