U2 Unveil New EP ‘Easter Lily’ on Good Friday
Following the release of their politically charged single “Days Of Ash” on Ash Wednesday, the iconic rock band U2 has launched a new EP titled ‘Easter Lily’. This latest project, released today on Good Friday, is described as a “separate, self-contained collection” featuring six new tracks. Among these is a unique soundscape created by Brian Eno, adding a distinct layer to the album’s overall sound.
Frontman Bono shared his thoughts on the EP in a statement, reflecting on the personal and introspective nature of the work. He posed profound questions such as: “Are our own relationships up to these challenging times? How hard do you fight for friendship? Can our faith survive the mangling of meaning that those algorithms love to reward?” These reflections highlight the band’s exploration of themes like faith, loss, and hope.
Compared to ‘Days Of Ash’, which featured “songs of defiance” dedicated to activists who lost their lives, including Renée Good and Awdah Hathaleen, the documentary consultant for the Palestinian film ‘No Other Land’, ‘Easter Lily’ takes a more personal and reflective approach. The EP is described as a “much more reflective set of songs,” emerging from a private place that many might retreat to during challenging times. It delves into themes of friendship, loss, hope, and ultimately, renewal.
The EP’s opener, ‘Song for Hal’, is a tribute to U2’s late friend and producer, Hal Willner, who passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Despite its introspective tone, the new songs are not devoid of engagement. Brian Eno contributed to the closing track, ‘COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?)’, which the band wrote for the parents of children growing up in war zones.
In addition to the EP, ‘Easter Lily’ comes with another digital edition of the band’s long-running Propaganda zine, which they have been publishing since 1986. This edition includes lyrics, articles, photos, and contributions from the four band members and collaborators.
Here is the tracklist for ‘Easter Lily’:
- ‘Song For Hal’
- ‘In A Life’
- ‘Scars’
- ‘Resurrection Song’
- ‘Easter Parade’
- ‘COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?)’ – featuring a new soundscape by Brian Eno
Both of the band’s 2026 EPs serve as a prelude to a still-untitled new album from U2. Their most recent full-length LP, ‘Songs of Surrender’, was released in 2023. The upcoming record is expected to arrive in late 2026, marking another significant chapter in the band’s storied career.
