Interview‘It’s a new world. It’s a little fascistic. And it needs a different response’: U2 on 50 years together – and why Bono can’t work with Trump

U2 are marking five decades together with a renewed artistic vigor, evidenced by their forthcoming album Carnaval de Luz and an accompanying world tour. The group’s members, still united as the original quartet, have embraced a refreshed musical identity that seeks to reaffirm their distinctive sound while addressing contemporary issues.

The new album represents a shift from the anger that characterized their recent EPs to a more hopeful and communal tone. Songs like "Superficiality" articulate resilience in the face of global challenges, emphasizing the need for collective strength rather than surrendering to despair. This tonal evolution underscores U2’s intent to sustain their relevance in an era marked by political and social upheaval.

This resurgence follows a lengthy period of mixed reception and personal hardships, including Bono’s serious injuries and open heart surgery, as well as the commercial and critical disappointment of their last two albums, Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience. These past difficulties have seemingly recalibrated the band’s approach, leading them back to the core elements that originally defined their music.

U2’s continued existence as a four-member group is notable in an industry where longevity is rare and personnel changes common. The band’s decision-making operates through a collective democratic process, which they refer to as "the soviet," ensuring equal songwriting credits and shared authority. This approach has helped maintain internal harmony despite the challenges posed by individual egos and the pressures of long-term collaboration.

The band recounts their early formation during the punk era, highlighting a deliberate intention to pursue longevity rather than short-lived success. Their youthful confidence, encapsulated in their debut album Boy, set a foundation of hope and audacity that has persisted through their evolution.

Carnaval de Luz features collaborations that bridge generations and genres, including a final recording with country legend Dolly Parton and a song celebrating the Spanish singer Rosalía. These partnerships reflect U2’s ongoing efforts to innovate while honoring diverse musical traditions and influences.

The album also tackles contemporary political themes, with Bono openly expressing his discomfort working with the Trump administration. He explains his decision to refrain from engaging directly with that administration due to a perceived lack of spiritual permission and effective strategy. This stance marks a departure from his past activism, which involved brokering bipartisan support on issues like AIDS relief and debt cancellation.

Larry Mullen Jr. echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the shock and despair caused by recent political developments that disrupted funding for critical programs. The band recognizes the current political climate as unprecedentedly authoritarian, necessitating new forms of response and cooperation.

Despite these challenges, U2 maintains faith in music’s power to unite people. Their upcoming tour is described as an unapologetic celebration of live performance, reaffirming their commitment to delivering engaging and meaningful concerts.

The emotional centerpiece of the album, "The Greatest Show on Earth," reflects on the band’s past prominence and cultural influence, eliciting mixed feelings among the members. Bono’s insistence on singing the song as originally written reveals a willingness to confront their legacy honestly, even if it means acknowledging what might have been lost.

The band’s internal dynamic remains one of mutual respect and negotiation, with members often tempering each other’s ideas to serve the collective vision. This approach has sustained U2 through decades of change and diversified musical landscapes.

U2’s ability to adapt while preserving their identity offers a compelling case study in artistic endurance. Carnaval de Luz and the associated tour signal a revitalized chapter, demonstrating how veteran artists can engage with current realities without abandoning the signature qualities that define them.

Their decision to perform at venues such as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the tour reveals an ambition to reach large audiences and maintain their status as a major live act in the global music scene. This strategic choice highlights a continuing relevance and commercial viability in a competitive touring market.

By situating themselves within current social and political discourses while honoring their history, U2 exemplifies a nuanced balance between innovation and tradition. Carnaval de Luz thus serves as both a reflection on their past and a manifesto for their present and future artistic direction.