U2 Recording New Album with Drummer Larry Mullen Jr.’s Return

U2 Surprises Fans with New EP, Reveals Plans for Upcoming Album

Irish rock legends U2 caught their fanbase off guard Wednesday with the unexpected release of “Days of Ash,” a six-song EP tackling weighty political and social themes including the Israel-Palestine conflict, the war in Ukraine, and U.S. immigration policies.

The release marks the band’s first collection of new material since their 2017 album “Songs of Experience” and comes with promising news about a forthcoming full-length album that fans have been eagerly awaiting.

In an interview with the band’s official fanzine “Propaganda,” frontman Bono revealed the group has been extraordinarily productive in recent recording sessions. “There’s a lot more than 25 songs in the works,” he said. “But I’d say about 25 are worth considering for U2 projects in the next few years.”

The singer noted that the upcoming album will strike a markedly different tone from the somber themes explored in the “Days of Ash” EP. “The album contenders are very different in mood and theme than the ones we’ve chosen to put out on the ‘Days of Ash’ EP. More songs of celebration than lamentation…more of a defiantly joyful kind of feel to take on these anxious times…almost a carnival vibe.”

This shift toward a more uplifting sound appears to be a deliberate artistic choice in response to global challenges. “You can only kick at the darkness for so long,” Bono explained. “We’re going to try and make the light brighter real soon… Serious fun is required. We can’t always be letting the bad news drown out the good news.”

The recording process began immediately following the conclusion of the band’s groundbreaking 40-show residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas in March 2024. Those performances featured Dutch drummer Bram van den Berg, who temporarily replaced longtime member Larry Mullen Jr. while he recovered from neck surgery.

In what will surely delight longtime fans, Mullen has returned to his position behind the drum kit for the new recording sessions. Bono expressed enthusiasm about the drummer’s return, saying Mullen has been “rebuilt” and that his “playing is as innovative as ever.”

Mullen himself spoke candidly about his health challenges and absence from the Sphere residency. “I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t easy missing the Sphere residency through injury,” he admitted. “But I ignored my symptoms over a few years and just pushed through. Turns out I’m not invincible and when you don’t listen to your body the consequences are inevitable.”

The drummer revealed that his return to the band required adjustments to his playing style and equipment setup. “I’ve had to make some changes, like how I sit at the kit and the height of the various pieces,” he explained. “Other changes require more practice, they’re more about my approach and intention. I’ve always been an intense player, but I’m trying a more relaxed approach, and I’m enjoying the experience.”

This period of creative resurgence comes at an interesting juncture for U2, a band now in its fifth decade. The Sphere residency, which featured a visually stunning presentation of their landmark 1991 album “Achtung Baby,” demonstrated the group’s continued cultural relevance and willingness to embrace new performance technologies.

The “Days of Ash” EP, with its focus on contemporary political issues, suggests the band remains committed to engaging with current events through their music – a hallmark of their career since their earliest politically charged albums like “War” (1983) and “The Unforgettable Fire” (1984).

While no specific release date has been announced for the new album, “Propaganda” indicated it is “not far behind,” suggesting fans won’t have to wait much longer for U2’s next full-length offering.

The contrast between the somber, politically engaged “Days of Ash” EP and the promised “carnival vibe” of the upcoming album points to a band still exploring new creative directions after more than 40 years together.