Bono says U2 are entering a new era, with over 25 tracks ready for their next studio album — and a sound that looks ahead rather than behind.
Speaking with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, the frontman revealed that U2’s long-anticipated follow-up to 2017’s Songs of Experience is not only underway, but nearing a decisive stage. While guitarist The Edge may have recorded upwards of 300 pieces of material, Bono notes that 25 tracks stand out — calling them “great” and potentially forming the core of the upcoming release.
Describing the studio sessions, Bono emphasizes that this is not a retrospective project. “It sounds like the future to me,” he says, suggesting a sonic departure that breaks from the band’s past tendencies. While exact details on production remain under wraps, the band appears to be focused on editing the material down to 15 tracks, aiming for a concise yet expansive offering.
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr., who had previously taken time off due to health issues, is said to be working late in the studio, hinting at his full return to active recording.
During the conversation, Bono also shared insights into his friendship with Noel Gallagher, mentioning the surprising strength of Oasis’s rehearsals ahead of their rumored reunion shows. “I love them. And what I really love is, the preciousness that had gotten [into] indie music, they just blew it out. There was just the swagger, and the sound of getting out of the ghetto, not glamorising it."
While there’s no official timeline for the U2 album’s release, it’s clear the band is heading into a new phase — creatively recharged, fully engaged, and determined to evolve.
Photo: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
