U2 Releases New EP ‘Easter Lily’ on Good Friday
Following the release of their politically charged single ‘Days Of Ash’ on Ash Wednesday, rock band U2 has unveiled a new EP titled ‘Easter Lily’. The EP was released today, coinciding with Good Friday, and features six new songs that offer a more introspective and personal take compared to their previous work.
The EP is described as a “separate, self-contained collection” that explores themes of friendship, loss, hope, and renewal. It includes a soundscape created by Brian Eno, known for his innovative approach to music production. Frontman Bono shared some of the deeper questions that inspired the project, stating:
“With Easter Lily, we ended up asking very personal questions like: 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? Is all religion rubbish and still ripping us apart…? Or are there answers to find in its crevices? Are there ceremonies, rituals, dances that we might be missing in our lives?”
This marks a shift from the previous EP, ‘Days Of Ash’, which featured “songs of defiance” dedicated to activists who lost their lives, including Renée Good and Awdah Hathaleen, a consultant on the documentary ‘No Other Land’. In contrast, ‘Easter Lily’ delves into more personal and reflective material, offering a space for contemplation during challenging times.
Tracklist and Themes
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. This track sets the tone for the emotional journey that follows.
Despite its reflective nature, the EP is not devoid of engagement. The closing track, ‘COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?)’, was produced by Brian Eno and written for the parents of children growing up in war zones. This song highlights the band’s continued commitment to addressing social and political issues through their music.
Related Content and Digital Editions
Like ‘Days Of Ash’, ‘Easter Lily’ comes with an accompanying digital edition of U2’s Propaganda zine, which has been published since 1986. This edition includes lyrics, articles, photos, and contributions from the band members and collaborators. Fans can explore the latest issue online.
Here is the full 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
Upcoming Projects
Both of U2’s 2026 EPs are leading up to the release of a new, still-untitled album. The band’s most recent full-length album, ‘Songs of Surrender’, was released in 2023. The upcoming record is expected to arrive in late 2026, continuing U2’s legacy of impactful and thought-provoking music.
