U2's new EP honors Renee Good and reflects global events

U2 released a six-song EP titled Days of Ash, opening with a track dedicated to Renee Good, who died Jan. 7 during an encounter with an ICE agent; the songs reference recent international and humanitarian issues.

U2 released a six-song EP called Days of Ash on Ash Wednesday, its first major collection of new original material since 2017. The opening track, "American Obituary," is dedicated to Renee Good, who died Jan. 7 in Minneapolis during an encounter with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The band described the project as an immediate response to current events and said it was inspired by people they described as fighting on the front lines of freedom. Several songs reference international tensions and humanitarian concerns. Key details: - The band released the six-song EP Days of Ash alongside lyric videos, and the project is available on major streaming platforms; it is U2's first major original release since Songs of Experience (2017). - The opening track, "American Obituary," is dedicated to Renee Good; her partner Becca Good and other family members issued statements describing the tribute as an honor and a call for peace. - The EP's lyrics reference topics including the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, immigration debates in the United States, and mention Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen; an attorney for Good's family said the tribute reflects a broader message. Summary: U2's new release places a recent U.S. death in the context of wider international and humanitarian themes and was presented with lyric videos on major platforms. Family members and their attorney described the song as an honor and a call for unity. Undetermined at this time.