U2 frontman Bono recently shared a heartfelt message with fans about the band’s long-awaited new album. The iconic rock group announced the release of their new EP titled ‘Easter Lily’ on X.
The message addressed the band’s creative process and their commitment to authentic rock music during challenging times.
“We are in the studio, still working towards a noisy, messy, ‘unreasonably colour xerox’ album to play LIVE… which is where U2 lives,” Bono said. “We still look to vivid rock n roll as an act of resistance against all this awfulness on our small screens. These are for sure ‘wilderness years’ for so many of us looking at the mayhem out there in the world. It’s a time that has our band digging deeper into our lives to find a wellspring of songs to try to meet the moment…”
The message also explored deeper philosophical questions that influenced their new music.
“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?” he continued. “Are there ceremonies, rituals, dances that we might be missing in our lives? From the rite of Spring to Easter and its promise of rebirth and renewal… Patti Smith’s album Easter gave me so much hope when it was released in 1978. I wasn’t yet 18. The title is a nod to her.”
Bono concluded with a personal note to fans about the band’s approach to this release.
“We will attempt hoopla and fanfare at a later date to remind the rest of the world we exist but in the meantime… this is between you and us,” he said.
The timing of Bono’s message coincides with the official release of the Easter Lily EP. The EP dropped today on Good Friday, marking a significant moment in the band’s recent creative output.
Island Records officially released the new U2 EP Easter Lily today, Friday April 3, 2026, coinciding with Good Friday, Noise11 reported. This standalone six-track collection was produced by Jacknife Lee. It represents the band’s second EP of 2026 following Days of Ash, which was released on February 18. The EP is now available for digital download and streaming on major platforms, accompanied by a new issue of Propaganda magazine.
The Easter Lily EP explores deeply personal themes that contrast with the band’s previous work this year. U2Songs noted that the collection focuses on internal themes of friendship, recovery, spiritual renewal, and personal loss. It offers a stark contrast to the external political focus of Days of Ash. The EP serves as an intimate counterpoint to the band’s stadium anthems while bridging to their upcoming full-length studio album. Bono has promised the album will deliver “vivid rock and roll” for live arenas.
The six-track collection features songs including “Song For Hal,” “In A Life,” “Scars,” “Resurrection Song,” “Easter Parade,” and “COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?).” The final track is a soundscape featuring Brian Eno. The Easter-themed tracks “Resurrection Song” and “Easter Parade” particularly reflect the spiritual renewal themes that Bono referenced in his message to fans.
The EP’s release strategy reflects U2’s current approach during what Bono describes as their “wilderness years.” U2Songs confirmed that the EP was released at midnight Eastern Time on April 3, 2026. This timing ensured it coincided with Good Friday in all regions of the globe except Western North America, where it was technically released on April 2. This careful timing underscores the band’s attention to the spiritual significance of the release date. It also demonstrates their commitment to creating meaningful connections with their audience during these challenging times.
