U2: 'We want to make the sound of the future'

U2, one of the most popular bands in the world, has made a significant announcement: they are back in the studio creating new music after an eight-year hiatus. The band, which has sold over 175 million albums globally, took this break due to their drummer, Larry Mullen Jr, needing time to recover from neck surgery. Larry had been dealing with injuries for years, which made it difficult for him to record new music. During his recovery, U2 brought in Dutch drummer Bram van den Berg to perform during their Las Vegas residency. Larry expressed his excitement about returning to the band, saying, 'It was difficult being away because of injury, so I'm thrilled to be back in a creative environment. ' He admitted that he missed being part of the band and the creative process. Recently, U2 was honored at the Ivor Novello Awards, where they became the first Irish group to receive a fellowship from the Ivors' songwriting academy. This prestigious award places them alongside legendary artists like Bruce Springsteen and Elton John. Bono, the band's charismatic lead singer, shared his enthusiasm about their recent songwriting sessions, stating, 'It was just the four of us in a room, trying a new song and going, 'What's that feeling? Oh right, that's chemistry. ' He emphasized that while they have experienced this chemistry before, it can sometimes be lost, especially with the way music is produced today. Bono noted, 'Isn't it strange that it's just got to the moment when just bass, drums, guitar and a loudmouth singer sounds like an original idea? ' The band has been reflecting on their journey over the past decade. In 2017, they embarked on a stadium tour to celebrate their iconic album, Joshua Tree. During the pandemic, Bono took the time to write his memoir, Surrender, which led the band to revisit and re-record some of their classic hits for their mostly acoustic album, Songs Of Surrender. Their Las Vegas shows also paid homage to their 1990s reinvention with the album Achtung Baby, culminating in the release of an archival album featuring unreleased material from 2004's How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Bono explained, 'We spent a moment thinking about the past – but you do that because you need to understand where that desire to be heard came from. ' He believes that understanding their history is essential for moving forward and creating new music. U2's story began in 1976 when Larry Mullen Jr posted a notice at his school looking for musicians. They started playing together in Dublin, and despite not being formally trained, they pursued their dreams. Larry remarked, 'We don't come from a tradition of great songwriters. ' They drew inspiration from bands like The Ramones and Patti Smith, who encouraged them to write their own songs. Bono described punk rock as 'year zero for us,' as they wanted to create music without being influenced by the past. Over the years, they honed their songwriting skills, inspired by artists like Bob Marley, who showed them that music could address various themes. Bono stated, 'Bob could sing about anything he wanted to. ' U2 aims to write songs that resonate with people and convey genuine emotions. Throughout the Ivor Novello Awards, the band's long-standing friendship was evident, filled with playful banter and teasing. Bono humorously reminded the audience that The Edge was the first to consider breaking up the band, showcasing their camaraderie. As they look to the future, U2 is eager to create new music and reclaim their title as one of the best bands in the world. They are ready to work hard and embrace the challenges ahead, excited about the possibilities that lie in their creative journey.