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LOS ANGELES (AP) \u2014 U2 is returning with its first collection of new songs in nearly a decade, opening with a tribute to Renee Good, the Minnesota mom fatally shot by a federal agent during this winter\u2019s massive immigration crackdown.<\/p>\n
The Irish rock band released the six-song EP \u201cU2 \u2013 Days of Ash\u201d on Wednesday. Its first track, \u201cAmerican Obituary,\u201d is dedicated to Good, who died Jan. 7 in Minneapolis during an encounter with a Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The song is a call for peace and a dedication to Good\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
\u201cRenee didn\u2019t just believe in kindness; she lived it, fully and fiercely,\u201d said Becca Good, her partner, in a statement released with the project. \u201cShe believed every person deserved the same compassion, care and dignity regardless of who they were.\u201d<\/p>\n
The band released the EP on Ash Wednesday, describing it as an immediate response to current events and inspired by the people \u201cfighting on the front lines of freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frontman Bono has frequently incorporated social themes into U2\u2019s music, and the new songs maintain that approach. Some tracks reference international tensions and humanitarian concerns, including the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East and immigration debates in the United States. One song also mentions Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, whose death last year in the Israeli-occupied West Bank drew international attention.<\/p>\n
The project marks U2\u2019s first major release of new original material since 2017\u2019s \u201cSongs of Experience,\u201d although the band has remained active through touring and rerecorded projects in recent years.<\/p>\n
Antonio Romanucci, an attorney representing Good\u2019s family in a civil case connected to her death, said the tribute reflects a broader message.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe certainly feel the urgency of the country\u2019s situation reflected in the band\u2019s powerful call for coming together,\u201d he said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Throughout its career, U2 has used its platform to highlight issues ranging from global poverty initiatives to human rights advocacy. The EP was released alongside lyric videos for each track and is available on major streaming platforms.<\/p>\n
Good\u2019s parents and siblings also described the song as an honor and said they hope it encourages reflection and unity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an incredible honor to have the talent and impact of U2 spreading the message of peace in Renee\u2019s name,\u201d the statement read. \u201cWe certainly feel the urgency of the country\u2019s situation reflected in the band\u2019s powerful call for change and coming together.\u201d<\/p>\n
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