Ed Sheeran Told U2 He Didn’t Want to ‘Get Into Politics’ on Song About Ukraine’s War With Russia, Says Bono
U2 and Ed Sheeran collaborated earlier this year on the song “Yours Eternally” off the band’s “Days of Ash” EP, which dropped in February. Bono told Rolling Stone UK in a new interview that Sheeran expressed his resistance to U2 about doing such a politically-minded song. “Yours
Ed Sheeran's hesitation to get involved in politics through music is an interesting stance, especially given the current global climate. The song "Yours Eternally" with U2 addresses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a topic that has been at the forefront of international news. This collaboration marks a departure from Sheeran's typical genre-bending, radio-friendly hits, and raises questions about the role of music in commenting on social and political issues.
U2 has a long history of incorporating politics and social commentary into their music, with songs like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "One" becoming anthems for peace and unity. Bono's comments suggest that Sheeran was initially hesitant to join forces on a song that tackles such a complex and sensitive topic. This dynamic is noteworthy, as it highlights the tension between creating music that resonates with a wide audience and taking a stance on issues that may polarize listeners.
As the music industry continues to evolve, it's likely that artists will face increasing pressure to take a stand on social and political issues. With the rise of streaming and social media, music has become a powerful tool for sparking conversations and driving change. Keep an eye on how other artists respond to these expectations, and whether Ed Sheeran will revisit his stance on using music as a platform for commentary in the future.
Originally reported by variety.com. MusicNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.