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The
Irish rock band released the six-song EP “U2 - Days of Ash” on
Wednesday. Its first track, “American Obituary,” 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's life.
“Renee didn’t just believe in kindness; she lived it, fully and
fiercely,” said Becca Good, her partner, in a statement released
with the project. “She believed every person deserved the same
compassion, care and dignity regardless of who they were.”
The band released the EP on Ash Wednesday, describing it as an
immediate response to current events and inspired by the people
“fighting on the front lines of freedom.”
Frontman Bono has frequently incorporated social themes into
U2’s 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.
The project marks U2’s first major release of new original
material since 2017’s “Songs of Experience,” although the band
has remained active through touring and rerecorded projects in
recent years.
Antonio Romanucci, an attorney representing Good’s family in a
civil case connected to her death, said the tribute reflects a
broader message.
“We certainly feel the urgency of the country’s situation
reflected in the band’s powerful call for coming together,” he
said in a statement.
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.
Good’s parents and siblings also described the song as an honor
and said they hope it encourages reflection and unity.
“It's an incredible honor to have the talent and impact of U2
spreading the message of peace in Renee's name,” the statement
read. “We certainly feel the urgency of the country's situation
reflected in the band's powerful call for change and coming
together.”
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