U2 has released a surprise EP, “Days of Ash,” featuring a poignant tribute to Renée Great, a Minneapolis woman fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in January. The lead track, “American Obituary,” serves as a powerful protest song, amplifying the story of Good and calling for peace amidst ongoing debates surrounding U.S. Immigration enforcement.
The EP, released on Ash Wednesday, is described by the band as an “urgent intervention” rather than a traditional album release, confronting injustice and moral fatigue head-on. U2 has a long history of incorporating political and social commentary into their music, from early songs addressing conflict in Northern Ireland to more recent tracks responding to the war in Ukraine. This latest release continues that tradition, focusing on real-world tragedies and the individuals impacted by them. The band’s frontman, Bono, has frequently used his platform to advocate for various causes, including AIDS relief, environmental protection and poverty reduction.
The Story of Renée Good
Renée Good, 37, was killed on January 7th in Minneapolis by an ICE agent, according to multiple reports. Details surrounding the shooting remain limited, and the federal government has stated there will be no criminal investigation into the incident, also cutting the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from accessing evidence and information. The song “American Obituary” directly addresses the circumstances of her death, with lyrics referencing the date and location of the shooting.
The lyrics paint a stark picture, questioning the justification for the use of force: “Renee Good born to die free/American mother of three/Seventh day January/A bullet for each child, you see.” Bono described the song as “a bit more punk rock” than their 1983 protest song “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” reflecting the sentiments expressed by Good’s family. The lyrical rhythm was inspired by Bob Dylan, according to Bono.
Family and Community Response
Good’s partner, Becca Good, shared a statement expressing how deeply Renée would have been moved by U2’s tribute. “Renee didn’t just believe in kindness; she lived it, fully and fiercely,” Becca Good said. “She believed every person deserved the same compassion, care, and dignity regardless of who they were, where they came from, or what they looked like. It was the core of who she was.”
The Good family also released a statement, acknowledging the “incredible honor” of U2 using their platform to spread a message of peace. They expressed feeling the “urgency of the country’s situation” reflected in the band’s call for change and unity. The Luminary Loppet, a Minneapolis event, also honored Good and Alex Pretti, another individual killed by federal immigration agents, with ice sculptures.
“Days of Ash” and U2’s Continued Activism
“American Obituary” is just one track on the six-song EP, “Days of Ash.” The project also addresses the war in Ukraine and violence in the Middle East, rooted in the stories of those whose lives have been cut short. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. Emphasized that taking political positions has always been central to U2’s identity, noting the band’s long-standing collaborations with organizations like Amnesty International and Greenpeace. The band is known for having worked with Amnesty International, Greenpeace and voicing their opinions on political hot topics.
The release of “Days of Ash” comes as more celebrities have been publicly voicing their views on immigration enforcement, with many wearing “ICE OUT” pins at recent events like the Grammys and Golden Globes. Bono framed the EP as an urgent intervention, stating that the music couldn’t wait to be released with the full album.
U2’s new EP serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of political conflict and the importance of using art as a platform for social change. The band’s tribute to Renée Good ensures her story, and the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement, remain in the public consciousness.
As U2 prepares to release a full album later this year, “Days of Ash” offers a glimpse into the band’s continued commitment to addressing pressing global issues through their music. The impact of “American Obituary” and the EP as a whole will likely spark further conversation and reflection on the complexities of immigration and the pursuit of justice.
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