'U2 - EASTER LILY' - NEW EP OUT NOW
'Easter Lily', a new standalone 6-track EP from U2 is out now.

Listen HERE.
Watch lyric videos HERE.

In a note to fans, Bono says that this second surprise EP is not going to delay the arrival of the band's album.

"We are in the studio, still working towards a noisy, messy, 'unreasonably colourful' album to play LIVE… which is where U2 lives. We still look to vivid rock n roll as an act of resistance against all this awfulness on our small screens. These are for sure 'wilderness years' for so many of us looking at the mayhem out there in the world."

'It's a time that has our band digging deeper into our lives to find a wellspring of songs to try meet the moment… With Easter Lily we ended up asking very personal questions like: Are our own relationships up to these challenging times? How hard do you fight for friendship? Can our faith survive the mangling of meaning that those algorithms love to reward? Is all religion rubbish and still ripping us apart…? Or are there answers to find in its crevices? Are there ceremonies, rituals, dances that we might be missing in our lives? From the rite of Spring to Easter and its promise of rebirth and renewal… Patti Smith's album Easter gave me so much hope when it was released in 1978. I wasn't yet 18. The title is a nod to her.

'We will attempt hoopla and fanfare at a later date to remind the rest of the world we exist but in the meantime… this is between you and us.'

While the 'Days of Ash' EP was a response to chaotic times in the outside world, the 'Easter Lily' EP is a more reflective set of songs emerging from a more personal, private place that some may retreat to in such times – exploring themes of friendship, loss, hope, and ultimately, renewal.

'Song for Hal' is a COVID-19 lockdown lament, with The Edge on lead vocals, written for the band's friend, the music-maker, Hal Willner, who would have turned 70 on Easter Monday and passed away almost 6 years ago to the day. 'In a Life' is a song celebrating friendship. 'Scars' is a song of encouragement and acceptance; scars and all, with a twist. 'Resurrection Song' is about pilgrimage, a road trip into the unknown with a lover or friend. 'Easter Parade' is a devotional song, a celebration of new life, rebirth and resurrection. 'COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?)' is a lullaby for parents of children caught up in war, featuring a soundscape by Brian Eno.

The 'Easter Lily' EP is accompanied by another special digital e-zine edition of 'Propaganda'. 

Titled 'U2 - Propaganda - Easter Lily', this edition features contributions from all four band members including sleeve notes from The Edge; Adam Clayton on art and the journey of recovery; a conversation between Bono and Franciscan friar Richard Rohr; and in-the-studio photographs shot by Larry Mullen Jr. 

The e-zine also features song lyrics along with an interview with the band's producer, Jacknife Lee and a piece on Hal Willner by his friend Gavin Friday.

Forty years ago, in February 1986, the first issue of 'Propaganda' dropped through the letterboxes of U2 fans around the world. Aspiring to match other fan magazines at that time, 'Propaganda' was born out of the punk-era D.I.Y. zine culture that embraced attitude, ideas and dialogue.

Read 'U2 - Propaganda - Easter Lily' HERE.

'U2 - Easter Lily' EP will be available as a digital download, as well as on all DSPs. 

Listen HERE. 
Watch lyric videos HERE.

The tracklisting for 'U2 - Easter Lily' EP is:
1. Song for Hal
2. In a Life
3. Scars
4. Resurrection Song
5. Easter Parade
6. COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?)