Bono reveals Ed Sheeran's reluctance to engage with politics on U2's Ukraine collaboration
Bono disclosed that Ed Sheeran expressed hesitation about the political nature of their collaboration 'Yours Eternally,' a track addressing the war in Ukraine. This revelation emerged amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Sheeran's refusal to support Macklemore, who was dropped from Sheeran's tour for pro-Palestine statements. While Sheeran maintains a stance of neutrality to protect his audience, U2 members emphasize the importance of artistic freedom and political engagement.
Key points
- Bono revealed that Ed Sheeran asked him not to get him 'into politics' while working on the song 'Yours Eternally,' which features Ukrainian musician Taras Topolia and is written from the perspective of a Ukrainian soldier during the war with Russia.
- Sheeran responded to Bono's explanation by saying, 'Yeah, but I just want to keep my thing free,' leading Bono to conclude that 'you can't be pushing people around.'
- The comments come after Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's Loop Tour for shouting 'Free Palestine' and expressing solidarity with Gaza, prompting other support acts to leave in solidarity.
- Larry Mullen Jr. and Bono emphasized that artists are entitled to choose whether to engage in politics, citing Brian Eno's view that pop stars are 'little fish in a large sea of huge forces and religion and politics.'
- U2 drew a line against billionaire owners stifling speech, referencing their own history of political activism, such as campaigning for Martin Luther King Day in Arizona despite opposition from Governor Evan Mecham.
Background
This story follows the fallout from Macklemore's removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour in September 2026, which sparked widespread backlash and led to other support acts quitting in solidarity. Sheeran had previously defended the decision as a promoter issue, but faced criticism from family members and fans. The controversy intensified after Sheeran addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza at a September 19 concert, marking a shift from his earlier stance of political neutrality.
How outlets are covering it
Rolling Stone UK and Variety both reported Bono's comments about Sheeran's reluctance to engage with politics on 'Yours Eternally,' highlighting the tension between artistic neutrality and political engagement. TheWrap emphasized the broader context of the Macklemore controversy and the role of stadium owners like Robert Kraft in the decision. All sources noted U2's support for artistic freedom while drawing a line against corporate influence on speech.
Why it matters
The story underscores the ongoing debate about the role of pop stars in political discourse, particularly in the context of global conflicts like the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine conflict. It highlights the tension between artists who choose neutrality and those who use their platforms for advocacy, as well as the influence of corporate interests on artistic expression.
What to watch
Macklemore has announced a 'Free Palestine' tour in Dublin, Paris, and London in October 2026, with all shows sold out. U2 is set to release their new album 'Carnaval de Luz' on November 13, 2026. Sheeran has returned to the stage and apologized to fans for 'making mistakes,' but the controversy over his stance on political issues continues to draw attention.
- Ed Sheeran told Bono he didn’t want to ‘get into politics’ on U2 collab ‘Yours Eternally’ Rolling Stone UK
- Bono Said When U2 Worked With Ed Sheeran on ‘Yours Eternally,’ Singer Asked, ‘You’re Not Going To Get Me Into Politics, Are You?’ Yahoo
- Ed Sheeran Told U2 He Didn’t Want to ‘Get Into Politics’ on Song About Ukraine’s War With Russia, Says Bono Variety
- Bono Says Ed Sheeran Worried About Getting 'Into Politics' on Their Song About the War in Ukraine TheWrap
- Bono on Singing with Ed Sheeran: "He Said, 'You're Not Going to Get Me into Politics, Are You?'" consequence.net
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