‘It’s a new world. It’s a little fascistic. And it needs a different response’: U2 on 50 years together – and their undimmed faith in humanity

U2 are preparing to release *Carnaval de Luz*, their first album of new material in nearly nine years, alongside a world tour. As the band marks 50 years since Larry Mullen’s noticeboard advert brought them together, the members reflect on their longevity, creative differences and continued belief in democracy and human potential amid political turmoil.

The year has also brought two contrasting EPs: *Days of Ash*, whose songs respond to events including the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza and the Trump administration, and the more spiritual *Easter Lily*. The band recently played a set of songs made with Brian Eno at Tate Modern and performed at their former school in Dublin. At the school gig, pupils welcomed them with both affectionate messages and jokes about their sons’ band Inhaler and Oasis.