U2 have dismissed any suggestion that their new album signals the end of the band, with Bono insisting there are no retirement plans despite admitting making records remains a tough “grudge match”.
U2 have no plans to call it quits – despite admitting making albums is like a “grudge match”.
The Irish rockers – Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. – have always found making records “a challenge”, and their forthcoming LP, Carnaval de Luz, was no different.
For instance, producer Jacknife Lee revealed the track The Mirror Maker (Rosalía) – a nod to the Spanish singer – took nearly 200 takes.
In an interview with the BBC, guitarist The Edge confessed: “The early sessions for this album were at times super inspiring, and then really not that good at all.”
But they wouldn’t give up without a fight.
Frontman Bono said: “This band is absolutely relentless. It’s a grudge match.”
Drummer Larry said: “It’s the most frustrating thing.
“I’m always reminded of how incapable I am of doing all those things that other people find easy.
“It’s always been a challenge for us, and that’s what makes those moments when it [works] so special. That’s why you keep on chasing it, and why you stay in a band.”
In a separate interview on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio UK, the host claimed they had said the new album could be the “beginning of U2 saying goodbye?”, but frontman Bono instantly corrected him.
He said: “Beg pardon? No.”
Bassist Adam said: “I think that’s a bit premature. I mean, we’re going on tour and all that.”
Bono added of the band’s 2027 The Greatest Show on Earth World Tour: “I think we should play every show like it’s our last. How about that as an answer?”
The album – due November 13 – also features the late Dolly Parton’s final song, Torn.
Bono told Chris: “She’s the only thing in the entire universe we can all agree on. Gay, straight, red, blue, right wing, left wing, mental wing. Everyone just loved Dolly Parton.”
