Bono addresses Sheeran-Macklemore tour split and U2 collaboration
Bono has addressed the split between Ed Sheeran and Macklemore, and his own recent work with Sheeran, in new interviews published this week.
Macklemore was dropped from Sheeran's Loop tour after leading chants of "Free Palestine" during two opening slots on the North American leg, according to Billboard. Sheeran later issued a statement saying the removal was the promoter's decision, not his.
In that statement, Sheeran said his shows are about bringing people together in "unity, joy, escapism [and] love". He added: "I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care."
The fallout widened quickly. After Macklemore's statements, the rest of the tour's opening acts and Sheeran's onstage backing band left the tour.
Asked about the incident, Bono said he did not want to dwell on it. "We shouldn’t personalize this, what’s going on," he said.
He cited producer Brian Eno, who has worked with U2 for decades. Eno described pop stars as like little fish in a large sea of huge forces and religion and politics. Bono offered the line as context for the pressure on performers to take public positions.
U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. struck a similar note. He said artists can choose whether they want to be involved and it is not U2's job to criticise that choice. He added the band is "absolutely clear about promoters or billionaire owners and the idea that they could have some influence on what you say or what you do on a stage."
The comments came as Bono discussed working with Sheeran on "Yours Eternally". The track appears on U2's surprise Days of Ash EP, a short collection shorter than a full album, and was released as a 2026 single, according to NME.
The song was written from the perspective of a letter from an active-duty soldier on the front lines of war. It features Ukrainian soldier-turned-musician Tara Topolia, also credited as Taras Topolia.
Bono said Sheeran asked him during the sessions: "You’re not going to get me into politics, are you?" The remarks were first published by Rolling Stone UK. Bono said he replied that the soldier who inspired the song loved Sheeran and that Sheeran had worked on the song. Sheeran answered: "Yeah, but I just want to keep my thing free."
What makes this stand out for listeners is the contrast in approach. Bono has long combined music with public campaigning. Sheeran has said he prefers to keep his concerts separate.
U2 have released an official lyric video for "Yours Eternally" featuring Sheeran and Topolia. The band also released a documentary short film linked to the song, which was shot during the winter of 2025 and produced by Pyotr Verzilov.
