U2 Releases the Band’s Second Six-Song EP of 2026, ‘Easter Lily’

U2 has capped off the Lenten season with the surprise digital release of "Easter Lily," its second thematic EP of 2026. This six-song collection, unveiled as Good Friday began, serves as a gentler, spiritually oriented counterpart to "Days of Ash," the band's EP from Ash Wednesday in February which focused on global conflict. The move marks a prolific return for the iconic rock group, which had not issued a body of new original songs since 2017's 'Songs of Experience' prior to this year's sudden creative surge.

The tracklist for "Easter Lily" includes "Song for Hal," a pandemic-era lament featuring The Edge on lead vocals, dedicated to the late producer Hal Willner. Other titles are "In a Life," "Scars," "Resurrection Song," "Easter Parade," and "COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?)," which incorporates a new soundscape from the band's longtime collaborator, pioneering ambient musician Brian Eno. Mirroring the release strategy for "Days of Ash," the EP is available only through digital platforms and arrives alongside a new issue of the band's revived fan publication, *Propaganda*.

In a note to fans, frontman Bono framed these EPs as "side detours" while the band continues work on a forthcoming full-length album. "We are in the studio, still working towards a noisy, messy, 'unreasonably colourful' album to play LIVE… which is where U2 lives," he wrote, referencing the group's legendary concert prowess. He described the current era as "'wilderness years'" that have prompted deep personal and artistic questioning, with "Easter Lily" exploring themes of friendship, faith, and renewal. Bono also paid tribute to Patti Smith's seminal 1978 album 'Easter,' acknowledging its influence and noting it provided him with profound hope in his late teens.

The announcement provided brief insights into each song's theme, from "Scars" as a song of acceptance to "COEXIST" as a lullaby for parents of children in war zones. This focused, episodic approach to releasing music represents a strategic shift for U2, allowing them to engage directly with their audience while developing a larger project. As one industry analyst noted, "This dual-EP model is a clever way to maintain creative momentum and fan engagement without the pressure of a traditional album cycle, effectively turning a period of reflection into one of prolific output."