Ed Sheeran Told U2 He Didn’t Want to ‘Get Into Politics’ on Song About Ukraine’s War With Russia, Says Bono

Bono has revealed that Ed Sheeran was initially reluctant to take part in a politically tinged collaboration. The song, titled "Yours Eternally," was included on U2's February EP "Days of Ash" and features Ukrainian musician Taras Topolia. It is framed as a letter from a Ukrainian soldier to his loved ones amid the ongoing war with Russia. According to Bono, Sheeran asked him, "You're not going to get me into politics, are you?" Bono responded by bringing up the soldier who had inspired the track, telling Sheeran that the man adored him and had contributed to the song. Sheeran's reply, as Bono remembers it, was that he just wanted to keep his own space free.

Bono is currently promoting U2's forthcoming album, "Carnaval de Luz," scheduled for release on Nov. 13. His remarks about Sheeran emerged amid the fallout from Macklemore's decision last month to withdraw from Sheeran's U.S. tour. The rapper pulled out after stadium operators, including Robert Kraft—the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium—blocked him from performing due to "Free Palestine" comments he made while opening for Sheeran at two shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With a capacity exceeding 82,000, MetLife ranks among the NFL's largest venues and became the focal point of the controversy. Following Macklemore's removal, Sheeran issued a statement that sparked widespread criticism, explaining why he, unlike Macklemore, keeps his political opinions out of the public sphere.

In an Instagram post, Sheeran said that not speaking publicly does not mean he holds no views or lacks empathy, nor that he doesn't support causes privately. He explained that he steers clear of using his professional platform for politics because his audience includes young people, often children, from every background, and those who attend his concerts aren't looking for a political rally. He commended Macklemore for having the courage to stand by his convictions, but maintained that there is space for different approaches to the same objective: peace. Sheeran said he opts to make his fame and platform a source of safety and refuge, prioritizing diplomacy and keeping dialogue open instead of closed. In his view, if everyone simply shouts the loudest, nothing ever gets resolved, and there are various ways to push for change.

Nevertheless, Sheeran shifted his stance at his Sept. 19 concert, his first since Macklemore departed the tour. Addressing the crowd after facing criticism for his silence, he said the matter was humanitarian and that he could no longer conceal his emotions. He called the events in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7 horrific, saying they compounded centuries of Jewish suffering. He characterized the situation in Gaza as catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate, and said the level of devastation and civilian deaths, including children, should break anyone's heart. He also said the systemic injustice occurring in the West Bank cannot be overlooked. The Oct. 7, 2023, attack on the Nova Music Festival killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 hostages being taken, making it the deadliest single-day assault on Israel in the nation's history.

When Rolling Stone UK pressed Bono on the issue, he recognized Sheeran's initial reluctance about politics during their collaboration while providing a broader perspective. He said the situation should not be made personal, citing Brian Eno's observation that pop stars are like small fish in a vast ocean of enormous forces, religion, and politics. Bono added that he did not wish to dwell on Sheeran, Macklemore, and the episode. Eno, the renowned British producer and ambient music pioneer who has collaborated with U2 on albums such as "The Joshua Tree" and "Achtung Baby," has himself long been recognized for political activism and candid commentary on world events.

Bono continued by noting that U2 has historically been more aligned with Macklemore's willingness to engage politically, given that the band has never avoided political subjects in its music or live performances. He recalled a 1987 incident when U2 played "Pride (In the Name of Love)" in Arizona while advocating for Martin Luther King Day, at a time when Governor Evan Mecham was opposing the holiday and the band was informed it was unwelcome. Bono said that kind of friction is simply what U2 does and is glad to do, but that the group also respects those who choose not to enter such battles. He interpreted Eno's point as an appeal to persuade through reason rather than pressure anyone into a stance. The Arizona episode, when Mecham revoked state recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and U2 performed the song during their Joshua Tree Tour stop in Tempe, became a landmark act of artistic protest.

Since being removed from Sheeran's tour, Macklemore has announced his own "Free Palestine" tour, a three-date run this month: Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29, and London on Oct. 30. All proceeds are being donated to charities providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Macklemore has since confirmed that all three shows have sold out.