Ed Sheeran Wanted to Stay Out of Politics During U2 Collaboration, Bono Reveals.
Ed Sheeran made it clear he did not want to be drawn into politics while collaborating with U2 on a song inspired by Ukraine’s war with Russia, according to Bono.
The U2 frontman opened up about his conversations with the British pop star during the creation of “Yours Eternally,” a track featured on the band’s surprise 2026 EP Days of Ash. The song also includes Ukrainian musician Taras Topolia and tells the story of a Ukrainian soldier living through the ongoing conflict.
Speaking to Rolling Stone UK, Bono revealed that Sheeran voiced concerns about becoming involved in political discussions through the project.
“You’re not going to get me into politics, are you?” Sheeran reportedly asked during the collaboration.
Bono explained that he told the singer the track had been inspired by a Ukrainian soldier who admired Sheeran’s music and that his contribution could help bring attention to a deeply personal story.
However, Sheeran remained cautious.
“I just want to keep my thing free,” Bono recalled the singer saying.
The U2 frontman admitted the exchange reminded him that artists should never be pressured into taking political positions.
“You can’t be pushing people around,” Bono said, reflecting on the conversation.
Ed Sheeran told U2 that he did not want to "get into politics" on their song about Ukraine's war with Russia.
“When we did ‘Yours Eternally,’ [Ed] was saying, ‘You’re not going to get me into politics, are you?’” Bono revealed to Rolling Stone UK. “And I said, ‘This soldier who… pic.twitter.com/BGtdItY0Oe
— Variety (@Variety) October 1, 2026
U2 Defends Artists’ Right to Choose
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. echoed Bono’s sentiment, stressing that every artist has the right to decide whether or not they want to engage in political and social issues.
Referencing longtime U2 collaborator Brian Eno, Mullen said musicians should be free to determine their own level of involvement without facing criticism from others.
According to the drummer, these decisions are often complex and personal, and opinions can evolve over time.
Read also – Years After Her Death, Tina Turner’s Last Concert Is Stunning Millions
Macklemore Controversy Also Addressed
The interview also touched on the recent controversy surrounding Macklemore, who was removed from Sheeran’s Loop Tour following his public comments supporting Palestine.
Bono urged people not to turn the situation into a personal conflict between artists.
“I would say with Ed and Macklemore that we shouldn’t personalize this,” he said.
Mullen also criticized the idea of promoters, venue owners, or powerful figures influencing what performers can say on stage.
“We are 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,” he said.
The drummer added that if the same standards had been applied to U2 throughout its career, iconic political songs such as “Sunday Bloody Sunday” might never have existed.
Read also – Linkin Park Opens Up About Life After Chester Bennington in Emotional New Documentary
Sheeran Caught in a Difficult Debate
Despite his long-standing desire to avoid political activism, Sheeran recently found himself at the center of an international debate involving freedom of speech and the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Addressing fans during a September concert, the singer admitted he had been forced to make difficult decisions and acknowledged the emotional toll of the controversy.
Sheeran said he never intended to become an “activist musician,” but described the conflict as a humanitarian issue that could not be ignored.
He condemned both the October 7 attacks in Israel and the devastating humanitarian consequences of the war in Gaza, calling for compassion toward civilians affected by the conflict.
Different Approaches, Shared Music
The comments highlight the contrast between U2’s long history of political activism and Sheeran’s preference to keep his music separate from political movements.
Yet despite their differing perspectives, the artists successfully collaborated on “Yours Eternally,” a song that has become one of the most talked-about tracks from U2’s latest project.
While Bono continues to champion music as a platform for social engagement, Sheeran’s stance reflects a growing number of artists who prefer to let their work speak for itself rather than step directly into political debates.
