An Epochal Open Letter from Bono to U2, Our Fans, and the Whole U2 Community
To my brothers in U2, our unstoppable fans, and the whole U2 family,
There are times in life when words fail to convey the depth of appreciation, but today, I shall try. As I reflect on the journey we’ve taken together—decades of music, passion, and purpose—I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the love, support, and unshakeable belief that has carried me and all of us over the years.
Thank you, Edge, Adam, and Larry—my brothers, bandmates, and companions in this beautiful, surprising, and often amazing trip. I knew we were on to something special from the moment we met in a Dublin hotel, guitars in hand and dreams in our thoughts. But I never thought how far we’d go, how deep our music would go, or how strong our friendship would grow. We’ve experienced lifetimes within the confines of our music. Through the anthems, ballads, experiments, and reinventions, we have remained true to one another and the sound of our souls. For this, I am eternally grateful.
To our fans, the heartbeat of U2, you are the reason these songs have meaning. You give our words strength, our songs wings, and our voices an echo that reaches all over the world. From the smallest bars to the largest stadiums, from the early days of Boy to the stadium-shaking nights of The Joshua Tree, from Achtung Baby to Songs of Surrender, you’ve been there. You have supported us when we faltered, rejoiced with us when we succeeded, and, most importantly, enabled our music to become a part of your life. There is no U2 without you.
Thank you to the entire U2 community, including our staff, producers, families, and everyone who believed in us when we were just four Irish men trying to make noise—for laying the groundwork for this band to become what it is today. Your devotion, resilience, and enthusiasm have powered us through every album, tour, and new phase.
As we look ahead, keep in mind that our trip is far from over. The songs keep flowing, the fire is still burning, and the best is yet to come. Thank you for providing me, and all of us, the greatest gift of all: the opportunity to do what we love, to create meaningful music, and to share it with the world.
With love, thanks, and the promise of more to come,
Bono