I write this letter with a full heart, a humbled soul, and a profound sense of appreciation that words can only begin to convey to my brothers in U2, to every fan who has elevated us higher than music alone could, and to the wide, wonderful community that has embraced our journey for decades.
There are rare, crystalline times in life when the world’s cacophony stops and you can clearly see the hands that have carried you. As I consider this lengthy journey of music, soul, and service today, I can confidently state that you are the reason I am who I am.
To my brothers, Edge, Adam, and Larry: We began as schoolboys with guitars, aspirations, and the conviction that music could be a vocation, a cause, or a bridge rather than just a kind of amusement. We learned how to fly and fall together. From small rehearsal rooms in Dublin to the distant reaches of the biggest stages in the world, you have been my closest traveling companions. We’ve experienced victories, conflicts, discoveries, and reinventions together. You have remained steadfast, intelligent, and courageous throughout it all. I am grateful that you held me when I needed holding, pushed when I needed pushing, and kept the flame burning when I faltered.
To our supporters—
You are the heartbeat in the speakers, the wind in the wires, and the collective choir that has elevated our music beyond anything that four men could have created on their own. You have joined us in singing in crowded stadiums, beneath open skies, and during both physical and mental storms. Our music has been a part of your festivities, heartbreaks, protests, and pilgrimages. We have survived periods of experimentation, reinvention, debate, and expansion thanks to your devotion. You continued to be with us even after you repeatedly allowed us to change. That is a gift that goes beyond any honor or recognition.
To the worldwide U2 community—
We are grateful that you have made it possible for rock ‘n’ roll, activism, religion, doubt, justice, love, and art to coexist at one table. I discovered my voice in your embrace, not only as a singer but also as a human spirit student, storyteller, and advocate. You gave me the freedom to make mistakes in public, learn openly, and dream big. You transformed the inquiries of a young Irishman into a conversation that will last a lifetime.
I look forward with appreciation and excitement. There is yet more light to pursue, more bridges to construct, and more songs to compose.
I am grateful for your kindness, encouragement, and sacred space to develop.
Using everything I have,
Bono