Bono and Zane Lowe sitting down for a chat is always going to be an event, and their recent conversation about U2’s SONGS OF SURRENDER did not disappoint. Far from a mere promotional plug, the interview delved deep into the very essence of artistic legacy, vulnerability, and the ongoing dialogue between an artist and their work. What emerged was an insightful look at why a band like U2, already etched into the annals of rock history, would choose to revisit, reimagine, and even “surrender” their most iconic songs.
One of the most striking takeaways from the interview is Bono’s almost disarming honesty about the motivations behind SONGS OF SURRENDER. This isn’t just about acoustifying old hits; it’s a profound act of re-examination. Bono speaks about feeling that some of the original recordings were “underwritten” or that the songs themselves had grown and evolved beyond their initial sonic frames. This humility, from a frontman of one of the biggest bands in the world, is refreshing. It speaks to a genuine artistic curiosity that refuses to rest on past laurels.
Lowe, with his characteristic ability to draw out profound observations, guided Bono through a conversation that explored the idea of “surrender” not as defeat, but as a form of liberation. For U2, this meant stripping back the bombast and the stadium-filling production to reveal the raw, often intimate, core of the songs. Bono eloquently articulated how this process allowed the lyrics and melodies to breathe in new ways, sometimes uncovering meanings that had been obscured by the sheer force of their original arrangements. It’s a testament to the enduring power of good songwriting that these tracks can hold up, and even flourish, in such a dramatically different context.
The conversation also touched upon the inherent challenge of revisiting cherished material. Fans have deep emotional connections to the original versions, and any alteration can feel like a transgression. However, Bono made a compelling case for the artist’s right, and perhaps even responsibility, to engage with their own work over time. He spoke about how his voice has changed, how his understanding of the world has deepened, and how these shifts inevitably impact how he connects with the songs he wrote decades ago. SONGS OF SURRENDER isn’t an attempt to erase the past, but rather to acknowledge the present and allow the songs to mature alongside their creators.
Beyond the musical aspects, the interview offered fascinating glimpses into Bono’s philosophy on creativity, fame, and the relentless pursuit of relevance. He discussed the collaborative nature of U2, the constant push and pull within the band that has fueled their longevity, and the ongoing search for new ways to connect with an audience. There’s a tangible sense of an artist who is still learning, still experimenting, and still deeply passionate about the power of music to move and inspire.
In a world saturated with nostalgia acts and easy cash-ins, SONGS OF SURRENDER, as illuminated by this insightful interview, feels different. It’s an act of artistic courage, a testament to the enduring power of songs, and a profound statement about the ongoing journey of an artist. For fans and casual listeners alike, it’s a compelling invitation to rediscover familiar melodies through a fresh, vulnerable, and deeply human lens.
🎬 From STAR WARS villain to American workplace comedy king? Domhnall Gleeson is about to make us laugh in THE PAPER!
Premiering September 4 on Peacock with FOUR episodes dropping at once (because they know we`ll binge). New episodes every Thursday through September 25.
More via link in bio!
Liam Neeson is BACK in action mode and he`s taking on more than just the ice. ❄️
In ICE ROAD: VENGEANCE, the stakes are personal, and the action is relentless. Get ready for an epic ride!
More at irishfilmtv.com!
🐎💔 The truth behind Katie Simpson`s death will shock you!
DEATH OF A SHOWJUMPER exposes the dark secrets hiding beneath Northern Ireland`s glamorous equestrian world. What started as a tragic accident investigation became a murder trial that no one saw coming.
More via link in bio!
LIVE AID AT 40: WHEN ROCK N ROLL TOOK ON THE WORLD is now streaming on the @bbciplayer.
One billion people watched, $127 million raised and two Dublin lads who understood hunger turned celebrity into salvation.
Watch now via link in bio!
🔥 Andrew Scott`s unstoppable streak continues!
Fresh off his haunting performance in ALL OF US STRANGERS, our favorite Irish talent is joining Netflix`s star-studded TOO MUCH alongside Kit Harington, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Saunders.
From hot priest to heartbreaking leading man, Scott proves once again why he`s one of the most magnetic actors of his generation. TOO MUCH drops July 10th - and we`re absolutely here for it! 💫
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬✨ LEGEND ALERT! Fiona Shaw is receiving the 2025 Maureen O`Hara Award at @kerryintfilmfest!
From terrorizing Harry Potter as Aunt Petunia to serving LOOKS and kills in KILLING EVE, Shaw has been serving masterclass performances for decades. Her recent work in FLEABAG and ANDOR proves she`s still the queen of stealing every scene she enters 👑
"Film needs women just as the world needs women - all kinds" - Fiona Shaw speaking FACTS 💯
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬🔥 When Irish rap meets global politics - @kneecap32 isn`t backing down!
From Coachella controversy to terror charges, this Irish-language trio has had one hell of a year...and a lot to say about it.
More via link in bio.
From playing every character in VANYA to breaking hearts in ALL OF US STRANGERS – Andrew Scott is proving there`s no role too challenging for Ireland`s most versatile talent 🎭
In a new @cultured_mag interview, Scott chats with his KNIVES OUT co-star Josh O`Connor!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Fresh off his OPPENHEIMER triumph, Murphy`s back with STEVE, a powerful drama about a headteacher fighting to save his reform school while battling his own demons.
We can`t wait to see Murphy disappear into another unforgettable role 🔥
More at irishfilmtv.com.
September theaters ➡️ October Netflix
Cork`s own Éanna Hardwicke is about to step into the boots of @officialkeane16 for SAIPAN - and the first trailer has us HOOKED!
From LAKELANDS to THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT, this BAFTA-nominated powerhouse has been building toward this moment.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
Making Ireland proud on Hollywood`s biggest stage 🇮🇪✨
Kerry Condon is breaking barriers as the Irish female lead in F1 - and doing it with her mam`s Claddagh ring and that unmistakable Thurles accent intact 💍
Read more via link in bio!
🎭 From LOVE/HATE to the West End!
IFTA winner Tom Vaughan-Lawlor is taking on Conor McPherson`s haunting masterpiece THE WEIR alongside Brendan Gleeson, Owen McDonnell, and Kate Phillips.
Dublin`s 3Olympia Theatre (Aug 8-Sep 6) ➡️ London`s Harold Pinter Theatre (Sep 12-Dec 6)
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 The incredibly talented Paul Mescal is starring in the upcoming historical romance, THE HISTORY OF SOUND, hitting theatres Sep 12th!
This film made BIG waves at Cannes, and early reviews are calling it some of Mescal`s best work yet.
More via link in bio!
🏎️ From Thurles to the Formula 1 fast lane!
Kerry Condon is earning rave reviews for her gutsy performance in F1 THE MOVIE, proving Irish talent (and accents) belong in the Summer`s biggest blockbusters!
F1 THE MOVIE hits theaters Jun 27 🎬
Liam Neeson, bringing his particular set of skills to comedy! 🤣
Get ready to see the Irish legend like never before in the new NAKED GUN, hitting theaters August 1st.
He`s nervous, Pamela Anderson`s "madly in love" with him, and we`re just here for the laughs!
New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
