Never one to shy away from politics, Bono provided a path for reconciliation with conservatives and Republican voters who’ve become alienated from U2.
Speaking with the David Marchese of the New York Times, the singer said, “I don’t just want to put off good people who vote conservative, who vote Republican” before explaining that he believes “their party’s been hijacked.”
He called this hijacking of the Republican Party by the Trump administration “an aggressive takeover of the GOP.”
“I want to invite them back,” Bono said of conservatives who may be estranged from their music because of the political overtones. “I want them to return.”
The discussion began when Marchese asked if their forthcoming album, Carnaval De Luz, with its protest-song feeling and defiant joy that doesn’t mention specifics about politics, was a way of finding a middle ground between being a fiery critic of Donald Trump and being an entertainer who doesn’t push fans away.
Bono explained the band’s intent wasn’t to find a middle road but to pick their battles before going to an expanded discussion about American politics. The singer explained that he believes the discussion about the current administration should be separate from talks about conservatives and liberals “because I think this is a most extraordinary moment.”
“I think this is the greatest heist in the history of the world — stealing America,” Bono said. “It’s not a caper movie. It’s real and it’s happening.” Then he explained how he thought the Republican Party had been hijacked.
Carnaval De Luz, U2’s 16th album, comes out November 13th. The band announced the first dates of their “The Greatest Show On Earth World Tour” for Mexico and South America. Additional 2027 dates for Europe and North America are set to be announced.
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