Bono Reveals Ed Sheeran Wanted to Keep Their Collaboration Out of Politics
Written by WorldOneFm on October 1, 2026
Bono has revealed that Ed Sheeran made it clear he did not want to get involved in politics when the two artists collaborated on the song “Yours Eternally.”
The U2 frontman addressed the controversy surrounding Sheeran after Macklemore was dropped from several U.S. dates on Sheeran’s Loop Tour. The decision came after Macklemore delivered a pro-Palestinian speech while opening for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in September.
Speaking to Rolling Stone UK, Bono said he did not want to focus on the dispute between Sheeran and Macklemore, noting that artists are also caught up in much larger political and social forces.
Bono recalled that while they were working on “Yours Eternally,” a song written as a letter home from a Ukrainian soldier fighting in the war against Russia, Sheeran asked him: “You’re not going to get me into politics, are you?”
According to Bono, Sheeran explained that he wanted to keep his music separate from politics.
The U2 singer defended Sheeran’s position, saying artists have the right to decide whether they want to become involved in political issues. U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. agreed, saying artists should not be criticized for choosing to stay out of politics.
Mullen also criticized any attempt by concert promoters or billionaire venue owners to influence what artists say or do on stage. He said U2 would never accept such pressure, pointing to songs such as “Sunday Bloody Sunday” as an example of the band’s willingness to address political issues.
The controversy has also involved promoter Robert Kraft, who has faced criticism over his alleged role in preventing Macklemore from performing at one of his stadiums. Kraft has defended his position and, alongside Sheeran, has committed millions of dollars to humanitarian relief.
