U2 will release ‘Carnaval De Luz’ on Friday, November 13, 2026. In an interview with NME, Bono and The Edge said the album is about “defiant joy” and blends dance music with reflection and protest. The band plans to embark on a world tour in 2027 after the release.
The musicians described ‘Carnaval De Luz’ as their 16th album. Producers Brian Eno and Jacknife Lee worked on the record. The Edge said the process began with experimentation and enjoyment, without a predetermined agenda.
Bono acknowledged that the band felt it had not found a cohesive sound for its previous two albums, ‘Songs Of Innocence’ and ‘Songs Of Experience’.
U2 said they see carnival as a celebration, an expression of freedom and a form of political satire. Bono said carnivals mocked aristocrats and monarchs, while bans on them showed that autocrats feared freedom. The musicians believe shared events help people “reset” and imagine the future together.
The band named Fontaines D.C., Lambrini Girls, Geese, Wolf Alice and Rosalía among the younger artists they admire. Bono said distinctive new acts push other musicians to “up their game”. The Edge added that he likes Rosalía and Wolf Alice’s willingness to move beyond familiar styles.
U2 have marked their 50th anniversary. The Edge said the band’s creative ambitions remain and that he still hopes to write their best song. Bono said collaboration and the members’ readiness to help one another are key to the group’s longevity.
