After a touching tribute to the late Michael Hutchence, front man of INXS on the anniversary of his death at their show in Sydney, U2 have unveiled a new single Ahimsa.
The song features Oscar-winning Indian musician and composer, A.R. Rahman. The Beautiful Day front man continues the U2 legacy with uplifting stadium rock. In a time of cataclysmic uncertainty and unrest, U2 feeds fans with a peaceful and fulfilling statement of peace, love, unity and respect. Ahimsa means “non-violence” in the traditional Indian Sanskrit language and is a beautiful testament and tribute to the world through the power of music.
Opening with a spiritual Indian chant featuring the vocals of Rahman’s daughters Khatija and Raheema, the song captures your attention with a peaceful sentiment that the world is currently craving. True Bono style, Bono’s lyrics always have a potent purpose and meaning that listeners can take universal ownership, justifying why U2’s positive influence should be cemented in music history. Ahimsa is reminiscent of U2’s latest albums Songs of Experience and Songs Of Innocence but a further extension of their spiritual enlightenment with reference to the impact of Indian culture.
In reference to his new mediative song, Bono told TodayFM:
“The fight against injustice has always been so important to us. We were somewhat shaped and formed by Martin Luther King who was a student of Mahatma Gandhi. Martin Luther King said, “The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” I don’t believe that anymore. It doesn’t bend towards justice; it has to be bent towards justice. We have to actively be involved in our democracy to preserve it and show people how we feel and what we care about. We come as students to the source of inspiration. That is ahimsa, non-violence. India gave this to us, the greatest gift to the world. It is more powerful than nuclear energy, the armies, the navies, the British Empire. It is power itself. And it’s never been more important.”
Impervious to injustice and negative sentiments, U2 continue to literally raise the vibration with their new single Ahimsa, emphasising the power of universal belonging, no matter what nationality or locale. The timing of the new transformative U2 single arrives at the right pocket in time and space. Music that has the power to uplift, shift mindsets and instill positivity. A fantastic medium to contribute to world healing for all generations.
As a part of “The Joshua Tree Tour: 2019”, Ahimsa anticipates U2’s first ever show in Mumbai, India which will take place on December 15th.
What do you think of the new single? Let us know in the comments below!