U2 to receive The Ivors Academy's highest songwriting honour

Irish rock giants U2 are set to become Fellows of the Ivors Academy, the highest honour bestowed by The Ivors Academy to songwriters.

Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. will become the first-ever Irish songwriters that the Academy has inducted into Fellowship during its 81-year history.

They’re also only the second international act to receive the prestigious songwriting accolade following in the hallowed footsteps of Bruce Springsteen in 2024.

U2 will formally be inducted into Fellowship at The Ivors with Amazon Music ceremony at Grosvenor House in London on Thursday 22nd May 2025.

Explaining why U2 are worthy Academy Fellows, The Ivors Academy says: ‘U2’s early songs announced a band unafraid to tackle issues of social unrest and human rights, shaping rock’s engagement with political activism.

‘Their achievements as songwriters are marked by the ability to blend anthemic melodies with socially and politically charged lyrics, addressing both personal and universal issues such as love, faith, war, politics and religion.

‘Having written many of the most enduring and iconic songs and lyrics in modern rock history, U2’s songwriting legacy continues to expand and resonate with audiences worldwide.’

Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy said: "With fearless poetic lyricism always centre-stage in panoramic musical vistas, the sound of U2 has redefined the fabric of popular music. Their songs are sweeping catalysts: hymnals and rallying cries. U2’s induction into Fellowship honours their seminal contributions to music through exceptional songwriting craft."

Only 31 music acts have previously been made Fellows, the highest tier of Academy membership, including Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Joan Armatrading, Sir Elton John, Annie Lennox, and Sting.

All four members of U2 have released statements about becoming Academy Fellows:

Bono: “We were a band before we could play, let alone write songs… In fact it was our inability to play other people’s songs that kicked off our own songwriting. Early musical heroes like The Ramones, Patti Smith, The Clash were our inspiration. There’s alchemy at play, turning base metals into gold… your shite into gold would be another way of putting it.”

The Edge: “Songs are kind of magic. The best ones feel like gifts from some other dimension, but to catch them you have to make yourself available. I’m not sure songs can change the world but they sure have changed mine.”

Adam Clayton: “To be recognised in this way by The Ivors Academy feels very special indeed. The appreciation of one’s peers is a humbling honour and we are immensely grateful. We’ve been playing our songs in this country for over 45 years, thank you to all those who have not just supported us, but carried us... producers, engineers, crew, fans, management, label.”

Larry Mullen Jr.: “Making music collectively, as we’ve done for close to 50 years, has been an incredible experience and privilege for the four of us and I believe it’s a testament to a band that values individual creativity and independence of mind. We are grateful to each other and very grateful to The Ivors Academy for recognising us with this award.”

Since their inception in Dublin 1978, U2 have sold more than 175 million records sold worldwide. They’ve scooped numerous accolades including 22 Grammy Awards and four Ivor Novello Awards.

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