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U2 and Martin Garrix Release Single 'Fireflies'

This collaboration mixes Bono's anthemic vocals with Garrix's electronic production, signaling U2's build toward a new album.

Overview

  • The single 'Fireflies' was released Friday and was first previewed live at Tomorrowland when The Edge made a surprise onstage appearance during Martin Garrix’s headlining set.
  • Martin Garrix said the song began as a long-running project started six summers ago, and the recording marks the first time all four members of U2 appear on a track with him.
  • Spin reports the studio version was issued via Darkroom Records and pairs Bono’s soaring lead vocal with The Edge’s signature guitar and Garrix’s polished EDM production.
  • The release follows U2’s lead single 'Street of Dreams' earlier this month and the surprise EPs Days of Ash and Easter Lily as the band prepares an as-yet-untitled album for its 50th anniversary.
  • Debuting 'Fireflies' at Tomorrowland gave the song immediate festival-scale exposure, a move that may expand U2’s reach with younger electronic audiences and continue Garrix’s recent run of high-profile collaborations.